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Local Government Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity MGO is expanding and seeking an experienced Assurance Senior Associate focused on State and Local Government (SLG) engagements. This role offers exposure to some of the largest and ...

The Opportunity MGO is expanding and seeking an experienced Assurance Senior Associate focused on State and Local Government (SLG) engagements. This role offers exposure to some of the largest and ...

This Internship Program is designed to give students the experience of local government by working side by side with city employees, department managers, elected officials, and community leaders. We ...

The Opportunity MGO is expanding and seeking an experienced Assurance Senior Associate focused on State and Local Government (SLG) engagements. This role offers exposure to some of the largest and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Local Government information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$47.5K

$117.4K

$163.3K

How much do local government jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for local government in Riverside, CA is $117,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,100.00 and $138,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in local government roles?

Professionals in local government often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of diverse community groups, navigating limited budgets, and adapting to frequent policy changes. They may also face tight deadlines, high public expectations, and the need for close collaboration with other departments, elected officials, and external stakeholders. Successfully managing these challenges requires effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and a strong commitment to public service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Local Government role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Local Government role, you need a solid understanding of public administration, local laws, and policy implementation, typically supported by a relevant degree in public administration, political science, or a similar field. Familiarity with government management software, budgeting tools, and legal compliance systems is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and community engagement skills help build trust and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. These competencies are essential for effectively serving the public, ensuring transparent operations, and meeting community needs.

What is the difference between Local Government vs City Planner?

AspectLocal GovernmentCity Planner
Required CredentialsVaries; often includes degrees in public administration, political science, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, community centers, public meetingsUrban areas, planning departments, public consultations
Employer & Industry UsageLocal government agencies, municipalitiesCity or regional planning departments, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on governance, policy, and administration at the local levelFocuses on designing and developing urban spaces and land use

While both roles operate within local government structures, Local Government professionals oversee broader administrative functions, policies, and community services. City Planners specialize in land use, urban development, and spatial planning to shape city growth. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within local government sectors.

What are local government jobs?

Local government jobs are positions within city, county, or municipal organizations responsible for providing various public services and managing community resources. These jobs range from administrative roles, such as city clerks and finance officers, to public service positions like police officers, public works employees, and librarians. Local government employees help maintain infrastructure, enforce local laws, and support community development, playing a vital role in the daily functioning of towns and cities. Working in local government often involves serving the public and contributing to the well-being and growth of the local area.

What Types of Jobs Are Available in Local Government?

There are a wide variety of local government jobs available. Regardless of whether you want to get involved in local politics, you can find government jobs that involve any number of tasks. Towns need people to issue permits, handle paperwork, maintain buildings and lawns, and more. There are many departments within the local government that help a town run including parks and recreation, sewage, and city planning. If you are interested in politics, you can find jobs as a secretary or even run for your town’s city council. Regardless of your job preferences, chances are you can find a job that helps out your local community at the same time.

What are the most commonly searched types of Government jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Government jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Local Government jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Local Government job openings:
Infographic showing various Local Government job openings in Riverside, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,416 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

$27.16 - $35.65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

The HdL Companies help cities, counties and special districts maximize revenues through research and discovery efforts, financial and economic analysis, and provision of software that supports local government operations in a variety of important ways. We are regarded as a leader, occupying a specific niche in the financial services sector and serving over 900 local governments nationwide. Leveraging our talented team of professionals, along with leading edge software and database systems, HdL discovery efforts have recovered over $3 billion for our local government partners.

Core Values

HdL team members individually and collectively aspire to the following core values:


Deliver Excellence In Everything – We anticipate needs and believe that delivering extraordinary service, inside and outside our organization, is key to our success. We passionately pursue excellence in everything we do.

Do The Right Thing – We always act in the best interests of our company and our clients. We are respectful, have high integrity, and are accountable for our actions.

Foster Relationships – We build lasting relationships based on trust with our teams and our clients. We value collaboration toward our common goals and inspire each other to improve and progress.

