Managers sometimes use job descriptions to recruit candidates for an open position, then promptly forget about the document. Job descriptions aren’t important only during the hiring process though. They’re also indispensible for keeping current staff aware of their roles and responsibilities. If expectations are clear beyond their date of hire, employees will find it much easier to perform their best.

Since they’re such an essential part of local government management, job descriptions have an entire topic page on the Knowledge Network. In addition to comparing the job descriptions they use, local leaders across the country use the site to ask questions about various positions’ typical roles and responsibilities. What sort of job description do custodial workers need? Should elected officials like county commissioners have defined job descriptions? Users have also asked about job descriptions for a city engineer in a small community or an assistant city engineer in a larger one, or how to define new positions for an assistant city administrator or a municipal event manager.

Check out the documents tab on the job descriptions topic page to find dozens of sample descriptions like those below. Remember, these are sample job descriptions, not open positions, so please don't send your resume! To find the latest job openings, visit the ICMA Career Network.

Safety Programs

• Safety Officer, Clark County, Nev.
• Safety Program Manager, Wilmington, N.C.
• Safety Program Director, Erin, Tenn.

Sustainability Programs

• Sustainability Manager, Durham, N.C.
• Planning and Sustainability Director, Regina, Sask.

Organizational Management

• Management Performance and Accountability Advisor II, Mesa, Ariz.
• Results Based Accountability Coordinator, Durham, N.C.
• Assistant Manager of Budget and Administration Borough of State College, Penn.
• Organizational Development Manager, Rockville, Md.

I.T., Civic Engagement, and More

• Civic Engagement Manager, VenturaCalif.
• Chief Information Officer, Delray Beach, Fla.
• Chief Deputy City Clerk, Reno, Nev.
• Records Manager, Culpeper County, Va.

City Manager

Of course, the role of the CAO is especially important to define clearly. In addition to this Assistant to the City Manager description from Peoria, Ariz., see sample job descriptions for the top job in these communities:

• Cupertino, Calif.
• Haines City, Fla.
• Jarrell, Tex.
• Mesa, Ariz.
• Moab, Utah
• Petaluma, Calif.
• Pomona, Calif.
• Traverse City, Mich.

The dozens of sample job descriptions on the Knowledge Network are an example of the many resources on the site that support the local government community by sharing information.