County Administrative Officer

Definition & Distinguishing Characteristics

The County Administrative Office is a dynamic, fast-paced team committed to turning the Board of Supervisors’ policy direction into action, overseeing the County’s budget, and coordinating the administration of county government. We pride ourselves on being a collaborative, “can-do” group that values both hard work and a positive, lighthearted work environment. As the County Administrative Officer (CAO), you’ll serve as the County’s chief administrative leader-advising the Board, managing key departments, and driving initiatives that enhance services and operations across the organization. This is a unique opportunity to step into a vital leadership role where you can make a meaningful impact on the future of Colusa County. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and join a team that’s passionate about public service, Colusa County is the place for you. If you’re interested in learning more about us, check out the job description pages HERE !

This recruitment is open until filled. It is to your advantage to submit an application as soon as possible, as the recruitment may close at any time following application review on May 20, 2025.

Selection Procedure - The following is a tentative schedule of events that will occur as part of the selection process:

• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• Screening for minimum qualifications: May 20, 2025
• Successful applicants will be notified of the dates for first interviews and executive-level interviews once they have been scheduled.
• The tentative start date will allow for overlap with the current County Administrative Officer for cross-training. The current CAO's anticipated retirement date is September 30, 2025.

The selection process steps may change with or without notice.

What's this Job All About?
As the County Administrative Officer (CAO), you will lead the day-to-day operations of Colusa County government and serve as the primary advisor to the Board of Supervisors. In this executive-level role, you will oversee a wide range of functions, including the Clerk of the Board, Human Resources, Risk Management, and Central Services. You will also serve as the County’s Budget Officer, guiding fiscal strategy and long-term financial planning. In addition to managing internal operations, you will play a key role in shaping countywide initiatives such as capital improvement planning, legislative priorities, and organizational development. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of Colusa County through innovation, collaboration, and effective public service leadership.

Culture is at Our Core Colusa County is a small, relaxed, close-knit organization. The leadership team values work-life balance. We know everyone works hard on a daily basis and needs to know they are valued and appreciated. This means that we understand when you want time off to coach baseball, attend a ballet recital, or take a fur family member to the vet. When your workload seems (or is) overwhelming, people are always at the ready to assist in getting the job done. We support one another’s growth professionally and personally. While we work hard and play hard, the CAO will be joining a team who understands there must be a work-life fit.

How do we make a difference?
We make a difference through the vital support we provide to the Board of Supervisors and all County departments-ensuring they are equipped, informed, and empowered to deliver quality services to our residents and visitors. The County Administrative Officer (CAO) plays a central role in bringing the Board’s vision to life by implementing policy directives in accordance with the law, coordinating county operations, and maintaining transparent, organized records that reflect the actions of County leadership. As CAO, you will be a true community difference-maker-leading with integrity, fostering collaboration across departments, and guiding the County’s long-term success with excellence and pride.

Do our values speak to you?

• Be Adventurous, Creative, Open-Minded
• Be Humble and Kind
• Be Passionate and Determined
• Build Open and Honest Relationships with Communication
• Deliver WOW Customer Service to Others & Our Community
• Embrace and Drive Change
• Foster a Positive Team and Family Spirit
• Pursue Growth and Learning
  
  

What are the benefits?

• A beautiful, safe community in which to work and serve.
• A caring, empathetic, & fun work family that you will be welcomed into - where we work hard, but play hard, too!
• A job with WORK-LIFE BALANCE
• A LIFETIME PAYCHECK (3% @ 60 for Classic Members and 2% @ 60 for New Members) - As long as you work for 5 years and vest in the CalPERS system, you will receive a retirement paycheck for the rest of your life.
• Amazing health care BENEFITS at NO COST to you - Unless you choose a premium health care plan.
• Authentically kind and engaged leadership who truly enjoy developing staff.
• Deferred Compensation
• Management Leave
• PAID vacation, PAID holidays off, and PAID leave if you get sick.
• Vacation Parity! - Previous service with a public agency counts towards vacation accrual at Colusa County. A public agency includes cities, counties, districts, military and similar entities. To learn more about vacation parity please see our benefit summary.

COLUSA COUNTY : NAVIGATING EXCELLENCE, SERVING OUR COMMUNITY!
This recruitment will be used to fill a current vacancy and establish an eligibility list.

Supervision & Examples of Duties

Receives general direction from the Board of Supervisors.

Exercises direct supervision over professional and clerical staff.

Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

Five years of increasingly responsible experience performing complex budgetary, financial, policy, and organizational analysis duties for a County or other large governmental agency, including experience working directly with an elected Board or Council and experience as a lead worker or supervisor of professional or management staff.

Training:

College course work equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration or closely related field. Degree in Public Administration is desirable, but not required. Additional related work experience may be substituted for college coursework on a year for year basis.

License or Certificate

A valid State of California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Supplemental Information

The salary range above consists of 15 steps. Steps 1-6 are annual merit steps with approximately 5% difference between each step, based on successful performance. Steps 7-15 are additional merit steps, requiring 2 years of satisfactory performance at the previous step. Steps 7-14 provide 2.5% increases, while Step 15 offers a 5% increase. The final salary offered will depend on the applicant's experience and qualifications, ranging from steps 1 to 15.

Please find the summary of benefits for all Department Heads here 2025 Department Heads Benefits Summary

Closing Date/Time: 5/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• County of Colusa

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