Give Generously – We give generously of our time and resources with our teammates, clients and communities. We impart information for best practices, encourage professional development, and support charitable community organizations.

Enjoy The Journey – We enjoy our journey and enthusiastically celebrate our successes. We have fun and find fulfillment working with our colleagues and clients.

Be Authentic, Grateful, and Humble – We are thankful for the success we have achieved individually and as a company and never take it for granted.

Location Profile

We offer a flexible work environment that allows our employees to collaborate across offices and remote teams. All new hires must complete an introductory period after which 2 days per week are required in the office, other days may be remote. This role is based in our Brea, CA location.

Position Summary

Under the Background Supervisor, the major purpose of this position is to conduct POST-compliant pre-employment, public safety backgrounds of sworn and non-sworn law enforcement officers, public safety dispatchers, fire marshals and fire investigators, and civilian police department staff.

Job Responsibilities

Background Investigations

  • Exercise discretion when managing investigative timelines, prioritizing multiple investigations and organizing investigative leads; Interpret data received through FBI, DOJ, DMV and Military agencies;
  • Analyze and interpret State and local laws, regulations and procedures; Interpret criminal history, polygraph, and psychological reports;
  • Analyze court dispositions, writs, judgments, criminal & civil protective orders, domestic violence restraining orders and child custody arrangements;
  • Evaluate, recognize and examine discrepancies in profit & loss statements, bank statements, corporate financial reports and personal financial statements;
  • Search for and Analyze information received through government databases, credit reporting agencies, tax and legal filings, and other resources;
  • Analyze reports to identify discrepancies in order to draw logical conclusions for investigative findings;
  • Schedule and conduct in-person and virtual one-on-one interviews;
  • Maintain written and verbal communications with psychologists, physicians, polygraphers, city executives, and human resource representatives;
  • Organize all investigative material in accordance with established state and individual departmental procedures.
  • Analyze, prepare and negotiate professional service contracts;
  • Assist with the Contract Administrator’s responses to RFP’s;
  • Monitor contract activities and report to supervisor contract balances and service limitations;
  • Maintain personal expense reports and client billing ledgers;
  • Track client contract performance data;
  • Respond to and resolve client complaints;
  • Seek out and develop professional relationships with financial institution, educational institutions, law enforcement and military organizations.
  • Attend training and maintain required certifications.
  • Travel on temporary duty assignment to conduct background interviews and investigations.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Knowledge of public safety policy and procedures.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret complex ideas and information in order to present findings in a succinct, understandable format, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work in a MS Window based operating environment, including proficiency with MS (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, and eSOPH and Guardian Alliance law enforcement background software, and related programs.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple investigations with multiple clients.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of personal information.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, Public Administration, Political Science and Government, Criminal/Civil Law, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or a related field of study.
  • Two years of investigative experience can be a reasonable substitute for an undergraduate degree.
  • Three years of experience with a law enforcement agency as a criminal or background investigator.
  • Experience with exercising independent judgment and decision-making abilities while carrying out job functions with or without direct supervision or instruction.
  • Experience in conducting in-person and virtual one-on-one interviews and interrogations.
  • Experience in developing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with clients, executives, contractors, law enforcement agencies and other governmental organizations.

Special Requirements

  • Obtain and maintain current Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Background Investigators certification or have an approved professional training plan (for internal HdL candidates).
  • Possess a valid Class C California Driver’s License and valid automobile insurance.
  • Ability to travel on temporary duty assignments as needed (by car or plane).

Compensation

The starting base salary for this Brea, CA position is expected to be between $27.16 to $33.65 per hour. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Benefits

  1. Competitive Base Pay
  2. Opportunity to participate in 401k
  3. Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, LTD and Employee Assistance Program
  4. Paid time off for Vacation, Sick and Holidays
  5. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (learn more about the HdL ESOP at: https://www.hdlcompanies.com/about/careers)

Compensation details: 27.16-35.65 Hourly Wage


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