Salary: $171,662.00 - $208,894.00 Annually
Location : Forest Lake
Job Type: FT
Job Number: City of Forest Lake
Department: Not Applicable
Opening Date: 10/26/2026
Closing Date: 11/25/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Posting
Responsible for planning, organizing, directing and coordinating the daily operations of all City departments and functions, including Administration, Finance, Building, Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Public Safety, Fire and City Facilities and to provide information and support to the City Council and advisory commissions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES • Plans, organizes and directs City affairs to ensure a coordinated and efficient effort to meet the goals and objectives established by the City Council and various Boards and Commissions. • Provides overall oversight of City departments, including Community Development, Public Works, Fire and Police. Works with department directors to align operations with City Council priorities, improve processes across departments, resolve organizational issues and bring significant policy or resource decisions to the City Council. • Plans and evaluates department directors' performance; establishes performance requirements and professional development goals; provides coaching, mentoring and development opportunities; and investigates, resolves and monitors management performance issues and personnel complaints. • Monitors operations to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies and ordinances. • Keeps the City Council apprised of state and federal legislative and policy developments affecting the City; monitors pending legislation for potential impacts; and oversees implementation of and compliance with new legislation. • Establishes goals, programs and objectives and prepares reports to the City Council. • Assists the City Council with strategic and long-range planning for the City and participates in local, regional and state planning efforts. • Prepares operations and capital budgets, including recommendations for tax levies and utility rates and submits to the City Council for consideration. • Monitors City budgets throughout the year for compliance and financial viability. • Performs analyses and administers long-term finance alternatives, including bonds, TIF monies and investments. • Oversees the preparation of ordinances, resolutions and policies for City Council consideration and implementation. • Implements, interprets and applies City Council actions, directives and policies. • Attends and participates in all City Council meetings and EDA meetings and various special meetings involving City's development as needed. • Interacts directly with the public to communicate the goals and priorities of the City Council; solicits feedback on City issues; responds to citizen inquiries; resolves concerns and escalated complaints; and acts as a liaison between City government and local organizations and businesses. • Negotiates and implements City contracts including labor contracts: Represents management in negotiating collective bargaining agreements and attends and supervises labor management committee meetings. • Analyzes wage and salary reports and data to determine competitive compensation plan. • Handles City personnel matters in accordance with policies established by the City Council and recommends employee salaries, benefits and working conditions for City Council consideration. EMERGENCY
RESPONSE REQUIREMENT The City Administrator has a key role in responding to City emergencies. The City Administrator must be able to respond to a citywide emergency within 45 minutes of notification, in person when necessary.
OTHER DUTIES Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the City. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with City policies and applicable laws. Other responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, evaluating performance, disciplining, grievances, complaints and resolving problems of employees.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education Bachelor's degree in Public or Business Administration or related field; three to five years' experience working with local government; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
EXPERIENCE Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Ability to effectively recommend: hiring, suspending, promoting, demoting and discharging employees. • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents, procedure manuals, plans and specifications, contracts, codes, statutes, ordinances and resolutions, technical journals, financial reports and legal documents. • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with elected and appointed officials, volunteer departments, and the general public. • Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. • Skill in negotiating various types of contracts. • Ability to make arithmetic computations; rates, ratios, percentages. • Ability to read and interpret financial data including budgets, tax information and development finance analysis. • Knowledge of budgeting, budget control, accounting and government finance. • General knowledge of computer operations. • Ability to review and interpret property development plans. • Skills in communication, facilitation, conflict management and mediation. • Ability to establish working relationships with elected officials, staff, citizens and other public officials. • Knowledge in Tax Increment Financing, bond ratings and investments. • Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations applicable to City government. • Skilled in supervising employees and consultants.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Education A Master's degree (M.A.) in Public Administration or related field is preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The position requires occasional exertion of up to 30 pounds. Regular activities include sitting, speaking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions. Frequent reaching with hands and arms is required, along with occasional standing, walking, handling objects, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, and lifting. Visual acuity is needed for reading, computer work, and general observation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is typically performed in an office setting with moderate noise levels (e.g., business office, light foot traffic). Duties involve using computers and office equipment, and interacting with the public, staff, and elected officials.
Learn more at gmphr.com
Benefits information is not available for this position. Please contact the city directly for this information.
