What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant City Manager position at City of Kearney?
Description
1st Review of Applications on January 15, 2026.
Under minimal supervision, support the City Manager in overseeing high-level administrative, policy, and operational coordination for City operations; work varies with significant leeway for discretion and independent judgment.
Essential Functions
Serve as key liaison for the City; manage special projects; serve as legislative monitor for items that impact the city; create and provide relevant reports; act as City liaison to community boards as appointed; assist with leading key initiatives including economic development efforts and key programs for the City; conduct studies and investigations; assist in the preparation of the budget and long range capital improvement plans; analytically review and interpret various reports; analyze financial information; prepare and administer grant applications and seek other alternate funding sources; conduct research and prepare draft policies, agreements, resolutions, and ordinances for review; evaluate and develop process and system improvements; write and prepare public information; participate in official meetings and media interviews as assigned; attend meetings of the City Council; serve as Acting City Manager when needed; and perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:
As needed
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials, and the public. (Daily)
Exercise sound judgment in decisions and interpretations. (Daily)
Effectively conduct studies and investigations. (Daily)
Effectively communicate orally and in writing. (Daily)
Speak clearly and concisely before groups. (Daily)
Effectively and efficiently manage departments/divisions as required. (Daily)
Prepare sound and accurate budget recommendations and maintain expenditures within budget. (Daily)
Effectively assign and supervise personnel. (Daily)
Remain up- to-date on legislative changes and actively monitor legislative activity. (Daily)
Maintain and exhibit discretion and integrity at all times when handling confidential information. (Daily)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Work Type: Light, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects
Climbing/Balancing: Minimal, ability to sit and stand
Walking: Minimal amount required
Stooping/Bending: Frequently
Stand/Sit: Sit about 85 percent of the time
Reaching: Frequent, overhead as well as horizontal
Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
Hearing: Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear
Speech: Frequently express ideas by means of spoken words
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Occasionally operates equipment requiring moderate ability
Manual Dexterity: Occasionally operates equipment requiring moderate ability
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Inside/Outside: Work inside
Cold/Heat: Controlled
Wet/Dry: Controlled
Noise/Vibrations: Office equipment
Hazards: None
Fumes/Dust/Odors: None
Infectious Diseases: Low exposure
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Ability to read and comprehend written material.
Ability to understand basic mathematical and accounting concepts.
Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.
Ability to organize files.
Ability to comprehend and apply computer software principles.
Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in Public/Business Administration or related field and five years of related local government experience required. Master’s Degree in Public or Business Administration preferred; Must possess a valid Nebraska Driver’s license.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
This position has a thirty (30) minute response time by way of the most direct route from the employee’s permanent residence to the employee’s assigned work site and within posted speed limits.
Supplemental Information
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND WORK AIDS USED:
Copy machine, calculator, computer, telephone, and fax machine.
REMARKS:
The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.
Rates effective January 1, 2025 and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment.
Health and Dental Insurance: The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plan includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. Employee spouses’ who have health/dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City’s health/dental insurance.
Health/Dental (4 Tiers)
- Single Coverage $ 77.35 biweekly
- Employee Spouse Coverage $165.24 biweekly
- Employee Dependents Coverage $131.49 biweekly
- Family Coverage $192.74 biweekly
IdentityForce: Identity Theft Protection available, Employee/Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month.
Retirement: City contributes 6% if the employee contributes 6%.
Life Insurance: The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate.
Cafeteria/Section 125: Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines.
Deferred Comp: Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans).
EAP: Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents.
Long Term Disability: Long term disability insurance provided by the City.
Longevity: Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550.
Vacation: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hrs years 1 - 4; 120 hrs years 5 – 14; 160 hrs years 15 . New employees receive 40 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours.
Medical Leave: Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 40 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours.
Parental Leave: 3 weeks paid leave.
Personal Leave: 2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year.
Holidays: Twelve paid holidays per year.
Military: Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year.
Salary : $104,141 - $151,369