Administrative Manager

County of San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo County, CA

Salary

$93,246.40 - $124,924.80 Annually

Location

All Locations - San Luis Obispo County, CA

Job Type

Permanent - Salary

Job Number

1126PM-300831-01

Department

Planning & Building

Division

Planning & Building Administration

Opening Date

11/06/2026

Closing Date

11/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Benefits
Questions

About the Position

Who We Are

The Department of Planning and Building oversees dynamic projects involving land use and building in the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. With over 100 staff, the Planning and Building team performs all land use planning and construction permitting functions including policies, programs, permitting, environmental review and zoning enforcement.

Position

The position will oversee and coordinate the operations of several essential administrative functions, including Human Resources/Payroll, Operations and Building Support, Safety, Training, and Communications. The incumbent will provide dedicated leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to ensure these functions are effectively managed, appropriately resourced, and aligned with the department’s overall goals, priorities, and service delivery needs. This position will play a critical role in promoting consistency, accountability, efficiency, and coordination across multiple operational areas. Responsibilities will include overseeing administrative processes, supporting the development and implementation of policies and procedures, identifying opportunities for operational improvements, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, requirements, and departmental standards. The Administrative Manager will also facilitate communication and collaboration among divisions, supervisors, staff, and other stakeholders.

Typical Tasks and Representative Duties

(Not in order of importance)

Directs and oversees administrative, financial, budgetary, and human resources functions of a designated department or division; establishes, implements, and evaluates policies and programs; ensures activities comply with department standards and legal requirements; identifies needs and implements improvements to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.
Manages office and business activities, flow of information, and communication; develops and evaluates procedures, projects, and objectives; organizes automation and process improvement activities for administrative and functional areas; leads the development and implementation of projects, contracts, goals, services, and activities; ensures proper and timely resolution of issues, conflicts, and discrepancies.
Prepares and maintains a variety of narrative, financial, and statistical records, reports, and documents; develops and coordinates training.
Formulates and develops policies, procedures, and programs related to assigned areas; ensures the preparation and revision of policy and procedural manuals.
Advises departmental leadership on the impact of new or pending legislation, regulations, and Countywide policies; coordinates implementation of changes to ensure organizational compliance.
Monitors and assesses department programs, services, and operations for financial effectiveness and operational efficiency and makes recommendations for improvement.
Supervises, mentors, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; interviews and selects employees; recommends appointments, reassignments, and disciplinary actions; assigns and reviews work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies and performance standards.
Collaborates and communicates with the public, departments, businesses, and external agencies to share information, coordinate efforts, and resolve a variety of issues.
May manage and participate in the development of the annual department budget; reviews and analyzes budgetary and financial data; authorizes expenditures in accordance with established limitations; oversees a large division or department’s fiscal operations, including grants, contracts, and accounting activities through coordination with or direct supervision of financial and support staff.
May manage departmental human resources activities; collaborates with central Human Resources on organizational development, recruitment and retention, leave management, and disciplinary actions; administers disciplinary processes, including drafting and reviewing disciplinary actions on behalf of departmental management in accordance with established procedures and standards.
May supervise departmental information technology staff or serve as a liaison for automation activities with central Information Technology or external vendors; ensures the effective use of automated systems to support departmental operations; assists in the implementation and maintenance of automated processes; evaluates administrative systems and services for effectiveness and efficiency and recommends improvements.
May oversee the preparation and dissemination of media or public-facing communications, reports, and other informational materials related to departmental operations, programs, or services.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Click here for the full job description for Administrative Manager.

