Currently there are 405 municipalities (cities, towns and villages) in Florida. While the number of staff members varies from city to city, there are many career opportunities available within municipal government.

The following are general descriptions of some Florida city government jobs, accompanied by the general education and training requirements for such positions. Not all cities will have such positions available and this is not a complete listing of all careers available in municipal government. Job titles may vary from local government to local government.

Accountant - Entry level professional accounting work in the preparation, analysis and verification of fiscal records. Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration with major coursework in accounting. 

Administrative Assistant - Administrative work assisting a department head or the City Manager. Studies, analyzes and evaluates the organization, develops recommendations; identifies and solves administrative and management problems. Provides technical assistance to other personnel in implementing new or modified systems. Bachelor's degree with experience in public administration preferred. 

Administrative Secretary - Clerical work involving complex work methods. Prepares, processes and maintains specialized reports, records and forms. Interprets rules, regulations and procedures of the unit to which assigned. Maintains office files, prepares departmental reports and statistical data. Requires graduation from high school and two years of responsible clerical experience. 

Animal Control Officer - Performs outdoor field work involved in the capture, detention and disposition of unlicensed, stray, uncontrolled or dangerous animals. Receives and responds to calls requesting assistance with animals. Enforces local animal ordinances and state or federal laws within specified area. Requires high school education, with Florida driver's license and some experience in handling animals. 

Automotive Mechanic - Journey-level work in the overhaul and repair of light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Troubleshoots electronic/electrical and mechanical systems; replaces and repairs vehicle components. Requires a high school diploma and three years experience in vehicle maintenance. 

Bookkeeper - Accounting work in the maintenance of financial records. Duties include posting accounts; classifying accounting documents; preparing payroll-related reports, payroll sheets and purchase orders; performing clerical tasks; and balancing accounts and ledgers. High school with special training or courses in accounting, bookkeeping and office practices and at least two years experience in full-time accounting duties.

Budget/Finance Director - Directs, organizes and coordinates the fiscal administration of the organization. Bachelor's degree in business, public administration or a related field and five years experience in governmental budgeting and management, including three years of supervisory experience.

Building Inspector - Inspects new and existing buildings and structures to enforce building, grading and zoning laws and approves plans, specifications and standards. Observes conditions and issues notices for necessary corrections. High school and five years of specific vocational experience is required with the ability to meet the requirements of the Southern Standard Building Codes.

Building Maintenance Worker - Manual work performing semi-skilled and unskilled jobs involving building maintenance, repair and construction tasks. Includes performing minor repairs; use of standard hand tools; installation and maintenance of signs or irrigation systems; cleaning of rooms, floors and grounds; and unloading of trucks. Ability to understand and follow oral/written instructions. Valid Florida driver's license.

Building Official - Responsible for directing the administration of building, electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, zoning and flood control codes and related ordinances. Directs, reviews plans and supervises the issuance of permits. Bachelor's degree in building construction, architecture or civil engineering and five years experience in inspections, codes and ordinance administration. 

Buyer - Purchases machinery, equipment, tools, parts, and other supplies or services and reviews requisitions. Requires a minimum of two years experience in large-scale public or private purchasing and an Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in business administration or a related field. 

Carpenter - Journey Level - Skilled work in rough and finished carpentry. Work in construction, repair and estimation of required materials. Requires a high school diploma and two years experience. 

Cashier - Receives cash or deposits, verifies amounts, records receipts in receipt book, and prepares funds for deposit. Prepares daily cash reports and maintains files. Requires high school graduation and experience in bookkeeping or in maintaining accounting records.

City Attorney - Directs and provides legal counsel to the organization. Requires possession of a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Member of the Florida Bar, qualified to practice in federal and appeals court. Five years experience as a practicing attorney in legal research and trial work. 

City Clerk - Department director with responsibility for maintenance of all official records. Directs the operation of the records retention and archives programs, facilitates Council/Commission meetings, records and produces minutes, and may conduct city elections. In smaller jurisdictions, the City Clerk may perform duties essentially the same as the City Manager, and may be elected or appointed. High school or bachelor's degree with considerable experience in office management or public administration. 

