Salary : $223,072.59 - $274,351.14 Annually
Location : Madera County, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Administrative Management
Division: Administration Office/Purchasing
Opening Date: 08/05/2025
Closing Date: 8/26/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: ADPTH
*Please see the application process below.* Brochure: County Administrative Officer The Candidate: The ideal candidate must be a confident, high-energy leader, capable of operating with significant independence and initiative, yet open to direction from the Board of Supervisors. They will have the ability to contribute at the executive level; provide highly collaborative and ethical leadership; inspire and lead staff; and also, be recognized by the organization as being strategic, passionate, and committed.
This top caliber individual will also have the ability to build relationships, be flexible, and work in a team-oriented environment.
The ideal candidate will need to have a record of success that emphasizes a career history that supports the ability to:
- Communicate effectively and with confidence when called upon to address the Board of Supervisors, County Departments, and other public committees and community groups;
- Thrive in an environment of change and assist the Board of Supervisors by being a change agent within the County as a proactive problem solver who is willing to take calculated risks and step out beyond the normal;
- Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders built on trust.
The Department: County Administration oversees three distinct divisions, each with its own budget: County Insurance & Risk Management, General Services, and the 311 Customer Service Center. General Services includes building maintenance, grounds maintenance, capital projects, and fleet services functions.
The department has 44 permanent, funded staff positions, plus additional extra help positions, and a recommended budget of over $14 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Under policy direction and in accordance with County ordinances, plans, organizes, coordinates, and administers through management staff, all County functions and activities; provides policy guidance and coordinates the activities of department heads; fosters cooperative working relationships among County departments and with intergovernmental, regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the County departments and Board of Supervisors; and performs related duties as assigned.
The Community: Madera County sits at the geographic heart of California, spanning approximately 2,100 square miles. This diverse landscape includes fertile stretches of the San Joaquin Valley, the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, and even a portion of Yosemite National Park.
With a population of 165,387 (including an estimated 77,000 in unincorporated areas), Madera County is recognized as one of California's fastest-growing regions. We are home to a community college campus, with two more nearby, and are just a short drive from California State University, Fresno, and the University of California at Merced.
Madera County also boasts some of the most desirable housing costs in the state. Being at the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park means residents and visitors enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities, from skiing and fishing, to hiking and exploring numerous recreational streams and lakes. In short, Madera County offers an exciting blend of outdoor adventure, wine tasting, and fascinating historic museums.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives policy direction from the Board of Supervisors. Exercises general direction and supervision over management, professional, supervisory, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Under a delegation of authority from the Board of Supervisors, this class has the overall responsibility for policy development, program planning, fiscal management, administration, and operation of all County functions, programs, and activities. This class provides assistance to the Board of Supervisors in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, County functions and activities, including the role of the Board of Supervisors, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. The incumbent is responsible for accomplishing Board of Supervisors and County goals and objectives and for ensuring that the community is provided with desired and mandated services in an effective, cost-efficient manner.
Examples of Duties The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.
- Plans, organizes, and administers operations of the County through subordinate management and supervisory staff; coordinates and evaluates the work of the County in accordance with applicable laws, codes, and regulations and adopted policies and objectives of the Board of Supervisors (Board); coordinates the work of County elected officials.
- Directs and coordinates the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and programs for the Board and the County; develops administrative policies, procedures, and work standards to ensure that strategic goals and objectives are met, and that programs provide mandated services in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
- Attends all Board meetings and advises the Board on issues, programs, and financial status; prepares and recommends long- and short-term plans for County service provision, capital improvements, and funding; and directs the development of specific proposals for action regarding current and future County needs.
- Ensures that the Board is kept informed of County functions, activities, and financial status, and of legal, social, and economic issues affecting County activities.
- Performs investigations, studies, or surveys as the Board may request or as deemed necessary for the efficient and effective use of the County's resources; provides for the investigation and resolution of complaints regarding administration of and services provided by the County.
- Represents the County and the Board in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
- Oversees the preparation of the annual budget for the County; authorizes, directly or through staff, budget transfers, expenditures, and purchases; provides information regarding financial conditions and needs to the Board.
- Assumes overall responsibility for the preparation and administration of ballot measures and the annual legislative platform for the County.
