Careers with Palo Alto
Why a Career with the City of Palo Alto?
A career in public service at the local level, such as the City of Palo Alto, is challenging and meaningful work. We offer a variety of career paths that relate to building and improving communities. The City has fourteen departments employing 1,000 full-time staff. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts and library professionals enhance community life. Utilities provides electric, gas, water, sewer and other services. Internal services departments help manage, staff, and protect the City.
Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationwide as innovative and well-managed. Palo Alto is one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. Recently, Palo Alto became one of the most livable cities in the U.S. by Livability.com. It's the only city to receive the Platinum Beacon Award in sustainability best practices by California’s Institute for Local Government.
Public service allows you to see the fruits of your labor.
Find Open Career Opportunities
Learn more about applying for a job with the City.
City Perks
Generous Retirement Package
The City offers great retirement benefits. Our retirement plan, administered by CalPERS, calculates your retirement benefit based on a specific formula. The City also offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to help you save and invest for your retirement.
CalPERS Pension Benefits Retirement Savings 457
Paid Parental Leave
The City offers a variety of time off options, including paid time off as you recover and bond with your baby.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Remote and Flexible Work Schedules
Depending on job assignment, the City offers employees flexible work schedules. Some schedules may include remote work days.
Summary of Benefits
Commuter Programs
The City offers a collection of commuter benefits to fit the needs of each commuter. Whether you walk, bike, take transit or carpool, there is a benefit for all.
Commuter Benefits
Wellness and Counseling Services
The City offers you and your family free and confidential counseling services to support you through many types of life situations.
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) Benefits