City Engineer - Professional engineering work in the field of civil engineering. Bachelor's degree with specialization in civil engineering, and five years of professional civil engineering experience in highway design, construction, drainage and land development, including three years of supervisory/administrative experience. Requires registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida.

City Treasurer - Professional financial management work in the investing, collection and custody of city monies and receipts. Plans, organizes and controls all investment and cash management programs; monitors accounting, budgeting and forecasting of revenues; authorizes disbursements; and approves and signs checks for expenditure of funds. Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance with five years of full time professional and supervisory experience in accounting or fiscal management.

City Manager - Appointed management official responsible for the overall operation of the city or county. Requires a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, master's degree preferred, and three years of experience as an Assistant Administrator or previous experience as an administrator.

Community Development Administrator - Directs zoning and development review, code and building services, water resources, environmental sciences, and planning. Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, construction, engineering or related field and six years of progressively responsible experience, including four years of supervisory experience. 

Community Service Officer - Responsible para-professional in law enforcement work not requiring a sworn Police Officer. Performs a variety of patrol, enforcement and reporting functions in the initial response to non-hazardous and non-criminal calls for service. Must be physically fit and able to pass medical exam, agility exam and background investigations. High school, age 18 and a valid Florida driver's license. One year of experience or college desirable. 

Custodian - Manual work involving cleaning of restrooms, floors, windows and furniture. Keeps inventory of supplies, picks up debris on grounds, opens and closes buildings for security, disposes of trash, delivers supplies or messages, and sets up tables and chairs for meetings. Ability to understand and follow oral instructions. Valid Florida driver's license.

Customer Service Representative - Deals with the general public, both in person and via telephone, answering inquiries, handling complaints and providing routine general information concerning city/county services and operations. Processes applications for occupational licenses, lot mowing, water, sewer and refuse services. Requires a high school diploma and some business experience, including typing. 

Detective - Police investigative work in the collection of evidence. Uses standard police investigation methods, procedures and techniques to apprehend, indict and prosecute persons suspected of crimes against persons or property. High school with completion of police minimum standards courses and two years experience as a Police Officer.

Detention Officer - Receives, photographs, searches and fingerprints prisoners; records valuables; maintains order; conducts breathalyzer tests; and maintains detention area. State of Florida certification required. 

Dockkeeper - Performs routine public relations and maintenance duties involving the operation of the dock; regular safety inspection of dock structure, facilities and boats. Performs financial administration duties involving dock-related revenue and expenditures. Experience in marine facilities operation or related field and knowledge of vessels and their docking requirements. 

Electrician - Journey Level - Skilled work in the installation, repair and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment. Journey-level license required. 

Firefighter - Performs first-line work in fighting fires. Requires State of Florida Firefighter Certification. 

Garage Superintendent - Directs and coordinates the maintenance, repair and re-conditioning of automotive and other power-driven equipment of the city/county and the overall operation of the local government's garage. Keeps inventory of equipment, supplies and parts; purchases same; and consults with department head or City Manager on equipment purchases. High school, supplemented by additional skills in mechanics and shop practices, with considerable experience in the repair and maintenance of a variety of automotive equipment and supervisory experience. 

Groundskeeper - Semi-skilled, directed manual labor involving construction, repair and general maintenance of grounds, athletic fields, courts, parks and other recreational facilities. Requires specific vocational experience in ground maintenance and lawn care. Must hold a valid Florida chauffeur's license.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Skilled work in operation of heavy-duty construction equipment. Requires experience and training in operation and maintenance of vehicles. Valid Florida driver's license.

Lab Technician - Performs laboratory tests, according to prescribed standards, to determine chemical and physical characteristics or composition of gaseous materials and substances for quality control, process control, or to determine conformity with specifications. Possession of a valid Florida Operator's Certificate and two years in chemistry (four years preferred).

Legal Secretary - Responsible for performing highly specialized work, including a wide variety of stenographic and clerical tasks. Exercises considerable initiative and tact in dealing with officials, governmental administrators and the general public. High school and two years of legal secretary experience. 

