Salary: $130,000.00 - $160,000.00 AnnuallyLocation : City Hall, AKJob Type: Full-timeJob Number: 24-00038Department: Admin/City ManagerOpening Date: 10/16/2024Closing Date: 11/16/2024 5:00 PM AlaskaFLSA: ExemptBargaining Unit: N/APlease read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission.Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Leaving sections of the application blank, noting see resume or CV or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting. At time of application, applicants are requested to submit:
- Copy of academic transcripts (unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution name/URL is listed on the transcript) if using education to meet the minimum qualifications.
- Three (3) professional references, two of which must be from a current or former supervisor.
- Reference requests are automatically sent upon submission of your application.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONSFor your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be sure to read each question carefully, answers cannot be changed once your application is submitted. Supplemental questions regarding certification, licenses or experience will be verified against information in your application and/or resume, failing to list required experience may cause your application to be denied.EDUCATIONIf post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or within 48 hours of the close of this recruitment to the contact person listed below.EEO STATEMENTThe City of Palmer complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-907-###-####. The City of Palmer is an equal opportunity employer.DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICYIn compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 the City of Palmer prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use by an employee of a controlled substance as defined in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 812), and as further defined by policy at 21 CFR 1308.11 - 1308.15 is prohibited in any workplace of the city.Any individual who conducts business for the city, applies for a position or conducts business on the city's property is covered by the drug-free workplace policy. The policy includes, but is not limited to, all employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, and applicants.NOTICE If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at General Functions/Distinguishing CharacteristicsThe City of Palmer, Alaska, seeks a City Manager who is highly organized, personable leader possessing solid, proven skills and experience with a passion for serving the city council and citizens of Palmer.The City of Palmer is located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 40 miles northeast of Anchorage with a population of 6,000 residents. The City of Palme has trademarked and incorporated into its city seal Alaska at its Best embodying the community's spirit. The City of Palmer is a unique, home rule municipality with a council-manager form of government. The city manager is a salaried position appointment by, and reporting to, the city council.In order to be considered for the position, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job description, candidates must submit:
- Cover Letter/Letter of Interest
- Typed Resume
- Examples of your written work which may include memos, reports or correspondence written by the applicant within the last two (2) years. This material must be related to the applicant's current or previous employment and must not exceed six (6) total pages.
- Answers to the Supplemental Questions, answered on a separate sheet of paper and submitted as an attachment to the candidate's application.
In addition to the City of Palmer job application, three examples of your writing, and resume, all candidates must submit typed responses to the questions below. Answers should be single spaced with margins no less than one inch. There is no minimum requirement for answers, but no answer should exceed one 8.5 x 11-inch page. Please include your name and page number at the top of each page, as well as the question number for each response. The responses to these questions will be reviewed and evaluated prior to the next step in the selection process.QUESTIONS:1. Please tell us why you are interested in this position and why it is a good time in your career to come to the City of Palmer. 2. Please describe your professional experience working with elected officials and boards. Describe the responsibility you believe the City Manager has to the Mayor and City Council and to the citizens of the community. Describe how you see your role and interactions with the 1) Mayor 2) City Council and 3) City Clerk. 3. Please explain your process for communicating critical and non-critical information to the Mayor and Council. How do you decide when or what is necessary to bring to the Mayor and Council's attention? How do you see your role as communicator to the Mayor and Council, staff, other governmental agencies, local businesses, and citizens? 4. The citizens and city council members are very diverse. Describe how you would handle a situation where two people wanted to take you in opposite positions on the same project. 5. Organization and planning is often a challenge when working in the community and juggling multiple tasks. How will you work to achieve the goals of this position while still completing paperwork, communicating effectively, and meeting the needs of Council, City Clerk, staff, and citizens? 6. Please describe any experience you have had facilitating economic development in a community. Please describe your involvement in a specific economic development project, from inception to completion including: 1) your role in the project; 2) any problems/issues you encountered; and 3) the results of the project. 7. Explain your experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring a budget for a municipality.The City Manager serves as Chief Administrative Officer for the city and is responsible for proper administration of all city affairs placed in the manager's charge by law and ordinance and shall implement the policy of the city as established by the Palmer City Council.The City Manager is expected to develop effective working relationships with elected, administrative, federal, state, and local officials as well as the public, to ensure cooperation and efficient operation of the city in providing services to the public.The City Manager must be able to work well under pressure, stay focused and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. The City Manager must possess a high degree of initiative and responsibility to make decisions. He/she must exercise sound judgement and discretion and use sound management techniques and practices in a wide variety of administrative areas. The City Manager should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, negotiation techniques and sound judgment.The City Manager must perform his/her job duties with considerable independence and within prescribed guidelines and procedures and exercise appropriate judgement and discretion.ResidencyThe City Manager shall reside in the city limits within 180 days of hire.Essential Functions & Duties
- Plans, directs, coordinates, and administers the activities of all administrative departments in carrying out the requirements of city ordinances, rules, regulations, and the requests of the City Council.
