Description

THE POSITION:

Under the general direction of the Commission, the Executive Officer of the Placer Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is an at-will employee responsible for carrying out the Commission’s administrative and advisory functions. The Executive Officer oversees the daily operations of the Commission, supervises staff, and serves as the primary liaison between the Commission, governmental agencies, and the public.  

Established in each county under State law, a Local Agency Formation Commission operates independently from the County, cities, special districts, and the State to regulate the boundaries and service areas of the cities and independent special districts within the County.  The Commission is also responsible for preparing municipal service reviews, spheres of influence, and other studies to evaluate opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local governmental agencies.  Presently there are six cities and 20 independent special districts in Placer County.

In performance of the job, the Executive Officer will:

• Research, analyze and evaluate data and information such as population, land use, transportation and availability of public services in consideration of jurisdictional boundary changes. 
• Meet with interested parties and agencies to resolve technical, policy, philosophical and political concerns. 
• Prepare and present reports, including alternatives and recommendations, to the Commission regarding requests for incorporation, annexation, detachment or consolidation.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize and direct LAFCO activities including development and preparation of the Commission meeting agenda.
• Confer with and advise the Commission on a regular and ongoing basis regarding legal questions pertaining to its powers, duties, functions and obligations.
• Attend meetings of the Commission.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the LAFCO work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Prepare the LAFCO budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administer the approved budget.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of LAFCO.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, elected officials and staff of all local governmental agencies and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Attend all Commission meetings and represent the Commission before various public and private policy making boards and agencies; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary, especially with regard to preparation of applicant proposals.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, outside counsel and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

To apply, email a cover letter, a resume, and responses to the supplemental questions, so that they are received no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 17, 2026, to Joe Serrano, joe@santacruzlafco.org. You can access the flyer by clicking on this link. To inquire about the position, please contact Mr. Serrano via email or phone at (831) 454-2055.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Placer LAFCO is dynamic and highly regarded commission known for addressing complex public policy and governance issues affecting local agencies and communities. The Executive Officer position offers an excellent opportunity for a professional who enjoys working with Commissioners, other local elected officials, governmental managers, and the public to develop thoughtful and innovative solutions to local government service and boundary issues.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, urban or regional planning, or a closely related field.
• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in a public agency performing administrative analysis, financial analysis, or professional planning work, including at least two years supervisory responsibility.
• A successful record of working in a policy position supporting an elected or appointed governing board of a public agency.
• Strong political acumen and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with public officials, staff, and stakeholders.
• A detailed knowledge of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act and the California Environmental Quality Act.
• Experience processing annexation and other jurisdictional boundary change applications.
• Knowledge of local government budgeting, financial analysis, and administrative systems.
• Possession of a California driver’s license or willingness to provide suitable transportation.

The Commission will consider applications from candidates who may not meet every element of the ideal qualifications. However, the successful candidate is expected to have substantial knowledge and experience with the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act and the California Environmental Quality Act, or the ability to quickly demonstrate proficiency in these areas.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS:

Please respond to the following questions using no more than a few paragraphs per question. Responses must be included with the signed application. 

1.     Budget & Organizational Management

Describe your experience developing and managing a governmental budget. Include the size of the budget and funding sources, as well as your role in monitoring expenditures and ensuring fiscal accountability. Provide an example of how you have identified operational efficiencies, communicated budget challenges to a governing board, and implemented improvements.

2.     Planning & Policy Judgment

Explain how your background in planning, public administration, or related fields has prepared you to interpret and apply complex landuse, governance, and servicedelivery policies. Provide an example of a situation where you evaluated competing policy considerations and presented a recommendation to a governing body that required careful judgment and clear explanation to reach a defensible recommendation.

3.     CEQA & Risk Management

Describe your experience with compliance under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including the most complex project or proposal you managed or reviewed. Explain your role in ensuring legal defensibility and how you communicated CEQA-related risks, requirements, or constraints to decisionmakers and the public.

4.     LAFCO or Equivalent Boundary/Service Review Experience

Describe your experience preparing or analyzing LAFCO proposals or similar boundary, service, governance, or interagency coordination projects. Highlight the most complex case you worked on and your role in navigating agency interests, resolving issues, or developing a path forward. 

5.     Intergovernmental & Stakeholder Relations

LAFCO decisions often involve multiple public agencies, elected officials, and community stakeholders with differing priorities and perspectives. Provide an example of a situation where you facilitated discussions among stakeholders with competing viewpoints. Describe how you maintained neutrality, ensured all perspectives were heard, and helped achieve a successful outcome.