Click here to learn more about the Planning & Building Department.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced, strategic, and collaborative administrative leader with a demonstrated ability to oversee complex, multifaceted operations and lead diverse administrative functions. They possess strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to establish priorities, manage competing demands, and ensure resources are effectively aligned to meet organizational goals. The successful candidate brings a broad understanding of human resources, payroll, operations, facilities and building support, workplace safety, employee training, and communications, along with the sound judgment and administrative expertise necessary to guide these functions effectively. They are skilled at developing and implementing policies and procedures, strengthening operational processes, promoting accountability and consistency, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational standards. The ideal candidate is also a collaborative and approachable leader who builds strong working relationships across divisions and with employees at all levels, fosters a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement, and translates departmental priorities into effective, efficient, and responsive administrative services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field. In addition, two years as an Administrative Officer or other progressively responsible professional-level experience in finance or accounting, human resources, or other administrative functions, including two years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certificates:

Certain positions within this classification may require driving. Positions that require driving as an essential job function will be communicated in the job posting. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid California driver’s license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

Modern office practices and procedures
Principles, practices, and techniques involved in administrative, financial, budgetary, and human resources management activities
Principles and best practices of governmental budget preparation and control, including forecasting, revenue and expenditure analysis, fund accounting, and multi-year financial planning
Methods and procedures for grant, contract, and procurement administration, including compliance monitoring and financial oversight
Use of automated systems and data management techniques to support administrative, fiscal, and operational functions
Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations
Project management and evaluation
Research, analysis, and statistical evaluation techniques
Laws and best practices of human resources management
Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
Principles, practices, and procedures of supervision, leadership, mentoring, evaluation, training, team dynamics, and team building

Ability to:

Perform a variety of professional activities involved in the overall administrative, financial, budgetary, and human resources management activities of a designated department or division
Manage and organize office and business activities and flow of communications and information to ensure effective and efficient activities
Collect, interpret, and evaluate budgetary, statistical, and accounting data
Independently prepare, administer, and monitor budgets, including reviewing expenses, projecting revenues, and ensuring compliance with established fiscal policies and procedures
Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend or implement effective solutions
Use a variety of software applications and department-specific systems to perform assigned tasks
Promote an organized, professional, and safety-conscious work environment
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a diverse population of individuals and groups
Foster effective and positive working relationships with individuals from diverse perspectives by demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, effective communication, advisory expertise, mediation, conflict resolution, and consensus building

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of the page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Veteran's Preference Points

If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement .

Make a Difference

Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.

Compensation and Benefits

Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.

In general, temporary employees are not eligible for County-sponsored benefits and may have limited benefit options available to them. For more information on benefit eligibility, please e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us.

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link) .

Some benefits include:

Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
Free visits to the employee health clinic
Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
Paid personal, sick and vacation days
12 paid holidays
Employee Assistance Program
Education and Wellness Allowance
Post Employment Health Plan
Family Friendly workplace policies
Flexible work schedule options
Rideshare commuter benefits
Pet Insurance

The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:

The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.

Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:

The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or ‘cafeteria’ contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.

To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria), visit the Cafeteria Rates webpage (click here for link).

Learning and Development

The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.

Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

Emotional Intelligence
Supervisor/Manager academies
Microsoft Suite courses
Defensive Driving
Financial management
Retirement preparedness
Teambuilding
Written Communication
Conflict Management
Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan Forgiveness

Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.

Homebuyer assistance program

Employees have access to the “Assist-to-Own” program sponsored by Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.

Select the option below which best represents highest level of education.

Highschool diploma or equivalent GED
Some college
Associate degree
Bachelor's or higher level degree in an unrelated field
Bachelor's or higher level degree business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field

Select the option below which best represents the years of the above experience working in a lead or supervisor capacity.

Less than 1 year
1 - 2 years
2 - 3 years
3 - 4 years
4 - 5 years
5 or more years

Select the option below which represents your years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in finance or accounting, human resources, or other administrative functions.

Less than 1 year
1 - 2 years
2 - 3 years
3 - 4 years
4 - 5 years
5 or more years

Describe your experience managing administrative, financial, budgetary, and/or human resources functions within an organization. Include the types and size of budgets you have managed, your responsibilities for financial planning and monitoring, and your experience ensuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations. Provide specific examples of your role and accomplishments.

Describe your experience supervising, mentoring, and developing staff, particularly in an environment involving multiple administrative functions. Provide an example of how your leadership contributed to improved employee performance, team effectiveness, or organizational outcomes.

Required Question

Employer

County of San Luis Obispo

Address

1055 Monterey Street

Suite D-250

San Luis Obispo, California, 93408

Phone

805-781-5959

Website

http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/