- Establishes operating procedures and performance standards for departments; directs organization staffing and supervision of operations as delegated to department heads daily; establishes long and short-range goals and objectives for the city based on requests established the City Council.
- Reports regularly to the Council concerning the status of all assignments, projects, and functions of the city; establishes departmental objectives and deadlines for meeting these requests; administers a variety of special programs and operations.
- Analyzes a variety of issues, state, and federal legislation, and prepares recommendations on items requiring council action.
- Studies and resolves a variety of difficult and complex administrative and management problems as directed by the City Council; interprets regulations and recommends policy changes.
- Responsible for Enterprise Departments of the Warren Bud Woods Palmer Municipal Airport, Palmer Water and Sewer and oversees contracts for Palmer Golf Course, Palmer Museum of History & Art, Palmer Visitor Center, and Palmer Garden.
- Represents the city and City Council in negotiations and related administrative and operational matters with governmental, non-governmental organizations and the public; communicates the mission and activities of the city.
- Assists the City Council with policy planning by gathering data and presenting alternative plans; recommends feasible alternatives based on effective management practices; discusses implications of alternatives.
- Is responsible for the employment of all city employees, except the City Attorney and City Clerk, and shall supervise and coordinate the personnel policies and practices of the city. Appoints, disciplines, and terminates city administrative officials and employees, as provided by statute; evaluates the performance of administrative support staff and department heads.
- Manages and administers the financial affairs of the city; coordinates the preparation of the city budget including capital improvements program, in liaison with the council, and department heads; administers the approved operating budget by monitoring expenditures and recommending changes to the council; oversees the investment of city funds to ensure the best possible interest; presents reports to the council on the city's financial status.
- Directs emergency preparedness and recovery efforts for civil emergencies within the city.
- Exercises custody over all real and personal property of the city.
- Executes other powers or duties specified by statute or by council action.
- Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Personal Qualifications
- The knowledge, skills, and abilities required are usually, although not always, acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree in business administration, Public Administration, or a related field, five (5) years' experience in municipal administration at the level of City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Assistant City Manager, or other senior city management official, or as a private industry senior executive officer in an organization of comparable complexity. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
- Valid Alaska driver's license within thirty (30) days of hire.
- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and quality.
- Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and city rules and regulations.
- Experience in successful management and conflict resolution. Ability to evaluate management practices and adopt effective courses of action.
- Must be a self-starter.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City Council, officials, other governmental and regulatory officials, staff, private and community organizations, developers, contractors, business leaders, employees, and the public.
- Ability to analyze complex administrative problems, facts, programs, trends, costs and makes sound recommendations and comprehensive reports in oral and written forms.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing with governmental officials, staff, employees, and the public.
- Must demonstrate ability to make executive decisions and exercise sound business judgment in the best interest of the city.
- Ability to perform under stress and thrive in a fast-paced, intense work environment.
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of all activities and management.
Supplemental InformationTHE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSITION. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.The benefits outlined below are for eligble full-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week.Health, dental and vision insurance is available thru Premera BCBS. The City provides a life insurance policy thru MetLife as well as a short-term disability (STD) policy and an employee assistance program is available to all City employees (regardless of the number of hours worked) in addition to thier eligible dependents. All employees in this category are enrolled in the State of Alaska Division of Retirement PERs program.Supplemental benefits are available from Colonial Life, AFLAC, Allstate and MetLife as well as several 457 plans. These supplemental benefits are employee paid.Information regarding leave benefits can be viewed in Palmer Municipal Code, Title 4 at or by contacting Human Resources at ...@palmerak.org01 1. Please tell us why you are interested in this position and why it is a good time in your career to come to the City of Palmer. 02 2. Please describe your professional experience working with elected officials and boards. Describe the responsibility you believe the City Manager has to the Mayor and City Council and to the citizens of the community. Describe how you see your role and interactions with the 1) Mayor 2) City Council and 3) City Clerk. 03 3. Please explain your process for communicating critical and non-critical information to the Mayor and Council. How do you decide when or what is necessary to bring to the Mayor and Council's attention? How do you see your role as communicator to the Mayor and Council, staff, other governmental agencies, local businesses, and citizens? 04 4. The citizens and city council members are very diverse. Describe how you would handle a situation where two people wanted to take you in opposite positions on the same project. 05 5. Organization and planning is often a challenge when working in the community and juggling multiple tasks. How will you work to achieve the goals of this position while still completing paperwork, communicating effectively, and meeting the needs of Council, City Clerk, staff, and citizens? 06 6. Please describe any experience you have had facilitating economic development in a community. Please describe your involvement in a specific economic development project, from inception to completion including: 1) your role in the project; 2) any problems/issues you encountered; and 3) the results of the project. 07 7. Explain your experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring a budget for a municipality. Required Question