CITY CLERK

Job Description:

CITY CLERK

Description

AT-WILL OPPORTUNITY 

The selected candidate will be required to enter into a formal employment agreement outlining the terms and conditions of employment. Final appointment to the position is contingent upon the negotiation and approval of this agreement by the City Council.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

FIRST REVIEW DATE: October 18, 2026 
The City of Stockton is seeking to fill one (1) vacancy for the City Clerk. This key leadership role supports the City Council, oversees official municipal records, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you are committed to public service and excellence in local government, we encourage you to apply.

This is a Confidential At-Will (Unclassified/Unrepresented) position. In accordance with the Charter of the City of Stockton, Article XIV, Section 1400, the City Council shall appoint the City Clerk.  

Prior to appointment, eligible candidates will be required to submit to and successfully pass a background investigation, which will include fingerprinting.  

Under policy direction of the City Council, the City Clerk performs management duties by  overseeing the activities and functions of the Office of the City Clerk including supervision of staff; performs highly advanced administrative tasks as prescribed by the City Charter, City Code, State Law, and various ordinances and resolutions; maintains and disseminates records of action of governing bodies, municipal ordinances, resolutions, codes and other government documents; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the members of the City Council; serves as Clerk of the City Council and Secretary to the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, Public Finance Authority, Parking Authority, Civil Service Commission, Equal Employment Commission, and other Council Committees; is the custodian of the City seal, signs all documents that constitute obligations of the City; administers municipal elections; directs the City’s Records Management Program; provides policy guidance, training, and expert professional assistance to other City departments in areas of responsibility; performs related work as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is single-position, at-will classification is one of four established by the City Charter and reports directly to the City Council.  The incumbent is expected to initiate, develop, and implement policies and procedures to execute the laws, resolutions, and City Council Minute orders for which the position is responsible.  The position differs from most other department head positions in that the incumbent is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the City Council and receives administrative direction from the Council.  The City Charter and ordinances and laws of the State of California prescribe many City Clerk functions and activities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 

• Plans, organizes, manages, and directs the work of the City Clerk’s Department; develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; assigns duties and examines work for accuracy and conformance to policies and procedures; supervises staff.
• Works closely with the City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, department managers, and other public and private entities in providing expert professional information and services.
• Administers and directs the posting, mailing and publication of legally required notices of public hearings, including City Council and committee meetings in accordance with the Brown Act; prepares agendas and supporting material including public notification, and legal and display advertising; publishes, issues, and posts final agendas.
• Oversees the preparation, publication, distribution, filing, indexing, and safekeeping of Council proceedings, minutes, and actions.
• Coordinates department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provides staff assistance to the City Manager and City Council; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Directs, oversees, and participates in the development of the department’s work plan; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures. 
• Directs and participates in the development and administration of the City Clerk’s Department budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements mid-year adjustments.
• Plans, organizes, assigns, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; selects personnel and provides for their training and professional development; interprets City policies to employees.
• Plans and directs the processing of ordinances, resolutions, bond issues, annexations, vacations, assessments, charter amendments, initiatives, referendum, recall petitions, and other related documents.  
• Attends City Council and other commission meetings and is responsible for the documentation, maintenance, and dissemination of Council/commission actions including minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and contracts as applicable, in accordance with the Brown Act.
• Serves as custodian of official City records and public documents; performs certification and recording for the City as required on legal documents and other records requiring such certification; seals and attests by signature to ordinances, resolutions, and contracts, easements, deeds, bonds, or other documents requiring city certification.
• Administers Citywide conflict of interest and campaign financing programs and serves as filing officer for Campaign Disclosure Statements, Statements of Economic Interest, and compliance to AB 1234 Ethics Training in accordance with state regulations.
• Administers the conduct of all municipal elections including candidate elections, measure elections specific to petition processing in accordance with state and local election laws; tabulates and certifies election results.
• Oversees the processing of all appointments, resignations, and terminations for all official boards, commissions, and committees; administer oaths and affirmations.
• Administers the City’s Records Management Program, providing leadership and direction in developing and implementing new computer software programs on a Citywide basis; directs the maintenance of official City documents, records, and archival records.
• Develops and administers the departmental annual budget.
• Represents the City in meetings with representatives of governmental agencies, business, professional and community agencies, and the public.
• Monitors and maintains current knowledge of developments related to City Clerk matters; evaluates their impact upon City operations and recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements.
• Makes presentations of status and operations to the City Council; represents the City in meetings with governmental agencies and professional and business organizations.
• Represents the City Clerk Department to outside agencies and organizations; participates in outside community and professional groups and committees; provides technical assistance as necessary.
• Researches and prepares technical and administrative reports; prepares written correspondence.
• Represents the City with dignity, integrity, and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public. 
• Fosters an environment that embraces integrity, service, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