Library Director - Professional management work in directing and coordinating the activities and facilities of a city library. Develops library collections, services and activities; promotes the system at public forums; and provides informational and management support to departments, the Council/Commission and City Manager. Master's degree in library science with progressively responsible professional library experience, including administrative or supervisory experience.

Lifeguard - Enforces rules and regulations in pool areas to prevent situations which are hazardous to the health and safety of pool patrons, through alert observation of the pool area, execution of rescue procedures and swimming instructions. Skill in swimming, lifesaving techniques and swimming instruction. High school with Water Safety Instructor Certification. 

Management Information Systems Director - Directs data systems, data operations, records management and related information systems' development and installations. Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, computer sciences or related field and five years experience in electronic computer field, including three years of management or supervisory experience in a computer center. 

Meter Reader - Routine field work in reading and recording readings of utility meters. Records readings, explains rates and rules to customers, reports meters in need of repair, and reports irregularities. Connects and disconnects meters; operates small truck; and performs maintenance on meters. Knowledge of geography of city/county and meter reading practices. Ability to deal with the public, walk for long periods and operate small truck under varying weather conditions. 

"911" Operator - Receives emergency phone calls for police/fire service. Operates emergency dispatch terminals. Requires high school diploma and 25 wpm (words per minute) typing.

Painter - Skilled work in the painting of buildings, fixtures and equipment; estimates materials and equipment. High school diploma and two years experience.

Paramedic - Administers advanced life safety procedures and emergency care to sick and injured. The paramedic is responsible for the functioning of the ambulance unit and the actions of the attendant and/or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) assigned to the unit. Requires a high school diploma and Florida State Certificate as a Paramedic.

Parking Lot Attendant - Routine field work in the enforcement of city/county parking ordinances and regulations. Issues citations, explains procedures for disposition of tickets and reports violations other than parking to Police Department. Requires high school graduation and a valid Florida driver's license. 

Parks Superintendent - Directs and coordinates the installation and maintenance of parks, park structures and landscaped areas of the city. Plans, organizes, directs and budgets for: the operations of parks, turf and tree maintenance; pest control; athletic field maintenance; beach maintenance; and special event support. Bachelor's degree in horticulture, landscape architecture or related field with four years experience, including supervisory experience in the design, development, and maintenance of parks and facilities. 

Personnel Officer - Professional public personnel work in areas such as recruitment, classification, compensation, training, employee benefits and special projects. Usually supervises technicians, analysts or clerical employees and assists Personnel Director. May conduct or supervise some of the following duties: position audits; preparation of classification specifications, revisions, abolishments, consolidations; collection, compilation, analysis of salary and fringe benefit data; validation and preparation of exams; position evaluations; recruitment, in-service training or employee development programs; and maintenance and updating of employee status and employment history records. Bachelor's degree with four years related experience or graduate work in the field.

Planning Director - Directs the coordination of an urban planning program, including the coordination, development and carrying out of the comprehensive plan and amendments to the plan, site plans, drawings and reports. Master's degree in planning with two years experience or bachelor's degree in related field with three years professional public planning experience. 

Plant Operator A - Supervisory level work in controlling treatment plant machines and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and for industrial use. Signs state reports, confirms safe water conditions. High school supplemented with courses in chemistry or mathematics or bachelor's degree in chemistry. Possession of a valid Florida "A" Operator Certificate.

Plumber - Journey Level - Work in the installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing fixtures and accessories. Journey-level license required. 

Police Officer - Field work in the prevention, detection and investigation of crimes. State of Florida requirements for certification. 

Printer - Sets type according to copy and operates cylinder or automatic platen press to print complete job order. Starts press, examines printed sheets and adjusts press when printing is defective. Cleans ink rollers at end of run. Requires graduation from high school and one year of specific vocational experience. 

Programmer - Technical work involving programming of computers and systems analysis tasks, including the design, testing, improvement and implementation of computerized data processing systems, programs and procedures. Bachelor's degree or vocational school training in computer science.

Public Information Officer - Plans and conducts public relations programs designed to create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization. Bachelor's degree with major coursework in public relations, journalism, English or communications and four years experience in public relations and news writing. 

