Description

City of Mission Viejo Invites Applications for

CITY CLERK

$60.20 - $92.46 per hour

APPLY BY: 3:00 P.M., MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026

Search Schedule

Online applications must be completed & submitted no later than 3:00 p.m. on the filing deadline. NeoGov will reject all applications started prior to 3:00 p.m., but not submitted by 3:00 p.m. No exceptions will be made to the closing deadline. Please plan accordingly.

The first round of Zoom interviews is scheduled for some time during the week of May 4, 2026. Only one date will be available for an applicant to attend.

The City will not accommodate an applicant’s scheduling request for an alternate date. It is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly when you apply.

The Position

Do you have strong knowledge in municipal governance laws? Are you inspired to serve your community? If yes, then we are looking for you! The City is seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented, and service-driven professional to serve as our next City Clerk. This key leadership position plays a vital role in supporting transparent government operations and serves as a subject-matter-expert on election administration, agenda management, and municipal governance.

Currently, there is one (1) full-time vacancy in the City Manager’s Department. Work hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with additional evening hours on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The schedule may vary depending on the needs of the City including potential weekend assignments and/or special events. This is an FLSA exempt mid-management position that reports directly to the City Manager.

The eligibility list established during this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time or temporary City Clerk vacancies. If you’re looking for a position that impacts the public in a great department, we encourage you to apply!

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

Your Impact & Contributions

This single-position management class oversees and directs all activities of the City Clerk Division within the City Manager’s Department including conducting city elections, serving as Filing Officer for Political Reform Act filings, being the custodian of the seal of the City, and performing statutory duties.
This classification regularly interacts with the City Manager, City Council, City Attorney, and departmental representatives in obtaining and coordinating projects and assignments.
The City Clerk must attend Council meetings; provide for and/or record and transcribe minutes of the proceedings; act as secretary to the Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency, Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees.
A high-profile and complex project for the incoming City Clerk will be to manage the upcoming election process for all five (5) Council seats. This includes preparing candidate guidelines, administering the candidacy and nomination process, providing information to candidates regarding procedural and disclosure requirements and publishing election notices and results within legal guidelines. It is expected the new City Clerk will have extensive experience in election administration.

Applicants are encouraged to review the entire City Clerk job description by visiting the City’s website at https://cityofmissionviejo.org.

YOUR TEAM

The City Clerk’s Office is a division under the City Manager’s department and is responsible for the functions and duties prescribed by State law and general law cities and as set forth by the Mission Viejo Municipal Code. The division is composed of three programs: Administration, Council Support, and Elections. The City Clerk is supported by a full-time Assistant City Clerk and open communication with the City’s contract City Attorney.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a strategic, detail-oriented professional with strong knowledge of & experience in elections administration, municipal governance, records and information management, and regulatory compliance. Success in this role requires the ability to exercise a high level of independence, demonstrate exceptional communication skills & sound judgment, have discretion in handling sensitive information, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects while maintaining transparency and public trust, along with political sensitivity and acumen.

Knowledge Of

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Provisions of the State Government Code and the Municipal Code applicable to the governmental structure of the City and specifically related to the functions and operations of the City Council and the City Clerk's Division, including provisions of the Open Meeting Law (Brown Act), Political Reform Act filing requirements, (Campaign Statements and Statements of Economic Interests), and Parliamentary Procedure.
Statutory and administrative requirements for the City Clerk's division, including requirements and procedures for the conduct of Municipal Elections, including State Elections Code provisions.
Rules and procedures governing the notice and conduct of public hearings.
Political sensitivities pertaining to municipal government operations during and outside of election periods and in dealing with elected and appointed officials, candidates for office, and members of the public.
Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation and supervision of staff.
Functions, authority, responsibilities and limitations of an elected City Council.
Automated and manual records management principles and practices, including legal requirements for recording, retention and disclosure.
Principles and practices of public agency budget development, administration and accountability.
Advanced principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation and the training of staff in work procedures.
Standard office practices and procedures, including the operation of standard office equipment.
Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and graphic design applications.
Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups and various business, professional, educational, regulatory and legislative organizations.
Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Safe work practices.

