Assistant City Manager
THE OPPORTUNITY
Pismo Beach, CA offers a rare career opportunity for a visionary leader ready to help shape a thriving, seaside community. As the City launches its search for its next Assistant City Manager, it seeks an innovative, service-driven professional who can balance small-town charm with strategic, forward-looking governance. This is a chance to join a dynamic executive team, guide high-impact projects, and contribute to a city known for its stunning coastline, welcoming spirit, and commitment to quality of life. Here, your leadership won’t just influence policy – it will help define the future of a beloved coastal destination.
ABOUT PISMO BEACH
Nestled along California’s iconic Central Coast, Pismo Beach offers the perfect blend of coastal charm, natural beauty, and relaxed living. Known for its sweeping ocean views and vibrant downtown, the city provides a welcoming environment where work-life balance truly thrives. Residents enjoy miles of pristine shoreline for surfing, kayaking, and sunset walks, as well as scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through nearby bluffs and dunes.
With a population of approximately 8,000 residents, Pismo Beach delivers a small-town feel where neighbors know one another, and community culture thrives – while still offering the amenities and social vibrancy many professionals and families seek.
CITY GOVERNMENT
The City of Pismo Beach is a full-service, general law city, and operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Manager, Jorge E. Garcia, is responsible for the management of City affairs, carrying out the policies and ordinances of the City Council, and overseeing the daily operations of the City. The City Manager is assisted by a highly efficient and committed executive team, which includes the department directors for Administrative Services, Community Development, Fire, Police, Public Works, and Tourism and Events. The executive team is encouraged to serve on professional association boards and bring innovative ideas back to the community. Pismo Beach offers a full range of municipal services including Police and contracted Fire Services with CalFire. It also provides water and wastewater services, street and parks maintenance, and oversees recreational facilities including the pier, downtown plaza, and a public beach.
Pismo Beach maintains a strong financial position and has a structurally balanced budget. Tourism drives much of the local economy. The FY 2026 General Fund budget is $37 million, and the total all-funds budget is $162 million. The City currently maintains a healthy General Fund Reserve.
THE CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE AND THE POSITION
The City Manager’s Office (CMO) oversees a range of critical functions, including Human Resources, City Clerk, Risk Management, Legislative Affairs, Communications, and special projects. The CMO also leads efforts related to regional government coordination, economic development, and public information.
The Assistant City Manager (ACM) serves as a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, supporting the City Manager in the strategic planning, coordination, and delivery of citywide services and initiatives. The ACM provides organizational leadership and operational oversight across the functions of the City Manager’s Office and assigned departments, working closely with department directors, elected officials, partner agencies, and the community. This role requires the ability to manage complex issues, foster collaboration across the organization, and provide sound professional judgment in support of the City Manager’s priorities. The Assistant City Manager will have four direct reports. These include the City Clerk and the Human Resources Officer, as well as department directors assigned by the City Manager, which have generally included Public Works and Community Development. Assigned department directors may vary based on organizational needs or at the discretion of the City Manager.
The City of Pismo Beach is looking for a visionary and strategic Assistant City Manager to join its executive team and shape the future of the community. This high-impact, fast-paced role requires a proven leader with outstanding communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. The ideal candidate will bring a strong grasp of emerging trends, key issues, and legislative developments impacting local government. They must be comfortable representing the City in public forums, on camera, and during emergency management situations – serving as a confident and credible voice for the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required education and experience is:
Education: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in human resources management, business or public administration, or a related field.
Experience: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience, including supervisory experience, preferably in municipal administration, including Public Works and risk management administration. Experience in a public agency is desirable.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for the Assistant City Manager is $189,404 to $230,235, with placement in the salary range dependent on qualifications. A 3% COLA adjustment is approved effective in July 2026 and again in July 2027. Retirement is provided by CalPERS with a 2% @ 60 formula for Classic Members and an 8% employee share. New PEPRA/Non-Classic members are under a 2% @ 62 formula with a 9.5% employee share. The City of Pismo Beach does participate in Social Security. The City also contributes $17,000 annually into a 457 deferred compensation retirement plan account. The City is also offering a hiring incentive program, which includes relocation assistance up to $15,000 (subject to negotiation).
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
This recruitment is open until filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, by submitting a cover letter and résumé below.
This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
