The Role and Responsibilities of a City Manager

In a government that employs council members, a city manager is usually tasked with ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

 

Working as a city manager requires multiple skill sets and the ability to handle a wide array of responsibilities. After all, it’s not easy to keep a city running smoothly and without incident. Here’s a quick brief on what one should expect out of a city manager.

Duties & Responsibilities

While the people elect the city council, the city manager is hired by the city council members. The city manager has to serve as the chief executive of the city government. Although the city manager has no authority to vote on laws and regulations, they are tasked with carrying out many responsibilities that are delegated to the city council.

 

Working as a representative of the city, the city manager is tasked with managing the city’s budget, overseeing staff and meeting with the head of departments to ensure everything is running smoothly. They even handle media attention and citizen concerns regarding the city council. From communicating with all city departments to ensuring a clean water supply, the city manager’s job is not an easy one.

 

Every day, city managers have to focus on practical solutions to ensure the city runs safely and benefits all of its residents. This can only be done with clear communication with both citizens and the civil service departments that help run the city.

Qualifications

Being a city manager is not an entry-level job. In order to qualify, most city managers worked at an administrative level in the local government for a few years prior. Most city council members also give preference to employees from within their municipality.

 

Along with job experience, city managers also need to obtain a Master’s in public administration, although there are no strict criteria for the Undergraduate degree. Along with a Master’s degree, city managers may also need to seek a Certified Public Manager credential. To obtain this certificate, employees are trained in leadership, public service, planning etc.

 

Upon selection, city managers can earn upwards of $96,960 a year. Benefits also include a pension plan, health insurance and annual leaves.

Where To Get Started

If you want to work your way towards a city management career, you first need to start with a civil service job. To qualify for a government job interview, you first need to appear for a civil service exam.

 

To learn more about the testing material and expectations, you can sign up for preparatory classes from Civil Service Success. The institute helps prospective candidates gain insight on the testing format, material, and industry know-how to be better prepared for the examination and interview.

 

Contact them today for prep classes for civil services exams.