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County Executive Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sacramento County

Executive Secretary

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$72K - $88K/yr

Executive Secretary, Office of the County Executive ( *The eligible list for this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies for other areas not identified above. Examples of ...

Sacramento County, CA

Executive Secretary

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$72K - $88K/yr

County Wide Opening Date: 08/06/2026 Closing Date: 9/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific The Position This is a ... Executive Secretary, Office of the County Executive *The eligible list for this recruitment may be ...

Sacramento County, CA

Executive Secretary

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$72K - $88K/yr

County Wide Opening Date: 08/06/2026 Closing Date: 9/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific The Position This is a ... Executive Secretary, Office of the County Executive *The eligible list for this recruitment may be ...

County of Santa Barbara

Public Defender

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$248K - $331K/yr

The Public Defender serves as the primary liaison to the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors and represents the Office in interactions with County departments, including the District ...

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County Executive information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$92.3K

$181.6K

How much do county executive jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for county executive in California is $92,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $118,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a county executive?

County Executives are the chief elected or appointed officials responsible for overseeing the administration of county government. Their duties typically include managing county departments, preparing budgets, implementing policies set by the county legislature, and representing the county in intergovernmental affairs. County Executives play a key role in ensuring efficient delivery of public services, such as law enforcement, public health, and public works. The specific powers and responsibilities of a County Executive can vary depending on local laws and the county's charter.

What are some typical challenges a county executive may face when balancing stakeholder interests within local government?

County Executives often encounter the challenge of balancing diverse interests among residents, elected officials, and department leaders. Navigating differing priorities—such as budget constraints, public service needs, and policy initiatives—requires strong negotiation and communication skills. Additionally, County Executives must remain adaptable as unexpected issues, like emergencies or legislative changes, can quickly shift priorities. Building consensus and maintaining transparency are key to effectively leading county operations while addressing varied stakeholder concerns.

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

To thrive as a County Executive, you need a strong background in public administration, budget management, and policy development, often supported by a relevant degree and significant leadership experience. Familiarity with government financial software, public sector regulations, and strategic planning tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills help in building consensus and leading diverse teams. These competencies are vital for ensuring effective county operations, fiscal responsibility, and responsive governance.

What is the difference between County Executive vs County Commissioner?

AspectCounty ExecutiveCounty Commissioner
CredentialsTypically requires experience in public administration or politics, sometimes a degree in public policy or related fieldsOften requires local government experience; educational requirements vary
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership, policy implementation, administrative oversightLegislative role, policy approval, local governance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in counties with a strong executive system, often in larger or more urban countiesCommon in counties with a commission-based government structure

The main difference is that the County Executive acts as the chief executive officer, overseeing daily operations and implementing policies, while the County Commissioner serves as part of the legislative body, making laws and policies for the county. The roles vary depending on the county's government structure, with the County Executive typically holding more administrative authority.

Are county government jobs hard to get?

County executive positions are competitive and typically require extensive experience in public administration, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of local government operations. Candidates often need a background in politics, management, or related fields, and the hiring process can involve multiple interviews and evaluations. Overall, securing such a role can be challenging due to the high level of responsibility and limited openings.

What are the most commonly searched types of County jobs in California?

The most popular types of County jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for County Executive jobs?

Cities in California with the most County Executive job openings:

County Executive jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Executive job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,327 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Fiscal & Policy Analyst

County of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA • Hybrid

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description The County of Santa Barbara seeks an organized, innovative, and dedicated Fiscal & Policy Analyst to join the Budget and Research Division of the County Executive Office. The Fiscal & Policy Analyst reports to the Budget Director and is primarily responsible for the development, monitoring and control of the County budget. This position works with department leaders and senior County executives to plan and manage fiscal resources and performs difficult, complex, and sensitive analytical work that has significant impacts on County operations.

Research and analysis conducted by the Fiscal & Policy Analyst informs decision-making related to County operations, service delivery, organizational development, funding priorities, and the allocation of resources. The selected candidate can be hired at the Fiscal and Policy Analyst I or II level, depending on qualifications and experience. Analyst I Salary: $110,283 - $140,766 Annually Analyst II Salary: $121,303 - $154,831 Annually This position is home-based in Santa Barbara and may be eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule depending on the needs of the department.

TO LEARN MORE, REVIEW THE JOB BROCHURE HERE!

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