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Deputy City Clerk I/II

Apply by July 9, 2025, applications reviewed on a rolling basis. 

THE CITY

San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.

With a population of approximately 60,000, San Rafael is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget in fiscal year 2024-2025 of approximately $180 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest assets, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience.

THE DEPARTMENT

The City Clerk’s Office in San Rafael is led by a full-time, elected City Clerk who also serves as Department Head, supported by two Deputy City Clerks. Together, this team plays a vital role in promoting transparent, accessible, and responsive local government. As the official custodian of records, the Office is committed to preserving the integrity of the public record and ensuring open access to information -empowering residents to engage fully in civic life.

With a commitment to equity, inclusion, and accountability, the City Clerk’s Office serves as a bridge between the public and city government. The Office supports the democratic process by managing City Council agendas and minutes, overseeing public records requests, coordinating local elections, and ensuring compliance with open meeting laws such as the Brown Act.

Grounded in the principles of good governance, the City Clerk’s Office works collaboratively across departments and with community stakeholders to uphold transparency, foster public trust, and facilitate broad civic participation. Through its work, the Office contributes to a more informed, inclusive, and engaged San Rafael.

IDEAL CANDIDATE AND CORE COMPETENCIES

The City Clerk’s Office is seeking a full-time Deputy City Clerk to join a dedicated team committed to transparency, civic engagement, and exceptional public service. This position provides professional-level support to the City Clerk and other City departments, with responsibilities spanning public records management, legislative support, and compliance with open government laws. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of the following skills and experience:

• Strong knowledge of the California Public Records Act (CPRA), including experience reviewing, redacting, and releasing public records in compliance with legal requirements.
• Familiarity with the Brown Act, Political Reform Act, and other regulations governing local government transparency and ethics
• Proficiency in records and agenda management systems, document imaging software, and digital workflow tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate meeting agendas, minutes, and official records.
• A high degree of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative, service-oriented approach to working with the public, elected officials, and staff across departments.
• Discretion, sound judgment, and a strong sense of professional ethics.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about open government, civic access, and high-quality public service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to - view the full job spec HERE)

• In the absence of the City Clerk, functions as the City Clerk, attends City Council meetings and perform all of the duties of holding a public meeting, including facilitating public comment, calling roll for Council votes, etc.
• Ensures adherence to established Council meeting procedures and rules; processes Council actions in the form of resolutions and ordinances; performs research, data gathering and analysis for written reports to the City Clerk.
• Prepares Council Chambers or other rooms for meetings.
• Generates Action Agendas and finalizes official minutes. • Processes and responds to Public Records Act (PRA) requests.
• Plans, organizes, develops, implements and administers the City-wide records management system.
• Assists in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department.
• Participates in the development and administration of the department's budget.
• Maintains current knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of records management.
• Answers telephone calls, responds to email, researches records and retrieves information for general public, City Council and City staff.
• Prepares agenda packets, hard copy and electronically, for Council meetings.
• Files and indexes official City records as prescribed.
• Maintains other City and departmental records and files.
• In the absence of the City Clerk administers oaths of office, acts as Notary Public and certifies official City records. 
• May be required to work evenings and/or irregular work hours.
• Makes recommendations regarding office procedures and processes, including technology, to improve workflow and implements improvements subsequent to approval.

UPCOMING PROJECTS

The City Clerk’s Office is leading several key initiatives to modernize and streamline city operations. Upcoming projects include:

• Implementing a City-wide records management program
• Transitioning to a paperless office
• Launching agenda management software
• Conducting a comprehensive cleanup of the Municipal Code and City Charter.

These efforts reflect the City’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and innovation—making this an exciting time to join the team.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Deputy City Clerk I: Equivalent to AA degree and three years of progressively responsible experience using state of the art technology in a local government agency, preferably in a City Clerk’s Office.

Deputy City Clerk II: in addition to the requirements for the Deputy City Clerk I, this level requires at least 4 years of experience as a Deputy City Clerk I or demonstrated ability to successfully complete the essential duties and responsibilities at the full journey level with a high degree of autonomy. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Certified Municipal Clerk designation preferred. 

Both levels: Commission as a Notary Public in the State of California within six months of appointment

BENEFITS 

This position is a regular position of the City’s SEIU Local 1021 employee group and is eligible to receive benefits including but not limited to:

