Join our Team
As an employer, we offer a wide range of rewarding jobs. Our employees take pride in their work and in making Traverse City the best it can be. The City of Traverse City has approximately 15,000 residents, but serves regionally as the economic hub. The City leadership and staff pride themselves in providing quality municipal services to residents, while implementing green initiatives for a more sustainable future through renewable energy goals, and identifying environmentally friendly solutions. Five strategic goals and objectives have been identified by the City Commission to address in the upcoming year; Housing, Transportation, Water-Related Infrastructure, Tax Revenue, and Economic Development. Learn more about the City in its annual report, The Performance.
The City of Traverse City is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. All employment actions are taken without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religious beliefs, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information or political affiliation. GME, GME-CT, POAM, and ACT employees must live within a radius of thirty (30) miles of the City limits 12 months from date of hire. Firefighters must live within a radius of twenty (20) miles of the City limits, measured from the nearest City limit 12 months from date of hire. We accept employment applications only for specific positions that are open and solicited. Unsolicited applications will not be accepted. By submitting the application via electronic means, the applicant acknowledges that his or her electronic signature on the application has the same effect as his or her original signature under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
The City of Traverse City is an equal opportunity employer. We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits to employees across multiple groups: Administrative, Confidential, and Technical (A.C.T.) — non-union; Police, Fire, GME, and GME-CT — union.
Time Off: We value work-life balance, which is why we offer multiple banks of time off to help employees recharge, take care of personal matters, and enjoy time with loved ones.
- Holidays: 11–12 days annually depending on group.
- Vacation: 80 hours annually (A.C.T., GME, GME-CT), 40 hours (Police), 72 hours (Fire); increases with service.
- Short-term leave: 56 hours annually (A.C.T., Police, GME, GME-CT) or 96 hours (Fire).
- Comp Time: Employees can choose comp time instead of overtime pay up to 40 hours to be used as additional time off.
- Personal leave: 16–24 hours annually, varies by group.
- Maternity Leave: 12 weeks of leave under FMLA for childbirth and bonding. Accrued paid leave may be used to maintain income during this time.
- Bereavement leave: 3–5 days depending on distance and relation.
- Jury Duty: Paid regular wages, minus court payment.
Medical:
- High Deductible Health Plan (Priority Health HMO HSA): Employer covers 80% of deductible and premium, employee covers 20%. The City also puts money into your Health Savings Account (HSA) every three months — totaling between $1,600 and $3,200 a year, depending on your plan.
- Alternative Co-Pay Plan: Another health plan option is available if you don’t qualify for an HSA.
- Opt-Out Incentive: If you have health coverage from somewhere else, you will receive $3,600 a year if you opt out of the City’s health plan.
Retirement: Pensions provide guaranteed lifetime income based on years of service and salary, while 457 plans let employees invest pre-tax dollars for retirement. Employees can benefit from both — ensuring a stable pension while growing extra savings through a 457 plan.
Pensions:
- A.C.T./GME/GME-CT: Defined Benefit Pension (MERS) 1.5% multiplier, vests after 6 years.
- Police/Fire: Act 345 Pension Plan — 2.0% multiplier, vests after 10 years.
457 Deferred Compensation:
- A.C.T.: City contributes 4% automatically, plus matches up to an additional 6%.
- GME/GME-CT: City contributes 6%.
- Police/Fire: City matches up to 2%.
Health Care Savings Plan: Helps employees save for medical expenses in retirement. Funds grow tax-free and can be used for healthcare costs like premiums, copays, and other medical expenses after leaving employment.
- A.C.T/Police/GME-CT/GME.: 2% employer contribution, 0.5% employee contribution.
- Fire: 2% employer contribution, 1.5% employee contribution.
Additional Perks:
- Tuition reimbursement available.
- Uniform, equipment, and meal allowances.
- Physical fitness incentives.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Longevity pay increases.
Dental:
- Delta Dental Coverage: Available to employees, with monthly costs that depend on your group and selected plan. Preventative care like cleanings, and exams are fully covered. Other dental work, like fillings or crowns, is covered 50–75%.
Vision:
- VSP Vision Coverage: Available to employees, with monthly costs that vary depending on your group and chosen plan. Annual eye exams have a $10 co-pay, and glasses or contacts come with a $25 materials co-pay. There are also allowances for frames and lenses.
Life Insurance:
- A.C.T. — Coverage at 2x annual salary, max $100,000.
- Fire/Police/GME/GME-CT — $50,000 term life.
Disability:
- Short-term: 66.67% of weekly earnings up to 26 weeks.
- Long-term: 60% of monthly earnings, up to $4,000 monthly.
Each group may have unique provisions. For complete details, refer to the respective labor agreements or policy guides.
Join the City of Traverse City — where your career comes with excellent fringe benefits, support, security, and growth opportunities.