Local Government Clerk Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s dynamic civic environment, the role of local government clerks is more vital than ever.

As society evolves, the demand for organized individuals who can efficiently manage, administer, and protect our local government operations increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a local government clerk?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the inner workings of local government administration,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable local government clerk job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Local Government Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

Local Government Clerks are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of local government offices.

They organize, maintain, and update city records, assist with the preparation of government meetings, and provide administrative support to elected officials.

The daily duties and responsibilities of a Local Government Clerk may include:

• Maintaining records of ordinances, resolutions, and regulations of the local government
• Preparing agendas and minutes of meetings for city councils and other government bodies
• Answering inquiries from the public, providing information on local laws, regulations, and procedures
• Assisting in the development of ordinances and resolutions
• Issuing licenses and permits, including marriage licenses, business licenses, and building permits
• Administering oaths of office to elected officials
• Coordinating the election process, including voter registration, ballot preparation, and the certification of election results
• Documenting the actions and decisions made during city council meetings
• Preserving and archiving important municipal documents

 

Local Government Clerk Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a meticulous and organized Local Government Clerk to manage administrative duties.

The Local Government Clerk responsibilities include maintaining records, preparing documents, scheduling meetings, and managing correspondence.

Our ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has excellent communication skills, and is familiar with office equipment and procedures.

Ultimately, the role of the Local Government Clerk is to ensure smooth and efficient operations within the local government office.

 

Responsibilities

• Maintain files and records with effective filing systems
• Support other teams with various administrative tasks
• Greet and assist visitors when they arrive at the office
• Deal with correspondence and redirect phone calls
• Prepare and disseminate correspondence, memos and forms
• Assist in the preparation of regularly scheduled reports
• Support and facilitate the completion of regular reports
• Develop and maintain a filing system
• Check frequently the levels of office supplies and place appropriate orders
• Document expenses and hand in reports

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a local government clerk or similar role
• Familiarity with office procedures and basic accounting principles
• Working knowledge of office devices and processes
• Very good knowledge of MS Office
• Excellent communication skills
• High school diploma; BSc/BA in office administration or relevant field is preferred

 

Benefits

• Pension scheme
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Local Government Clerk
• Work Environment: Office setting within local government office. Some travel may be required for town hall meetings or community events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the City Manager or equivalent.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Local Government Clerk Do?

Local Government Clerks work for municipalities and are typically responsible for managing the official records of the town or city they serve.

They are often the first point of contact for citizens seeking information about local laws, regulations, and procedures.

They maintain and update the official records and documents, such as birth, death, and marriage records, legal notices, and minutes of meetings.

They also process and issue various licenses and permits.

Local Government Clerks are responsible for preparing agendas for council meetings, recording minutes during these meetings, and ensuring that the actions of the council are in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.

They may also oversee elections within the municipality, including voter registration, ballot distribution, and result certification.

In addition, they may handle requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act and respond to correspondence on behalf of the local government.

Local Government Clerks play an important role in connecting the community with its government, providing information and facilitating important civic processes.

 

Local Government Clerk Qualifications and Skills

A competent Local Government Clerk should have the skills and qualifications that align with the responsibilities of managing administrative duties for a local government, such as:

• Strong knowledge of local government regulations, procedures and policies to effectively oversee and implement administrative tasks.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage and organize numerous tasks and records, including but not limited to, licenses, agendas, meetings, and official documents.
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively liaise with various government officials, departments, and the public.
• Strong interpersonal skills to deal with a diverse range of people including local government members, staff, and the community.
• High attention to detail to accurately record meeting minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and correspondence.
• Problem-solving skills to deal with issues that may arise in the daily management of administrative tasks.
• Computer literacy to efficiently use various software applications for data entry, word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality, especially when dealing with sensitive information.

 

Local Government Clerk Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of a Local Government Clerk may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles in a public administration office or related setting.

These professionals might also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as administrative assistant, office coordinator, or other public sector roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have honed their skills in managing office tasks, assisting in public service operations, and providing clerical support in a local government office.

They might also have experience in record keeping, scheduling, and responding to public inquiries.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often possess a deeper understanding of local government operations, have experience in handling sensitive information, and might have some supervisory or leadership experience.

They may be ready for a senior clerk position or other leadership roles within the local government.

All candidates should have a strong knowledge of local government processes and policies.

They should also have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills to interact effectively with the public and other government officials.

 

Local Government Clerk Education and Training Requirements

Local Government Clerks typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Further education, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field can be beneficial.

These programs often cover areas like government operations, public finance, administrative law, and public policy, which provide clerks with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Additionally, some local governments may require clerks to complete a certified municipal clerk program or a similar professional certification.

These programs typically involve coursework and practical experience in municipal governance, election administration, and public records management.

While not always required, prior administrative or clerical experience can be advantageous for this role.

Local Government Clerks also need to have excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills to interact with the public and other government officials.

Continuous learning is also important in this role, as clerks must stay updated with changes in laws and regulations pertaining to their municipality.

 

Local Government Clerk Salary Expectations

A Local Government Clerk earns an average salary of $38,730 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, the size of the local government they are working for, and their specific responsibilities within the role.

 

Local Government Clerk Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Local Government Clerk need?

Local Government Clerks should have excellent organizational and administrative skills as they are responsible for maintaining records and managing various types of correspondence.

They should also have good communication skills to effectively interact with government officials, staff members, and the public.

Detail-oriented, multitasking, and an understanding of local government operations are also important.

 

Do Local Government Clerks need a degree?

Although a degree is not strictly required to become a Local Government Clerk, many employers prefer candidates with a degree in public administration, business management, or a related field.

Having a degree in these areas can provide clerks with a deeper understanding of government operations and administrative tasks.

 

What should you look for in a Local Government Clerk resume?

A good Local Government Clerk resume should highlight experience in administrative roles, specifically in government or public sector contexts.

Excellent record-keeping abilities, knowledge of local government procedures, and proficiency in office software are also desirable.

In addition, any special certifications, such as the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation, should be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good Local Government Clerk?

A good Local Government Clerk should be detail-oriented and organized, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and keep track of a lot of information.

They need to be trustworthy, as they will handle sensitive information.

Good interpersonal and communication skills are also important, as clerks interact regularly with government officials and the public.

 

How demanding is the role of a Local Government Clerk?

The role can be demanding, as clerks are responsible for a wide range of administrative tasks that keep a local government functioning smoothly.

These may include managing correspondence, keeping records, scheduling meetings, and more.

Additionally, the role can involve dealing with the public, which can be challenging.

However, it can also be rewarding, as clerks play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and transparency of local government operations.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a local government clerk.

And you know what?

It’s not just about filing paperwork.

It’s about being the backbone of local governance, one document at a time.

With our essential local government clerk job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why halt your progress now?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon to crafting meticulous job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every document handled contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s forge the future of governance. Together.

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