The City of Carson is now accepting applications for the position of Council Aide (Full-Time).*Application submissions will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled*About the roleThis role requires a self-starter with exceptional communication, organizational, and public relations skills, along with proven experience providing high-level administrative and confidential support to elected officials. A successful candidate will be able to serve as a liaison between City Council members, City departments, external agencies, and the public; represent Council members at meetings and community events; and manage multiple priorities in a fast-changing environment. Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, discretion with sensitive information, and the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and manage shifting schedules as needed are essential. The position also calls for strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to professional, responsive public service for a diverse community.The Ideal Candidate
The most successful candidate will possess the following:
- Professionalism & Confidentiality:Handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment
- Communication Skills:Strong written and verbal communication skills with elected officials, staff, and the public
- Organizational Skills:Manages multiple priorities, deadlines, and records effectively
- Adaptability & Flexibility:Thrives in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and schedules
- Professional Diplomacy:Previous experience working with elected officials is ideal
- Public Sector Experience:Previous public sector agency experience is ideal
Vacancy InformationThere is one (1) current full-time (FLSA: Exempt) vacancy with a 4/10 schedule, working Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (including a 1-hour unpaid lunch break). Work hours and/or the work schedule may be adjusted based on the operational needs of the City.This role will require schedule flexibility to accommodate evening, night and weekend events depending on the needs of the elected officials.
Job Summary
Under general supervision and direction of the Senior Council Aide, performs a wide variety of responsible administrative and field support duties to the Mayor or City Council member; accompanies the Mayor or City Council members at various meetings and functions in the community and helps establish effective relationships with businesses and constituents; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This classification is unrepresented, FLSA exempt and “at-will,” with no property rights to continued employment. The appointment to a position in this classification is for an indefinite period but shall not extend past the end of the elected official’s term. Incumbents perform responsible administrative functions which may require receiving information and/or inquiries from elected officials necessary to support the Mayor’s or City Council member’s goals and objectives while performing the duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbents are expected to have related outside experience performing the essential job functions of this position.
PLEASE NOTE:Council Aide – Fulltime cannot work on political campaigns on City time and must comply with all City policies and procedures and rules, including but not limited to: the Brown Act, the California Public Records Act and the California Fair Political Practices Commission rules and regulations.ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind related duties and work assignments.
- Perform a wide variety of administrative, community relations and support services duties for the Mayor or City Council member.
- Accompany the Mayor or City Council member in the community and at professional meetings; take summary notes and provide oral or written updates to elected officials.
- Receive, respond to, and refer citizen complaints and reports for handling and follow-up by various City departments.
- Be familiar with City policies and procedures in response to inquiries and make appropriate referrals.
- Review and analyze a variety of confidential and/or highly sensitive information, while maintaining confidentiality.
- Conduct research and analysis related to City policies, procedures, operational programs, budgets, or other issues related to City business. Prepare oral and written reports of findings for the Mayor or City Council member.
- Respond independently to letters and general correspondence of a routine nature for the Mayor or City Council member
- Research and compile information for special presentations at Council meetings.
- Compile and maintain source material for special presentations by the Mayo at Council meetings including meeting agendas and minutes, correspondence and other related materials.
- Coordinate and schedule appointments, travel logistics, meetings, civic and community events details for the Mayor or City Council member.
- Perform research on a variety of community and/or legislative issues.
- Assist in preparing speeches, news releases, radio broadcasts, and other media information working under direction of City’s public relations officer.
- Advise Mayor or City Council member on City policies and procedures and rules, including but not limited to, the Brown Act, the California Public Records Act and the California Fair Political Practices Commission rules and regulations.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the typical knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties:
Education and Experience:
Graduation with a baccalaureate degree in an occupational related field or equivalent from a college or university accredited agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council For Higher Education Accreditation. And, three (3) years of experience in an administrative support role. Previous public sector experience is desirable. Experience and/or education in a related field may be substituted on a year for year basis.
Knowledge of:- English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Modern office methods and standard office equipment usage
- Computer software including word processing applications at an intermediate level
- Record keeping principles and procedures
- City-wide policies and procedures
- Community relations methods and techniques
- Research techniques, methods, procedures, and report presentation
- The Brown Act, the California Public Records Act and the California Fair Political Practices Commission rules and regulations
Skills and Ability to:- Operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer and applicable software programs
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Organize work activities to ensure responsibilities are carried out in a timely manner
- Work independently and follow general directions
- Analyze situations carefully and recommend effective courses of action
- Take summary notes at meetings, prepare presentations, and compose correspondence and business letters from brief instructions
- Exercise independent judgement in completing assigned task
- Represent the City Council, displaying sound judgment, credibility, and respect for the community
- Use variety of productivity programs, including Microsoft Office
- Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information
- Establish and maintain professional effective working relationships with a broad range of groups and individuals
- Maintain sensitivity to ethnic, religious, cultural and sexual differences
License or Certificate:
Possession of valid California Class C Driver License is required by date of appointment. Employees in this classification will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver’s license and reflects driving record. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Positions in this class normally:- Require standing, stooping, reaching and bending
- Require ability to use variety of office equipment, including desktops and other similar devices
- Require mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects
- Require lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of objects which may weigh 20 pounds and up to 25 pounds
- Work fulltime schedule and additional hours as needed
- Require working on weeknights, weekends and holidays
- Require the ability to use personal vehicle in the course of employment
Recruitment Process:
This recruitment is open continuous until filled.If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time. To be considered, please submit an online application, including a cover letter, resume, and proof of education in PDF format. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents will be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration. Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the recruitment process, which will consist of the following sections:
- Supplemental Questionnaire, no weight
- Oral exam, weighted at 100%
The Human Resources Department reserves the right to adjust, modify, delete and/or change the above exam types and/or weights. Supplemental questionnaires are used to evaluate applicant’s indicated abilities with the ideal candidate profile. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to invite those amongst the highest scoring to the next phase of the recruitment.
NOTE: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and qualifying candidates will be interviewed and considered for employment on a "first come-first served" basis. Candidates interested in these positions are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Appointment:
Any offer of employment, or acceptance of an employment offer, is contingent upon passing live scan, background check and other required tests. All new employees are required to take a loyalty oath.
Other Information:
The City of Carson is anEqual Opportunity Employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in the strength that comes from different perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the vibrant diversity of our community. This commitment is embraced at all levels of our organization, from our management staff to our policymakers. We partner with our staff and community organizations to ensure our policies and practices remain transparent and equitable. As part of this commitment, we regularly publish updated demographic information on our workforce, including data on diversity and pay equity by race and gender.
In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Carson will consider all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history. Applicants are not required to disclose their criminal history or undergo a background check until receiving a conditional job offer. If any concerns arise from a background check, and the conviction is directly related to the role, applicants will have the opportunity to provide context, present mitigating evidence, or dispute the report's accuracy. For more information about the Fair Chance Act, please visit https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.
The City of Carson intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need a special accommodation during the recruitment process or would like this information in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources at (310) 952-1736.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This recruitment is open.
CURRENT CITY OF CARSON EMPLOYEES:Please do not use your City of Carson email address as part of this application. You must indicate a personal email address in order to receive communication and/or notices from Human Resources throughout the recruitment process.
