City AdministratorCity Administrator
City of Otsego
Title of Class: City Administrator
Revised Date: June 1, 2009
FLSA: Exempt
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
General Statement of Duties: Performs responsible administrative and managerial work
planning, managing and directing City government operations and staff; performs related duties
as required.
Supervision Received: Works under the administrative oversight of the City Council.
Supervision Exercised: Exercises general and/or administrative supervision over all City
employees either directly or through supervisory staff.
TYPICAL DUTIES PERFORMED
The listed examples may not include all duties performed by all positions in this class.
*Plans, organizes, and directs City operations to ensure a coordinated and efficient effort to meet
goals and objectives established by the City Council; establishes programs, goals and.
objectives to accomplish the work.
*Oversees and coordinates the operation of all departments in City government including
personnel, equipment, programs and facilities to ensure citizens promptly receive high
quality services and to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, policies and ordinances.
*Supervises all City staff directly or indirectly through department supervisors; oversees and/or
participates in the selection of employees; evaluates employees and recommends or
approves salary adjustments.
*Acts as final authority on all personnel actions subject to approval of the City Council on hiring,
severe disciplinary action and dismissal; oversees and ensures proper enforcement of
personnel policies.
*Develops and issues administrative rules, policies and procedures necessary to ensure proper
functioning of all departments and determines staffing and structure needs.
*Researches and prepares recommendations for Council approval on a variety of City issues to
improve health, safety or welfare of the City; prepares related reports or oversees their
preparation.
*Determines possible solutions to problems and presents alternatives for review to the Council or
implements as appropriate; implements Council objectives.
*Interprets and enforces laws, ordinances, policies, and rules and seeks advice from the City
Attorney when appropriate.
City Administrator
City of Otsego
*Reviews and approves drafts of City ordinances, resolutions, policies and rules to ensure proper
functioning of departments.
*Oversees preparation of the annual budget and presents to the City Council for approval;
administers the approved budget and keeps the Council informed of the financial
condition of the City.
*Attends and participates in all Council meetings and directs agenda preparation for Council
meetings; attends other Committee and Commission meetings as needed or directed by
the City Council and provides staff support to Council committees.
*Coordinates and oversees the work of consultants and contractors including the City Attorney,
City Engineer, City Planner, Sewer and Water, IT and Human Resources.
Represents the City in negotiations with contractors, developers and other similar entities.
Oversees community and economic development projects and programs.
Oversees preparation and analysis of bids for products and services and recommends selection
of firms or individuals to provide products and services.
*Ensures financial expenditures are consistent with City needs, goals of the City Council and
sound financial management and executes or recommends execution of contracts to
Council for approval.
*Responds to concerns, issues, complaints, and questions from the public and employees or
ensures proper response; mediates disputes and resolves issues as appropriate.
*Evaluates potential projects, programs, and services to determine feasibility and community
impact and makes recommendations to the Council.
*Promotes a positive, productive work environment for staff.
*Directs research of issues, oversees and approves reports and makes presentations before the
City Council, and other Commissions and groups as necessary.
*Monitors state legislation, Court rulings, and state and county regulations, policies, and
programs to facilitate adherence to requirements or recommend operational modifications
as needed; represents the City on local, regional, and state committees and boards as
directed.
*Oversees City communication, public relations and media relations and acts as a liaison to
community groups.
Takes minutes as needed for City Council meetings when the City Clerk is not available.
Performs other duties as needed or required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
*Thorough knowledge of government processes, programs and services.
*Considerable knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to City government.
*Considerable knowledge of governmental budgeting and financing.
*Considerable knowledge of management principles and practices as they apply to public sector
management including personnel management and organizational development.
*Working knowledge of planning and zoning principles, community and economic development,
human resource management and code enforcement processes and practices.
City Administrator
City of Otsego
*Working knowledge of the operation of a computer including standard office software and
operating systems such as Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, email and the
Internet to prepare correspondence and reports and communicate with others
*Thorough ability to oversee and administer budgets and manage finances.
*Thorough ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and establish effective
working relationships with elected officials, staff, other public officials, consultants,
contractors and the public including making formal presentations.
*Thorough ability to research and analyze problems and issues, utilize appropriate resources,
develop and evaluate options, prepare recommendations and make sound decisions.
*Considerable ability to lead and supervise staff, delegate work and plan and direct operations.
*Considerable ability to prioritize City needs, to coordinate City departmental operations and
services, contracted services and to allocate resources effectively.
*Considerable ability to interpret policy decisions and guidelines and develop practical solutions
and programs.
*Considerable ability to resolve or mediate conflicts and negotiate solutions.
*Considerable ability to achieve consensus, plan strategically with elected officials and establish
goals consistent with those plans.
*Working ability to sit for long periods of time and to use of fine motor skills to operate a
computer.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in public administration, business, urban planning, or a related field and seven
years of local government management experience at least four years of which were as an
Assistant City Administrator/Manager or two years as a City Administrator/Manager. A
Master's degree in one of the above areas may substitute for one year of the seven years of public
sector management experience. Must possess a valid Minnesota Class D driver's license.
Prefer a Master's degree in Public Administration or a related field and four years of experience
as a City Administrator/Manager, directing and managing staff and municipal operations
including: finance, planning, public works, building and zoning.
*Asterisked items are essential to the job.