People working as the city administrators of their towns and cities have the kind of drive and passion that translates into "What can I do for my city?" They are people who have what it takes to change things and get other things moving.
"I love what I do," says city administrator Peter E. Lee. "The opportunity to be of public service where the results are visible, measurable and serve people."
City administrators attend conferences as participants or as speakers. They are often contacted for their expert opinion and advice. "That's very flattering. It's good for my self-esteem to be so highly regarded," says city administrator Gerald Berry.
Social attitude and conscience are also important skills to have. This job doesn't take the 9-to-5 route. Extra hours will be expected. The city administrator needs to be aware of the people and what their needs are.
"My job keeps me on my toes," says city manager Judy Rogers. "I need to be ready in cases of emergency. What if a strike was declared? Or a water pipe broke? How efficiently the city responds with crews, materials and reinforcements will depend on how quickly things are set up and ready to go."
"It's a wonderful feeling knowing that you have the power to change the way you and your neighbors live," says Dave Morris. He is the executive director of a city administrators' association.
"The local government is the place to be if you want things done. Unlike the [state] or national government, you're not caught up so much by red tape," adds Berry. "You're dealing directly with the people and their needs for a better life."
The mayor and the city council appoint the city administrator. "Jobs opportunities are not based on elections," says Morris. "You're appointed by the mayor and approved by the council. You're not necessarily from one party or another. You are for the people."
There is lots of security in this job. There aren't many unemployed city administrators.
"There's a high level of job satisfaction," says Rogers. "You're doing something for your community."
"There's more merit than many jobs. If you do good -- you'll be rewarded," says Berry. "Be prepared to go to school for a while, as well as the school of life. Street sense and intuition need to be developed."
Berry stresses the need for formal education. "A bachelor's in commerce or administration with a strong flair for finance will be the base of any city administrator," says Berry. "I have a PhD in public relations, and I really feel it helps me out."
Be prepared to learn and keep learning. You'll always have something new to look up. You're always meeting new people with new interests. You have to keep up and be ahead of the game.
Since education will be part of your mandate, extra courses in this field will help you out. Barbara Bramblett is a city administrator for Hastings, Nebraska. She has a BA in education from Auburn University. Rogers has a bachelor's in physical education and a master's in public relations.
"City administrators are very dedicated people. They work for local government for one reason -- to make a difference in their lives," says Michel Frisby. He works with the International City-County Management Association in Washington, D.C.
"Start today," says Rogers. "Get involved in the parks and recreation department. The local library is another good option. If you know your city is in the planning stages for a new project, get involved and be an active participant. Get your name out many years before you actually send in your resume for the position of city administrator."