ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

County Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Story County

Natural Resource Aide

Nevada, IA · On-site

$16/hr

Summary Description The position offers opportunities to Story County in implementing it's natural resource program. Major emphasis is on native vegetation management, reconstruction, and restoration ...

Johnson-County-Iowa

Education Specialist

Oxford, IA · On-site

$71 - $85/hr

Cultural and historical resources, flora, fauna, and ecosystems, especially those in Iowa and on the land owned by Johnson County and managed by the Conservation BoardNatural resource management ...

Story County

Telecommunicator

Nevada, IA

$56K - $74K/yr

... the Story County Sheriff's Office; responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service ... Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Communications Operations Manager. Please ...

Polk County

Conservation Laborer - Parks

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Under supervision of the lead staff, Manager, or their designee, assists full-time staff in the seasonal maintenance of county conservation board lands, facilities, and equipment. Performs a variety ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsCounty JobsCounty Manager JobsCounty Manager Jobs in Iowa

County Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$36.4K

$104.9K

$181.5K

How much do county manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for county manager in Iowa is $104,907.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,892.00 and $118,744.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a county manager?

County managers are appointed officials responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a county government. They implement policies set by the county board or commission, manage county departments, prepare budgets, and ensure efficient delivery of public services. County managers act as the chief administrative officer and often serve as a liaison between elected officials, county staff, and the public. Their role is essential in ensuring that the county runs smoothly and that local government functions are carried out effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county manager?

To thrive as a County Manager, you need a strong background in public administration, budgeting, and organizational leadership, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public administration or a related field. Familiarity with government management software, financial systems, and regulatory frameworks is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills help build consensus and lead diverse teams effectively. These skills ensure efficient county operations, sound fiscal management, and the ability to address complex community needs.

What are some common challenges a county manager faces when balancing the needs of different departments and stakeholders?

County Managers often encounter the challenge of allocating limited resources while addressing the diverse needs of various departments, elected officials, and community groups. This requires strong negotiation and communication skills, as well as the ability to prioritize initiatives that align with the county's strategic goals. Balancing transparency, fiscal responsibility, and political considerations is a daily part of the role, and successful managers foster collaboration among departments to achieve the best outcomes for the community.

What is the difference between County Manager vs County Clerk?

AspectCounty ManagerCounty Clerk
Primary ResponsibilitiesOversees daily operations, implements policies, manages budgetsMaintains official records, issues licenses, manages elections
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in public administration or related fieldOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some positions prefer experience in record-keeping or administration
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, government departmentsClerical offices, public service environments
Employer & Industry UsageLocal government, county administrationsCounty governments, municipal offices

The County Manager and County Clerk roles serve different functions within local government. The County Manager focuses on managing operations and implementing policies, often requiring advanced education in public administration. The County Clerk handles record-keeping and administrative tasks related to elections and official documents. Both roles are essential for effective county governance but differ significantly in responsibilities and qualifications.

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

The most popular types of County jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching County Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for County Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for County Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most County Manager job openings:

County Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,907 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

YOUTH DETENTION WORKER I - MALE

Linn County

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Linn County (Iowa) rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

388th of 856 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do. Why do we do this. We get that question a lot.

The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public.

Why work at Linn County. Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget) Medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS) Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums to eligible employees Free on-site fitness centers 100% County paid basic life insurance 12 paid holidays per year Training & professional development opportunities Hourly Wage: $22.75 About the role: Supports the supervision, safety, security, and behavior management of dependent, neglected or delinquent youth at the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center. Essential Functions Supervises dependent, neglected, or delinquent youth residing in the Juvenile Detention Center

Assesses the psychological, physical, and emotional needs of the youth being referred. Conducts intake activities for residents including conducting interviews to obtain required information. Checks and maintains security and safety of residents on a continual basis.

Organizes, plans, and implements structured daily activities for youth after assessing group dynamics and individual needs. Promotes, encourages, and supports appropriate behavior through relationship building, and confronts negative/inappropriate behavior in a professional manner. Physically restrains residents for the protection of themselves or others using non-mechanical restraints.

Observes and records description of behavior for the purpose of program planning and for recommendation to the court. Keeps daily records and reports. Responds to emergency situations such as escape or suicide attempts, drug overdose, intoxicated youth, etc.

Implements behavior management system utilizing a token economy, behavior contracting, level system, resets, etc. May prepare and manage serving of meals for 10-20 people. Performs light maintenance tasks such as cleaning and laundry activities.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements High school diploma or equivalent required. At least 1 (one) year of experience in the care, counseling, and management of dependent, neglected, and delinquent adolescents. An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and skills for this position may be considered.

Shift Tuesday - Saturday 3 - 11 p.m. (Sunday, Monday off).

What Linn County (Iowa) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply