7.7 Entry-Level Positions

People who aspire to local government management often start their careers in entry-level positions that provide exposure to the workings of municipal or county operations and help build essential skills. Common entry-level roles and starting salaries include:

• Budget Analyst – Budget analysts work on financial planning, preparing budgets, and analyzing expenditures, providing critical experience in managing public resources. Starting salaries typically range from $50,000 to $60,000.

• Fiscal Clerk – Fiscal clerks handle essential financial tasks such as processing invoices, managing payroll, or reconciling accounts, offering valuable exposure to the fiscal operations of local government (starting salary $35,000 – $45,000).

• Administrative Assistant – Entry-level administrative roles often involve supporting managers or directors by handling correspondence, scheduling, and assisting with project coordination, offering a broad view of government operations (starting salary $30,000 – $40,000).

• Planner I – For individuals with an interest in urban development, starting as a junior-level city or regional planner provides experience in land use, zoning, and community development projects (starting salary $45,000 – $55,000).

• Policy Analyst – Entry-level policy analysts focus on research, writing, and evaluating public policies, often contributing to long-term planning and decision-making. Available in larger cities and counties (starting salary $50,000 – $65,000).

• Code Enforcement Officer – This position involves enforcing local codes and ordinances, providing insight into regulatory functions and public safety concerns (starting salary $40,000 – $50,000).

• Assistant to the City Manager – This role allows individuals to work directly with the city manager (in a council/manager locality) and assist them with special projects, research, and communications, which provides direct exposure to leadership and decision-making (starting salary $45,000 – $60,000).

• Public Safety Roles (Police Officer, Firefighter, EMT) – Entry-level roles in public safety offer unique perspectives on community needs and crisis management. These positions often serve as a gateway for individuals interested in leadership roles within public safety departments or broader local government management. Police starting salary $50,00 – $65,000; Firefighter $45,000 – $60,000; and EMT $30,000 – $45,000.

These positions provide foundational experience in budgeting, planning, administration, and policy, which equips individuals with the skills needed to advance into management roles. Additionally, internships or fellowships designed for recent graduates are excellent entry points into the field.

Applying for These Jobs  

The application process for local government management positions is often structured and involves specific steps to ensure fairness and merit-based hiring. Candidates typically need to submit a resume and cover letter, participate in interviews, and, in some cases, pass a civil service exam. Understanding the unique aspects of this process can help applicants navigate it successfully.  

Civil Service Systems – Many cities and counties use civil service systems to maintain merit-based hiring practices. These systems often include job classifications that outline the qualifications and responsibilities for each position, as well as standardized exams to assess candidates’ knowledge and skills. Applicants who pass the exams are placed on eligibility lists, which hiring managers use to fill open positions.  

Preference for Internal Candidates – Many local governments prioritize promoting internal candidates, making it common for management positions to be filled by individuals who have worked their way up within the organization. For external applicants, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in the same locality can improve their chances of advancing in the hiring process.  

Online Applications and Job Alerts – Most cities and counties post job opportunities on their official websites. These portals often allow candidates to create profiles, upload documents, and sign up for job alerts tailored to their interests. Websites like GovernmentJobs.com or the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) also list openings for local government positions nationwide, providing broader access to opportunities.  

Applicants should carefully review job descriptions and requirements to ensure they meet all qualifications. Tailoring resumes and cover letters to highlight relevant skills and experience, as well as preparing thoroughly for interviews, can help candidates stand out in this competitive field.