Skill In

Providing administrative and professional leadership and direction for the City Clerk Division.
Planning, organizing, administering, coordinating, reviewing and evaluating staff and activities of the City Clerk division.
Meeting all legal requirements of the function in a timely and effective manner.
Coordinating municipal elections within legal guidelines.
Overseeing and coordinating maintenance of the official records of the City.
Preparing official minutes, resolutions, and ordinances.
Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
Scheduling, assigning, supervising, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff.
Selecting, training, motivating staff.
Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls for the office.
Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
Working effectively with diverse groups; listening to and discussing problems and complaints tactfully.
Providing exceptional customer service to coworkers, internal customers and the public.
Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees and those contacted in the course of the work. Effectively representing the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
Operating a motor vehicle safely.

Experience and Training and License/Certificate

Qualifications

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in business, public administration or a related field and five (5) years of experience in performing responsible and complex administrative office work in a City Clerk’s office, including two (2) years of supervisory experience. Additional years of experience in a City Clerk’s Office may be substituted for an education requirement on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

If not already obtained, the employee must obtain a license as a Notary Public within six (6) months of date of appointment and maintain license throughout employment in this classification.
If not already obtained, the employee must obtain a Certified Municipal Clerk Certification through the Municipal Clerk’s Institute within three (3) years of date of appointment.
A driver’s license is not required, but the employee must be able to arrange reliable and timely transportation to offsite facilities and locations to complete essential functions of the position.

Benefits Overview

The following description is a general overview of the benefits provided to City of Mission Viejo benefit eligible employees. For specific details, please review the Human Resources Policies, Management and Budget Policies, Administrative Regulations, and official plan documents, or contact the Human Resources office at 949.470.3060.

Employees of the City are currently covered under the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). While the City does not participate in the Social Security System, federal mandate requires new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare insurance coverage.

Retirement

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are CalPERS Members –

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo within less than a six (6) month break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 60 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. Employees are required to contribute the full 7% member contribution, plus an additional 1.5% towards the employer rate.

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo with a six (6) month or more break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.5%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are Not CalPERS Members –

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.5%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employer's Contribution Rate –

Beginning July 1, 2025, the employer's normal cost contribution rate is 11.96%, which reflects the employee pick-up of 1.5% of the employer rate.

Retiree Benefits

Employees Hired On or After December 2, 2006 –

The City's Retiree Health Savings Plan is a defined contribution health reimbursement plan, which is intended to help employees offset post-retirement healthcare costs by allowing employees to contribute pre-tax dollars from their current wages with an additional contribution from the City, into an account that can be accessed upon retirement. To be eligible for the full benefits of the RHS Plan, an employee must reach age 55 with a total of 15 years of service with the City of Mission Viejo.

The RHS Plan requires mandatory contributions from both the employee and the City. Contributions to the RHS Plan will commence for an employee beginning with the first pay period that occurs after the eligible employee's completion of one year of service with the City. Eligible employees will be required to contribute 1.5% of their salary. Deductions will be pre-tax and will be taken from each paycheck.

Starting the same date, the City contribution will be $100 per month ($50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time employees, $75 per month ($37.50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .750 to .999, and $50 per month ($25 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .500 to .749, after the completion of the waiting period. This program is administered by MissionSquare.

Payday

The City issues paychecks on a biweekly basis (see Payroll Calendar), every other Friday. Benefits are deducted from paychecks twice a month.

Holidays

The City observes ten (10) paid holidays, including a Winter Closure at City Hall and the Corporation Yard between December 26th and December 31st. Effective July 2025, employees also have two (2) floating holidays per year, which is credited annually on January 1st (on the employee's hire date in the first year) and cannot be carried-over.

Comprehensive Annual Leave

Provides employees with paid time off for rest and relaxation, personal or family illness, bereavement, and personal business. For non-exempt classifications, 19 days annual accrual during the first year, increasing to 30 days beginning in year ten, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions. For exempt classifications, 24 days annual accrual during the first year, increasing to 35 days beginning in year ten, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions.

Jury Duty Leave

Employees are granted up to 30 paid days for jury service.

Cafeteria Plan

The City offers a "cafeteria style" flexible benefits plan, with a fixed monthly contribution provided by the City for all regular and probationary full-time and part-time employees. The benefits plan is covered under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code allowing employees to pay monthly benefit premiums on a pre-tax basis. Benefit coverage begins the first day of the month following thirty-days (30) of continuous regular employment.

