City Clerk

City of Lemon Grove; Lemon Grove (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lemon Grove seeks a City Clerk to manage official records, agendas, and elections with open government in mind. Under the City Manager, you will lead legislative administration and oversee records management for transparent city operations. Experience with Brown Act and Public Records Act is essential.

The ideal candidate has strong written and oral communication, team leadership, and a commitment to professional growth toward CMC certification within four years.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• Five years of progressively responsible city clerk experience.
• CMC certification preferred; must be obtained within four years of appointment.
• Strong written/oral communication and public presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform City Clerk functions including agendas, postings, and documents in compliance with governing laws.
• Oversee Official Records and Records Management program.
• Coordinate elections and certification processes.
• Maintain conflict of interest codes and policies.
• Conduct independent administrative research and special studies as assigned.

Skills

Public records laws

Brown Act

Public speaking

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

The Community:

Located in East County San Diego, the City of Lemon Grove is a vibrant and diverse community known for its small-town character and civic pride. Incorporated in 1977, Lemon Grove blends historic charm with ongoing revitalization and economic development.

Residents enjoy a warm climate, accessible transit connections, and a strong sense of community identity. The City is home to a population of 27,867 residents encompassing approximately 3.9 square miles and is located approximately nine miles east of the City of San Diego's downtown. There are six City parks and numerous city-operated facilities, such as the Recreation Center, Community Center, and Lemon Blossom Hall.

The City operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of an elected Mayor and four Council members elected at large for staggered four-year terms of office. The City Council acts as the legislative and policy-making body of the City. The City Manager, appointed by the Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible to the Council for the proper administration of all City affairs and for the implementation of all policies established by the Council. The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council.

The City provides a full range of services, including: Community Services, Community Development, Engineering, Finance and Public Works. The City contracts with the San Diego County Sheriff for law enforcement services and the City participates in a join power authority to manage the fire and emergency medical services in partnership with Heartland Fire and Rescue. Library services are directly provided by the County of San Diego.

With a focus on quality of life, resident services, and community engagement, the City of Lemon Grove continues to grow and thrive. The City is in a strong financial position, with healthy reserves and stable operations. Lemon Grove residents also approved Measure T in 2024, a one-cent sales tax providing funding for infrastructure improvements and other community investments. The Finance Department plays a critical role in ensuring fiscal sustainability, transparency, and strategic resource allocation across all City operations. It is a very exciting time to work for the City of Lemon Grove!

Why Join Lemon Grove?

Step into a critical leadership role where your work directly preserves the integrity of local democracy, supports a tight-knit community, and collaborates closely with city administration and the public. Are you ready to bring your municipal expertise to the City of Lemon Grove?

The City Clerk’s Office:

• Records City Council proceedings and legislative actions and maintains the City’s official records.
• Administers municipal elections.
• Receives and maintains campaign and economic interest statements filings.
• Coordinates recruitment and appointments for City boards, committees, and commissions.
• Administers the City’s Records Management Program and Records Retention Schedule.
• Responds to public inquiries and requests for public records.
• Maintains the City’s Municipal Code.
• Coordinates ceremonial and official functions.

Position

Under the general direction of the City Manager, the City of Lemon Grove is seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative, and integrity-driven City Clerk to manage vital functions supporting the City Council. In this high-impact municipal leadership role, you will direct the city's official records, handle legislative administration, and serve as a key administrative leader ensuring open, transparent local government. To view the full job description, select the following link: City Clerk.

The Ideal Candidate

The City is seeking a collaborative, team-oriented, and caring individual to serve as the next City Clerk (mid-management classification). The ideal candidate has a customer service mindset with excellent leadership experience. A professional with the ability to communicate well both orally and in writing, during public presentations, with internal staff and at City Council meetings is desired.

The ideal candidate possesses the following traits and strengths:

Technical Skills: You bring understanding of California municipal law—including the Brown Act, Public Records Act, and Political Reform Act—and approach record-keeping, agenda preparation, and filings with unwavering accuracy and foresight.

Calm Under Pressure: You excel in fast-paced environments. Whether managing public hearings or navigating tight election certification timelines, you maintain a steady and professional composure.

Proactive and Independent: With wide latitude for day-to-day administration, you are a self-starter who uses sound, independent reasoning to solve complex operational challenges, conduct special administrative studies, and streamline records management programs.

Committed to Professional Growth: You either already hold your Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation or are eager to pursue continuous professional development, fully committed to earning your certification within your first four years in the role.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Legislative Support:Perform all functions of the City Clerk. Prepare City Council documents, postings, and agendas, ensuring strict compliance with the Brown Act (open meeting laws), Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, and all other applicable Federal, State, and local laws.
• Records Management:Oversee the City’s Official Records and comprehensive Records Management program.
• Elections Administration:Coordinate all functions associated with the implementation and certification of City elections. For general guidance and information, check resources via the California Municipal Clerks Association or the City of Lemon Grove City Clerk's Office Portal.
• Compliance & Policy:Maintain and update conflict of interest code policies and procedures.
• Special Studies:Conduct independent administrative research and special studies as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education:Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree.
• Experience:Five years of increasingly responsible experience as a City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk, or aide to an elected or appointed board; and/or experience mirroring the essential functions of this classification.
• Certifications:Certification as a Municipal Clerk (C.M.C.) is preferred, or participation in training leading to certification is desirable. Note: Certification is required within four years of the date of appointment.

First Review of Applications:November 13, 2026 at 5pm

Following the closing date for first review of applications, materials will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above. The most qualified candidates will be invited to personal interviews to be held at the City of Lemon Grove City Hall. Questions: contact Roberto Hidalgo, HR Manager, at: [phone] [e-mail]