 Knowledge of:
 

• Principles and practices of modern municipal management and administration, including the structure and organization in a Mayor-Council/City Manager form of government;
• Principles and practices of electronic and manual records and archival management and systems analysis and implementation;
• Principles and practices of policy development and implementation;
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution;
• Applicable city, state and federal laws and regulations;
• Principles and practices of municipal budget development and administration;
• Organizational planning techniques, including staffing and goals, and objectives and work standards development;
• Government codes pertaining to records management, municipal elections administration including candidate and measure elections, the Brown Act, the Maddy Act, the Public Records Act, and parliamentary procedures;
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development and implementation and employee supervision;
• Principles and practices of contract development, administration, and evaluation; 
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment including relevant software programs; 
• Oral and written communication skills; business English including vocabulary, spelling and correct grammatical usage and punctuation; and
• Safe work practices.

Skill in:
 

• Analyzing and interpreting complex legal documents and contracts and administrative procedures and regulations;
• Planning and organizing municipal elections; developing related calendars; processing Council candidates for election; technical review and processing of petitions specific to charter amendment, initiatives, referendum, and recall; 
• Developing standards for and managing paper and electronic enterprise records;
• Comprehending complex laws and regulations and initiating policies and procedures for their implementation;
• Managing and conducting meetings;
• Preparing meeting minutes using proper legislative terminology, documentation, and other reports and correspondence;
• Providing leadership and creativity in a changing environment;
• Planning, organizing, administering and coordinating a variety of large and complex services and programs;
• Planning, organizing, assigning, directing and reviewing the work of staff;
• Selecting, motivating and evaluating staff and providing for their training and professional development;
• Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals;
• Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls;
• Understanding, interpreting, explaining and applying complex city, state and federal laws regulating programs and projects;
• Overseeing management and maintenance of the City’s programs;
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials;
• Exercising sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines;
• Establishing common policies and processes across a multi-disciplinary Department; 
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishments of City goals, objectives, and activities; and
• Representing the City effectively in contacts with governmental and regulatory agencies, outside consultants and counsel, and business and professional groups;
• Selecting, training, motivating, and evaluating departmental staff;
• Communicating effectively, tactfully and positively in both oral and written form;
• Operating and using modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software; and
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education/Experience:
 
Any combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
 
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; and seven years of administrative work that has included municipal elections administration, enterprise records management and the interpretation of laws and ordinances, including three years of administrative and management experience.  Experience as an Assistant City Clerk at the division head level are highly desirable.
 
An advanced degree in business or public administration may substitute on a year for year basis up to a maximum of three years for the required work experience.
 
Other Requirements: 

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license. 
• Possession of a Certified Municipal Clerk Certificate (CMC) or Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) certificate.

Physical/Mental Abilities:
 

• Mobility - Frequent sitting for long periods of time while operating a keyboard; occasional walking, bending, squatting, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, kneeling, and crawling and twisting;
• Lifting - Occasional lifting and/or carrying up to 10 pounds or less;
• Vision - Constant use of overall visual capabilities, reading fine print and PC screens; reading and producing printed material, frequent need for use of color perception; 
• Dexterity - Frequent typing, occasional holding, grasping, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motion; 
• Hearing/Talking - Constant hearing and talking of normal speech in person and on the telephone; frequently over noise, and the ability to detect specific noises and proper equipment operation;
• Special Requirements – Must be willing to attend meetings outside of normal working hours; may require frequent weekend, night, or evening work; may require occasional driving;
• Emotional/Psychological - Constant concentration, decision making and public contact; frequent ability to exercise sound judgment, especially under stressful situations; and ability to work alone;
• Environmental Conditions – None; and
• Working Conditions - Primarily performed in an office environment, which is typically quiet; public meeting locations may be loud at times; duties may also be performed outside of City Hall.

 
This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirement of this job.   Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.  Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).   Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

Salary:

$193,679.46 annually