Medical Insurance

The City contracts with CalPERS to offer medical insurance to employees, plus their qualified dependents. Employees are required to participate in the City group medical plan.

Dental Insurance

The City contracts with Delta dental for dental coverage for employees, plus their qualified dependents. There is a choice among two plans, Delta PPO and Delta Care PMI.

Vision

The City contracts with Vision Service Plan (VSP) for vision coverage for employees, plus their qualified dependents.

Life Insurance

The City contracts with Voya to provide term life insurance for employees in an amount equal to two (2) times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $400,000. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium. If you need more than the Basic Life insurance the City provides, you may purchase additional coverage by enrolling in the Supplemental Term Life (STL) and AD&D insurance programs.

Short and Long Term Disability

The City contracts with Voya to provide both short and long-term disability insurance coverage to the employee, in a benefit amount up to 66% of the employee's salary. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium.

Flexible Spending Account

You can set up one Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care expenses and another to pay for the cost of caring for your dependents while you are at work. The Health Care Spending Account is a tax-free way to pay any qualified out-of-pocket expenses associated with medical, dental, and vision care for yourself and any family members who are legal dependents. You may contribute up to the IRS allowed maximum, pre-tax, annually to this account. The Dependent Care Spending Account allows you to pay for child or elder care expenses on a tax-free basis. You may contribute up to the IRS allowed maximum annually towards this account. Both types of accounts are administered through Wex Benefits.

Employee Assistance Program

The City contracts with CONCERN to provide short term counseling benefits, as well as life management services and referrals, to employees, their dependents, and any other members within their household. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium.

Deferred Compensation

A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available through Voya. The City matches contributions up to $150 per month.

College Savings Plan

The City offers payroll deductions to a qualified 529 plan. This voluntary ScholarShare fund, managed by ScholarShare, is a flexible college savings program that helps make saving for a child's higher education easier.

Wellness Program

The City offers free membership, with some restrictions, to the City's Recreation and Tennis Centers for employees and their resident family members.

Tuition Reimbursement

Once probation has been successfully completed, the City offers tuition reimbursement to employees for qualified classes and/or programs up to $1,250 per fiscal year, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions. Pre-approval by the employee's supervisor and the City Manager is required.

Technology Loan Program

Once probation has been successfully completed, an interest-free technology loan is available to employees in an amount up to $3,500, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions.

Flexible Workplace Program

The Flexible Workplace Program allows an employee to enter into an agreement to schedule portions of their work week away from their regular worksite. Participating employees will work a full workday, but program participation allows times and number of hours in the office to be scheduled differently between individual days of the week. The City Manager must approve all Flexible Workplace Program applications. Program participation is a benefit and not an entitlement and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

01

The following supplemental questions will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position and will be used in conjunction with your application to evaluate your experience, knowledge and skills. Do not refer to your application and/or resume when completing these questions. Do you understand and acknowledge these instructions?

02

The first round of Zoom interviews is scheduled for some time during the week of May 4, 2026. Only one date will be available for an applicant to attend. The City will not accommodate applicant scheduling requests for alternative dates and it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly. Further, if you are invited to an interview, you will receive an email from the City of Mission Viejo with instructions to self-schedule yourself for an interview time for some time during the week of May 4, 2026. Failure to self-schedule an interview on time and/or to show up for the interview on time is an automatic fail for this recruitment. Do you understand and acknowledge these instructions?

03

Do you possess at least five (5) years’ experience in a City Clerk’s office?

04

Do you possess a Certified Municipal Clerk certification?

05

As the Election Officer, it is the duty of the City Clerk to conduct Municipal Elections in accordance with the City Code, the Elections Code, and the Political Reform Act. Please describe your experience serving as an Election Officer including what duties you personally performed and the processes you directly managed. What are some of the major challenges you encountered and how did you resolve them?

06

How do you keep abreast of changes in pertinent federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including the Brown Act and Election Code?

07

Describe your experience with Granicus or any other agenda management software system. Please include your years of experience with the software and your role managing the software.

08

Please describe your experience in both writing and editing agenda reports.

09

If hired, what would be your steepest learning curve related to this position? Where would you hit the ground running?

10

Why do you want to work for the City of Mission Viejo?

Required Question

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