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City Manager Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

City Clerk

Sebastopol, CA · On-site

$100K - $121K/yr

The City Clerk is an at-will executive management position responsible for overseeing the administration and daily operations of the City Clerk's Office. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the ...

Parks and Recreation Director City of Sonoma Updated: Summary Direct, manage, oversee and integrate the activities and operations of the Parks and Recreation Department, including management of ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Napa, CA · On-site

$164K - $198K/yr

In addition to appointing the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, the City Council is also responsible for appointing members of City Commissions, Committees, and Boards. For more ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Napa, CA · On-site

$164K - $198K/yr

In addition to appointing the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, the City Council is also responsible for appointing members of City Commissions, Committees, and Boards. For more ...

Finance Director

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Supervision Received and Exercised Receives administrative direction from the City Manager. Exercises direct supervision over assigned professional, technical and administrative support staff.

Planning Director

Sebastopol, CA · On-site

$136K - $165K/yr

... the City Manager. Ideal candidate: The ideal candidate will: * Be a proactive leader directing the day-to-day operations and projects for the Planning Department. * Be skilled in delegation and ...

New

Local City Driver

Cotati, CA · On-site

$34.55 - $39.85/hr

... from management and government representatives; understand highway traffic signs and signals; and accurately review and complete various shipping documents, reports and records required of the ...

Local City Driver

Rohnert Park, CA · On-site

$34.55 - $39.85/hr

... from management and government representatives; understand highway traffic signs and signals; and accurately review and complete various shipping documents, reports and records required of the ...

Local City Driver

Rohnert Park, CA · On-site

$34.55 - $39.85/hr

... from management and government representatives; understand highway traffic signs and signals; and accurately review and complete various shipping documents, reports and records required of the ...

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City Manager information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$29K

$126.2K

$244.4K

How much do city manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for city manager in Santa Rosa, CA is $126,177.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $164,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a city manager?

City Managers are appointed officials responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a city or municipality. They implement policies set by the city council, manage city staff and departments, prepare budgets, and ensure that services are delivered efficiently to the community. City Managers serve as the chief executive officers for cities that use the council-manager form of government, acting as a liaison between elected officials and city employees. Their role is to provide professional management and leadership to help the city run smoothly and achieve its goals.

What does a city manager do?

As a city manager, you have a host of official political and administrative duties carried out at the instruction of a city council or mayor. In smaller municipalities, a city manager may directly implement a wide range of governmental policies, while in larger towns and cities, you generally head up different departments within city government, such as the budget office, human resources, or public works. Regardless of the size of the city, you have a role with significant responsibilities related to budgetary, managerial, and operational strategies and goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a city manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a City Manager, you need expertise in public administration, budgeting, and policy development, usually backed by a master's degree in public administration or a related field. Familiarity with municipal management software, financial systems, and compliance regulations is typically required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills help foster collaboration with city officials, staff, and the community. These abilities are crucial for effectively managing city operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and achieving community goals.

How does a city manager typically interact with city council members and department heads on a daily basis?

A City Manager regularly collaborates with city council members to implement policy decisions, provide updates on ongoing initiatives, and offer professional recommendations on municipal matters. Daily, they also work closely with department heads across various sectors—such as public works, finance, and public safety—to coordinate operations, address challenges, and ensure efficient delivery of city services. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance the priorities of elected officials with the needs of city staff and residents.

What is the difference between City Manager vs City Clerk?

AspectCity ManagerCity Clerk
Required CredentialsTypically a master's degree in public administration or related field, with experience in local governmentOften a high school diploma or associate degree; some positions prefer certification in municipal clerkship
Work EnvironmentOversees daily city operations, manages staff, and implements policiesHandles records management, public notices, and official documentation
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal governments, city administrationsCity governments, municipal offices
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in city managementCompared for administrative and record-keeping responsibilities

The City Manager is responsible for overseeing city operations and implementing policies, requiring advanced education and management experience. The City Clerk focuses on maintaining official records and ensuring transparency. While both roles are vital in city government, they serve different functions and require distinct skill sets.

How much money does a city manager make?

The average salary of a city manager varies depending on the size and location of the city, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. Larger cities and those with more complex budgets tend to offer higher compensation, and city managers often need a background in public administration or related fields.

What degree is needed to be a city manager?

A city manager typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, or a related field. Many city managers also hold a master's degree, such as a Master of Public Administration (MPA), which can enhance job prospects and effectiveness in the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of City jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of City jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to City Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For City Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching City Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for City Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for City Manager jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most City Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various City Manager job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,177 per year, or $60.7 per hour.

$100K - $121K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

City Clerk Position

The City of Sebastopol is seeking a professional City Clerk. Salary: $100,278 - $121,889 Annually. Plus an outstanding benefits package. Deadline to apply: September 10, 2026, 11:59 PM.

The City Clerk will plan, organize, direct, and review the activities of the City Clerk's Office, including City Council agenda preparation, records management, and the conduct of municipal elections. The selected candidate will coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager and City Council.

The City Clerk is an at-will executive management position responsible for overseeing the administration and daily operations of the City Clerk's Office. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the City Clerk also serves as Clerk to the City Council and acts as a key advisor on statutory, legislative, and administrative matters. This single-position classification exercises a high degree of autonomy, discretion, and independent judgment in carrying out its responsibilities and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and governance practices.

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will:

  • Understand the principles, practices, and procedures related to public agency record keeping, municipal elections, and the City Clerk functions.
  • Provide a high level of customer service by effectively addressing the public, vendors, contractors, City staff, and City Council.
  • Possess administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation, and supervision of staff.
  • Possess professional experience in a municipal City Clerk's Office.
  • Be skilled in delegation and active involvement, problem-solving, and a commitment to driving progress.
  • Possess a positive attitude even in the face of challenge and discord.
  • Provide leadership and mentoring that inspires and encourages others to develop skills, be prepared for advancement, and achieve their best.
  • Ensure that projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget.
  • Be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate emotional intelligence, and political understanding.
  • Be able to adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions, and establish positive relationships with colleagues, employees, the public, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

  • Education: Equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Administration, Business Administration, or another field of study applicable to the responsibilities and requirements of this job class. Possession of a master's degree is desirable.
  • Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a City Clerk's Office or similar clerk experience for a public body, attesting to documents, responsible for official records, and administering public meeting laws, including two years of functional or direct supervisory responsibility.
  • License and Certifications:
    • Possession at the time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license is required.
    • Possession of certification as a California Municipal Clerk within thirty-six months of appointment. Maintenance of a current and valid CMC designation within six months and, once acquired, is a condition of employment.
    • Ability to obtain and maintain a California Public Notary designation within six months of appointment.

Selection Process: Each candidate's background will be evaluated based on the information submitted. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to the next phase in the recruitment process, which may include an oral panel interview and practical exercise. Only the names of the most qualified candidates who pass the initial selection process will be submitted to the City for final consideration.

Application Process: Qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting a Letter of Interest and a focused resume detailing their recent experience and demonstrated career accomplishments relevant to this position, along with their completed application and supplemental questions to CalOpps.org by following this link: https://www.calopps.org/city-of-sebastopol. The City of Sebastopol is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Additional inquiries about the position or candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should be directed to Danielle Oliveira from Muchmore Than Consulting danielle@muchmorethanconsulting.org.

The City of Sebastopol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.