- Responds to the most complex, difficult, and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
- Oversees the selection, training, professional development, and work evaluation of County staff; oversees the implementation of effective employee relations programs; provides policy guidance and interpretation to staff.
- Directs the preparation of and prepares a variety of correspondence, reports, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
- Ensures the maintenance of working and official County files.
- Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect County operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
- Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: - Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the County.
- Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
- Principles and practices of leadership.
- Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
- Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a county setting.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
- Functions, services, and funding sources of a county government.
- Functions, authority, responsibilities, and limitations of an elected Board of Supervisors.
- Principles, practices, methods, and procedures of county government budget development, administration, and accountability.
- Fiscal and personnel management, cost accounting, and public funding as related to county government administration.
- Current social, political, and economic trends affecting county government and service provision.
- Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to: - Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
- Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
- Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the County.
- Work cooperatively with, provide highly complex and responsible staff support to, and implement the policies of the Board.
- Oversee all County financial activities, including administering investments, the development and implementation of the County budget, and the control of all expenditures and purchases.
- Direct the preparation of and prepare, verify, analyze, and reconcile clear and concise reports, records, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
- Conduct effective negotiations by gaining cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
- Perform statistical and mathematical computations.
- Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Understand, interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Effectively represent the County in meetings with governmental agencies; the media; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration, political science, finance, or a related field and seven (7) years of management and administrative experience in a large public organization which included responsibility for management of agency-wide operational, budgetary, and/or administrative programmatic areas in a capacity comparable to a department director.
Licenses and Certifications: - Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate California driver's license.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS Ability to travel to different work sites and locations.
Must be willing to attend meetings outside of regular working hours.
Application Process To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, complete an online application through our website:
A comprehensive application should reflect years and months of employment and beginning/ending dates. Please attach a copy of your resume and cover letter for optimal consideration. You may also submit career highlights or accomplishments as a supplemental document for further consideration. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 P.M. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Our selection process is designed to identify the most qualified candidates. Resumes will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this brochure. Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be given preliminary interviews. Those deemed most qualified will be referred to the Board of Supervisors for further consideration. If selected, you will be invited to participate in initial interviews in September. The new County Administrative Officer will begin work at a mutually agreeable date, ideally no later than November 1st.
Final appointment by Madera County does require completion of comprehensive reference and background checks. Contact Human Resources Manager, Reshonda Martinez, at or 559-675-7705 with any questions.
For additional information, the full job description is available for review at
Benefits of employment with the County of Madera include:
- 14 paid holidays per year;
- 1 sick leave day per month (unlimited accrual);
- 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year, vacation accrual increasing thereafter with years of service (45 days maximum accrual);
- Membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), with an enhanced 2.7% @ 55 retirement benefit formula (based on the highest 12 months with the County paying 8% toward the retirement cost) for those individuals with current or prior qualifying public sector service that establishes eligibility as a "classic member" pursuant to the provisions of California's 2013 Pension Reform Act (Act) and CalPERS Regulations. Individuals with no current or prior qualifying public sector service, and who are defined as new members or new employees under the Act, will be eligible for the 2% @ 62 retirement benefit formula (based on the average compensation over 36 consecutive months with the employee paying 7.75% toward the retirement cost);
- County participates in the Public Employees' Retirement System Health Benefit Program and for certain selected health plans, the County pays 95% of health insurance premium for employee and 50% for either two-party or dependent coverage;
- Additional salary increases after 10, 15, and 20 years of service.
01
Please select the level of education you possess with major coursework in public administration, business administration, political science, finance, or a related field:
- High school diploma or Equivalent
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree or higher
02
Please select the years of management and administrative experience in a large public organization which includes responsibility for management of agency-wide operational, budgetary, and/or administrative programmatic areas in a capacity comparable to a department director that you possess:
- Less than five (5) years' of experience.
- Five (5) to less than seven (7) years' of experience.
- Seven (7) to less than nine (9) years' of experience.
- Nine (9) to less than eleven (11) years' of experience.
- Eleven (11) or more years' of experience.
03
I understand that I must indicate the specific time period and distinct job title in the applications work experience section. I understand that I am required to describe, in detail, my qualifying experience on my application.
Required Question