Public Utilities Director - Directs the overall operations of the water and sewer system. Plans, directs and coordinates the treatment and distribution of pure water and the collection, treatment and disposal of sewage. Duties include coordination with consulting engineers to develop long- and short-range expansion or re-construction plans. Bachelor's degree in civil or sanitary engineering, with progressively responsible utility engineering and management experience. 

Public Works Administrator - Directs water, sewer, solid waste, street and other public works activities. Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, six years of experience in utilities, including three years in a supervisory or administrative capacity.

Purchasing Agent - Coordinates the purchasing of a wide variety of supplies, materials and equipment for departments. Bachelor's degree in business, public relations, marketing or a related field and five years of experience. 

Recreation Superintendent - Directs and coordinates a community recreation program, including: playgrounds, community centers, special athletic and tournament programming, arts and crafts, and social events for all age groups. Maintains records and prepares reports and budget. Bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure services or related field with five years of progressively responsible experience, including supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of experience and training. 

Refuse Collector - Routine manual work in the collection of trash or garbage. Requires physical strength to lift and pull heavy objects and a valid Florida driver's license. 

Sanitation Superintendent - Directs and coordinates the collection, trucking, transfer and disposal of garbage and trash. Establishes collection routes and schedules, recommends and assists in determining type and specifications for equipment, coordinates inspection of equipment, inspects operations and facilities, maintains records, and prepares reports and budget. High school with five years of refuse collection experience, including supervisory experience.

Secretary - Clerical and secretarial work of limited variety and complexity, including: transcribing dictation; opening, sorting, and routing mail; and composing routine correspondence for supervisor's signature. High school and the ability to type. 

Security Guard - Enforcement of state, county and city laws as they relate to use of public beachfront and other public property. Requires graduation from high school and one year public contact experience. 

Social Services Director - Directs family, health and veterans' services, or other social programs. Bachelor's degree in social science or a related field and four years of responsible experience in social service programs, including one year of supervisory experience. 

Superintendent of Wastewater - Directs sanitary sewer engineering and maintenance operations for the organization. Bachelor's degree in civil or sanitary engineering and extensive responsible experience in city/county sanitary engineering work. 

Superintendent of Water - Directs the water filtration, pumping and distribution system of an organization. Bachelor's degree in civil, hydraulic or mechanical engineering, or closely related field and five years of experience in water system operations, construction and maintenance. 

Surveyor - Supervises survey crews. Prepares schedules for projects, provides training and develops work methods/procedures. Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field and considerable professional surveying experience. Registration as a Land Surveyor in the State of Florida. 

Switchboard Operator - Performs routine work in operating a telephone switchboard, carrying a heavy traffic load. Work requires placing, answering and transferring calls. Requires graduation from high school and at least six months experience in the operation of a switchboard. 

Transportation Director - Directs traffic planning, traffic operations, computer system development, street design and traffic-related inspections. Bachelor's degree in engineering and experience in traffic planning, design, construction and/or management. Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida required. 

Unskilled Laborer - Manual work in construction and maintenance. Patches holes in road with asphalt or rock; installs road signs; clears brush from roadside; loads and unloads heavy material from trucks; moves equipment and large bulky objects; maintains building facilities and grounds; and operates tractor-mower, small truck and hand tools. Some experience with simple tools used in maintenance and construction work, physical strength to lift and pull heavy objects, ability to follow and understand written/oral instructions. Valid Florida driver's license. 

Well Inspector - Inspects and certifies well construction. Inspects and tests well installations for adherence to approved plans and specifications and for compliance with local, state, regional and national regulations. High school and one year of specific vocational experience. Employee must hold a valid Florida driver's license. 

Word Processor - Skilled work in the operation of word processing equipment in a large work unit supporting professional personnel. Requires graduation from high school and experience in the operation of word processing equipment, with above-average typing skills. 

Zoning Director - Directs and coordinates the planning, inspection and enforcement of regulations relating to zoning, landscaping and signage. Interprets, and recommends changes in, provisions governing land development. Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration or related field with four years progressively responsible experience in public zoning or development regulations and supervisory experience.

(Source: Florida League of Cities' salary survey, not dated. Modified and reprinted with permission.)