Public Administrator
A Public Administrator is a professional who manages government programs and agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. They play a crucial role in implementing public policy by organizing operations, setting budgets, hiring staff, and ensuring that agency goals are met. Public administrators are also employed in non-profit organizations, including hospitals and universities, where they undertake similar responsibilities. The role often involves conducting strategic analyses, overseeing policy changes, and serving as a liaison between policymakers and the organizations they represent.
Typically performing their duties in office environments, public administrators may work in busy government buildings or smaller local offices. They are seen as leaders who must navigate challenges, especially during budget constraints, to effectively deliver public services. Most public administrators hold at least a master’s degree in fields such as public administration or public policy, and they are equipped with strong communication and analytical skills. With a median annual salary of approximately $132,350 and a favorable job outlook, public administration offers a rewarding career path for those dedicated to serving the public interest.
Public Administrator
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Business, Management & Administration, Government & Public Administration, Hospitality & Tourism, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Interests: Public administration, public policy, budgets, operational and strategic planning, legislative policy
Earnings (Yearly Median): $132,350 per year $63.63 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 7% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Master's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Public administrators are federal, state, and local officials who manage government programs and agencies. They are also employed in many non-profit organizations, such as hospitals and universities. Public administrators are found in legislative bodies, foreign service, health care, and law enforcement, as well as other areas of government. Public administrators organize and maintain a program or office, hire employees, set budgets, establish program policies, and pursue agency goals. They are leaders who manage staff, conduct investigations and inspections, and perform other tasks that serve the public or an organization’s interests.
Work Environment. Public administrators perform the majority of their responsibilities in office environments within government agencies, state capitols, city and town halls, and other government buildings at the federal, state, and local levels. Public administrators also work in non-profit organization offices, as well as hospitals and institutions of higher learning. Federal public administrator workplaces are typically very busy environments with a large staff, while local government offices may have only one or two employees. The work performed is not physically demanding, although public administrators often must work late nights. Some public administrators who work in public safety organizations may be assigned to work long hours during emergencies. Work hours vary based on the size and nature of the agency or organization.
Occupation Interest. Public administrators use their knowledge of government in a managerial role that serves the public interest. They are found in every component of government, which includes, but is not limited to, social services, public safety, environmental protection, and education. Public administrators implement and execute the concepts and goals introduced in legislation, creating agencies and programs that will carry out legislative policy. Public administrators are seen as leaders of their respective organizations, ensuring that the goals and expectations of their superiors are fulfilled. In addition, public administrators (particularly those who work for government agencies) typically receive comparably strong employee benefits, such as health insurance and leave time, in addition to their salaries.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Public administrators are responsible for implementing public policy, such as a new law or regulation. They create an operational and strategic plan for the group, which includes goals, expectations, budgets, and staffing needs. In this arena, administrators are concerned with operations, pursuing maximum returns on any investments and expenditures made, and monitoring staff productivity. Public administrators also conduct strategic analyses of their respective programs and agencies, seek ways to improve efficiency and performance, and, when required to do so, oversee changes in policy and agency direction. Public administrators develop and implement equitable human resource policies that reflect the priorities of the entity that created their respective organizations. In times of budget constraints, public administrators often face the challenge of performing agency tasks and delivering services with limited staff and resources.
Public administrators serve as critical links between policymakers and the agencies they oversee. Administrators frequently interact with legislators, senior executives, and/or boards of directors. At legislative hearings, board meetings, and similar gatherings, administrators report the progress of their respective group and offer their insights on more effective ways to carry out public policy. Public administrators also often submit grant and public funding requests to legislators and other officials. As leaders of their respective agencies and organizations, public administrators frequently act as spokespeople, issuing statements and conducting interviews with local, state, and national media on issues of relevance.
Social Welfare Administrators (195.117-010). Social Welfare Administrators direct agencies or the major functions of public and voluntary organizations that provide services in the social welfare field to individuals, groups, and communities. They assume responsibility for the development and administration of standards and procedures related to personnel, including staff development, budget, and physical facilities.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Public administrators primarily work in office settings in government buildings and non-profit organizations. These settings include town and city hall offices, federal agencies, hospitals, and universities. Some public administrators, particularly in law enforcement and public safety, occasionally work in potentially dangerous settings, such as prisons and unstable countries.
Human Environment. Public administrators work with a variety of other professionals. Within their respective agencies, administrators interact with administrative staff, department heads, analysts, inspectors, project coordinators, university officials, and medical staff. Outside of the organization, they work with legislators, governors, boards of directors, policymakers, and the public.
Technological Environment. Public administrators must be competent in office and mobile technologies, office software, database systems, Internet communication and research, and smartphones. Agencies may also require public administrators to be familiar with technologies of specific relevance to their field, such as medical equipment, manufacturing facilities, and communications systems.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students are encouraged to take government, social studies, and history courses in order to become more familiar with government. They should also take accounting, business, and economics courses. Furthermore, English and similar subjects build much-needed skills in communication and public speaking skills.
Postsecondary. Most public administrators obtain an undergraduate degree in public administration, public policy, government, political science, or business. Some may bolster their undergraduate credentials with study of relevance to a particular field, such as international relations, healthcare management, public safety, urban planning, or finance. To increase their competitiveness as candidates, many individuals pursue master’s degrees in public administration or business management.
Related Occupations
− Auditor
− General Manager and Top Executive
− Real Estate Appraiser
Bibliography
"Administrative Services Managers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.
"Political Scientists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.