City Manager - Closing Date - noon

THE COMMUNITY

Located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, the City of Dos Palos has a population of 5,575 and provides services to 8,000 people. It is one of six cities in Merced County. A close-knit community that strongly supports its youth, Dos Palos is a friendly, small town, currently experiencing changes. The local economy is based on Agribusiness and its related services. Local farms are transitioning from dairies, cattle, hay, corn, grain, to cotton, melons, tomatoes, and more recently to trees, particularly almonds and pistachios.

Many new residents are non-agricultural commuters to the San Jose and Fresno areas. Dos Palos is within two hour’s drive to the Ocean and to two National Parks. University of California-Merced, CSU Fresno and Stanislaus are within 60 miles.

Incorporated in 1935, Dos Palos is a General Law City with a Council-Manager Form of Government. It’s five-member City Council are all elected to four-year terms currently elected  Council appoints the City Manager. The Council also appoints the City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Treasurer. The Council approves an annual budget, currently $7.2 million, and sets basic policies. Dos Palos is a full-service city with Departments of Finance, Personnel, Building, Planning, and Recreation;
Police, Dispatch, and Animal Control;
Public Works, Parks, Streets, and Storm Drainage; and Water and Wastewater Utilities. It has a paid call Fire Department. Many services are also provided to residents in county districts and unincorporated areas.

The next CM will inherit a dedicated staff of 31 very competent and talented employees. The ideal candidate for this position will be prepared to complete projects underway and develop new goals for a growing city. The incumbent must bring a proven record of achievement, have the ability to lead a diverse community, anticipate problems, and provide solutions. Communication is key to being successful in this position.

The City obtained funding for a new Water Treatment Plant that will be completed in April 2026. A future Annexation will enable the City to grow its size in the near future and comply with State Housing Element mandates. Long term agreements for Refuse Services are in place that reflect State recycling mandates.

A Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent, in Public Administration or related government or financial field and five years experience working in local government in a rural community. An Associate Degree, or equivalent, in Public Administration or related government or financial field and seven years experience working in local government in a rural community. Working knowledge of state and local laws. A valid California Driver’s License.

The salary range for this position is $9,585 to $12,128 monthly, $115,018 to $145,534 annually.

The City of Dos Palos offers an excellent benefits package including CalPERS retirement, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, and paid holidays.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, medical condition (as defined by State law), national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. If special accommodations are needed at any stage of the recruitment process, please notify the City in advance and every attempt will be made to accommodate the request.

The City Manager, under the direction of the City Council, performs professional, managerial, administrative, and technical work related to leading and operating…