The County Administrative Officer shall be a graduate of a college or university with a bachelors degree in public administration, business administration, government, political science or a closely related field. A masters degree in public administration is desirable. The County Administrative Officer shall have seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in City or County government with at least three (3) years experience in a county at a senior management level. The County Administrative Officer shall possess the following knowledge and abilities: thorough knowledge of modern principles of public administration, organization, and management; thorough knowledge of administrative survey principles and techniques; wide knowledge of the principles and practices of governmental budgeting; knowledge of the powers, limitations, organization, methods, and financial problems of County government; wide knowledge of the principles of personnel management; wide knowledge of the principles of effective public relations; knowledge of the Federal and State programs applicable to local government; ability to analyze and make recommendations on administrative and technical problems; ability to interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, rules, and regulations; ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of others; ability to prepare and present comprehensive reports and recommendations; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with public officials, administrators, employees, and the public; and skills in coordinating the activities of administrative officials while encouraging their development and administrative ability. (§ 3, Ord. 406, as amended by § 1, Ord. 782, eff. September 1, 1977, and § 1, Ord. 1090, eff. March 23, 1989)