• MEDICAL | City group health coverage, with the City paying a fixed dollar amount toward the cost of the monthly insurance premium: Employee only: $950.00 | Employee plus one: $1,900.00 | Family: $2,400.00
• DENTAL | Premium fully paid for employee plus eligible dependents.
• VISION | Premium fully paid for employee.
• VACATION LEAVE | 10 days annually, increases after 3 years of service
• SICK LEAVE | 12 days annually
• HOLIDAYS | 12 paid City holidays plus 1 floating holiday per year
• BEREAVEMENT LEAVE | Up to 5 days paid leave
• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE (if eligible) | Up to 300 hours paid leave. SRMMEA employees also contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI).
• LIFE INSURANCE & AD&D | $20,000 Life policy and $20,000 AD&D policy
• LONG TERM DISABILITY | 66.67%
• END OF LIFE CARE LEAVE | Up to 80 ho
• of salary, up to $1,000 per month
• RETIREMENT | Enrollment in the Marin County Retirement System (MCERA) pension plan, a defined benefit retirement program
  • Tier 2 - hired on or after 7/1/2011: 2% @ 55, Average of 3 highest years
  • Tier 3 PEPRA - hired on or after 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62, Average of 3 highest years
• GYM MEMBERSHIP REIMBURSEMENT | Up to $198 per year
• BILINGUAL PAY (if eligible) | Up to $250 per month

Join the City of San Rafael’s dedicated team and help strengthen open government, transparency, and civic engagement in our vibrant community. As the Deputy City Clerk, you will play a key role in managing official records, supporting legislative processes, and enhancing public access to information. Your work will help modernize core government functions and ensure that residents stay informed and engaged. Be part of building a more accessible, responsive, and innovative San Rafael—one record, meeting, and policy at a time!

**NO RESUMES, PLEASE - ALL WORK HISTORY MUST BE IN THE EXPERIENCE SECTION OF THIS SYSTEM**

PUBLIC SAFETY RESERVE DISPATCHER, Part-Time

 Starting at $23.95 per hour

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

To operate a computer aided dispatch (CAD) and radio system, receiving calls and dispatching public safety equipment and personnel, and maintaining public safety records and reports.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Serves as a relief Public Safety Dispatcher. The Reserve Dispatcher performs the routine tasks and duties assigned to Public Safety Dispatchers working on-call and subject to various shifts and workday assignments including nights, weekends and holidays.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision from sworn or other supervisory personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public and other jurisdictions.

·         Dispatch police personnel and equipment in response to such calls; transfer fire and medical                communications to appropriate agencies.

·         Relay emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel in the field.

·         Relay information to other agencies as required; search and relay warrant information.

·         Monitor multiple radio frequencies; maintain status of public works units, as necessary.

·         Maintain accurate record of location and status of public safety units.

·         Monitor security cameras and monitors for the various city facilities.

·         Assist public safety personnel in data collection or transmission.

·         Perform clerical duties related to public safety operations such as data entry, filing, answering phones and assisting the public.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the 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.

Knowledge of:

Operations, services, and activities of a public safety telecommunications and dispatch center.

Operational characteristics of modern public safety telecommunications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems and multi-channel radio systems.

Law enforcement and emergency service procedures for responding to and handling reported incidents.

Techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.

Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.

Functions of the Public Safety Department and other City departments.

Geographic features and locations within the area served.

English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Methods and techniques of telephone etiquette.

Methods and techniques of conflict resolution.

Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Ability to:

Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.

Speak clearly and concisely in an understandable voice via radio and telephone and in person.

Hear and distinguish radio voice traffic within normal levels and over background noise.

Make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, citizens, and property such as those involved in determining the urgency of requests received and the appropriate action to take.

Dispatch police units quickly and effectively.

Think quickly, calmly, and clearly in emergency situations.

Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment including radio transmitting communication equipment, teletype equipment, and computer equipment.

Operate specialized public safety computer systems and applications.

Read and interpret maps and other navigational resources and give directions.

Type and enter data accurately at 35wpm (words per minute).

Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations including police records retention and dissemination policies and procedures.

Maintain composure, alertness and concentration while working for extended periods of time.

Compile, maintain, process, and prepare a variety of records and reports.

Deal tactfully and courteously with the public reporting emergencies and seeking information or filing a report.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by successful completion of the basic dispatcher course within a specified time period.

Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible clerical experience that includes customer service in an environment with frequent interruptions.

EXAMINATION PROCESS 

Those applicants who meet the employment qualifications will be contacted via email regarding next steps in the recruitment process, a comprehensive multitasking test that assesses memory recall, map reading, spelling, sentence clarity, reading comprehension and data entry. Testing may be limited to the number of seats allowed in the testing center.  Those candidates who achieve a passing score on the multitasking test will be invited for a panel interview.  Successful candidates from the interview will be placed on an eligibility hiring list for hiring consideration.

SELECTION PROCESS 

Offers of employment will be subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background check, fingerprint clearance, physical examination, psychological evaluation, including a drug test.  An additional condition of employment includes employment verification and authorization to work in the United States, by completing the I-9 verification form designated by the USCIS.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Communications switchboard, including computer-aided systems, desktop and laptop computers including word processing software, copy machine, fax machine and two-way radio system.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods, talk and hear radio and telephone conversation without aid.  The employee is occasionally required to walk.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.  The office is a low-light environment.  The type and nature of calls can create periods of extended stress.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT     

If you are a qualified individual with a disability as defined by the ADA and you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the examinations administered by the City of Ceres, you must notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date or review date for the specific job. Official documentation of your functional limitations to support your request may be required.

THE CITY OF CERES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY

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