Life at the City of Boston
Learn more about who we are, what we do, and how we grow at the City of Boston.
-
-
1 City Hall Square
Room 612
BOSTON MA, 02201 -
OFFICE HOURSMonday through Friday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Our Values
Values
Putting People First
We believe the future of our city depends on the success of each individual. Our charge is to see every person and listen. To meet people where they are — by getting City Hall out of City Hall into our neighborhoods, block by block, street by street.
Always Growing
When we make City Hall more accessible, we are all raised up. When we communicate in many languages, we all understand more. Boston is constantly changing — sometimes rapidly, and sometimes through persistent effort — but with everyone’s inclusion and participation, we believe, ever for the better.
Commitment to Service
City government is special. We are the level closest to the people, so we must do the big and the small. Every street light, every pothole, every park, every classroom lays the foundation for a better future. We'll tackle our biggest challenges by getting the small things right.
Diversity and Inclusion
Our Workforce By the Numbers
Employee Resource Groups
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are independently organized, led, and governed by City of Boston employees. These community-driven groups provide support and make an impact in and outside the workplace.
What value do ERGs bring to THE CITY OF BOSTON?
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) build a sense of community and belonging for employees. They connect people in a social and professional way and encourage interaction between employees.
- ERGs empower employees by giving each group a collective voice to speak with decision makers and management. Groups are also empowered to assemble and voice concerns as a community.
- ERGs support learning and development by offering formal and informal leadership opportunities and creating visibility for employees who are active.
- ERGs also provide a resource for leadership and decision makers regarding staff and community issues, needs, and policies.
Active ERGs at the City of Boston
Work-Life Well-being
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource for City of Boston employees, their family, and retirees to restore and initiate well-being in work and life. The service is available regardless of position or length of employment. It's confidential, and available at no cost.
Work and Life Benefits
VOLUNTARY INSURANCE
Other insurance providers offer short and long-term disability. They also offer optional life insurance and critical illness coverage. Please be advised that these benefits are not administered by the Health Benefits Office.
MBTA PASS PROGRAM
You can buy an MBTA pass and have the cost deducted from your payroll before taxes. Public School employees who work at 26 Court Street can buy Charlie Cards through the same program.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Flex Spending lets you deduct pre-tax money for out-of-pocket medical expenses, dependent care, and transportation.
PAID TIME OFF and HOLIDAYS
We offer paid time off based on your position and years of service at the City. We also offer generous holiday benefits and paid holidays to all full-time employees.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
We have a number of leave programs, depending on the situation. These programs can be paid or unpaid.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
Eligible City of Boston employees may be granted up to 12 weeks of compensated time off for the care of and bonding with a child added to their immediate family.
SICK LEAVE REDEMPTION
You can redeem unused sick days for a lump sum of cash. You can only redeem them if you've used less than five sick days in the last year, ending on December 31.
SICK LEAVE POOLS
Employees in certain roles can donate sick days into a pool on a yearly basis.
Learn more about benefits available to City workers and retirees.
More Work-Life Well-Being Resources
At the City of Boston, we understand that well-being extends beyond physical health. To be our best selves, we need to focus on all aspects of our well-being, including, physical, mental, financial, and social.
The Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) City Hall Childcare Program provides nurturing and affordable care to children...
City workers are welcome to join the City of Boston Credit Union. The credit union offers competitive interest rates, club...
This free, convenient resource is available for anyone looking for privacy to breastfeed or pump during normal business hours...
Learning and Development
Educational Advancement Opportunities
COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADS SCHOLARSHIP
If you have already earned your associate degree from one of six participating Massachusetts Community Colleges, you may be able to earn a scholarship to attend and receive a bachelor’s degree from Boston University.
UNION TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAMS
According to your Collective Bargaining Agreement, you may be eligible for tuition reimbursement through your union.
EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The City partners with Boston University and Northeastern University in providing a limited number of full-tuition scholarships to qualifying City of Boston employees pursuing graduate degrees or certificates each year.
“A graduate program was the only way for me to achieve the credentials required to become a licensed social worker, but it is time-consuming and expensive. I truly appreciate the City's willingness to invest in me.”
—CAROL HOUGHTALING, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTEmployee Training Programs
New Hire Orientation
The virtual, four-hour program is held over two days each month. New hires are enrolled within their first month at the City. During the program, employees:
- meet their new hire “class"
- hear from City leadership, and
- explore their health benefits, retirement options, the EAP, and the City’s Diversity and Inclusion work.
Leadership Summit
During this collaborative, three-day, virtual experience, City of Boston managers and supervisors:
- explore traits of successful leaders
- build crucial leadership and communication skills, and
- chart their course for leading the City's workforce.
Technology Training
Our Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) team creates and provides online and in-person group and one-on-one training for City of Boston employees and teams. Free classes are available in:
- project management
- Microsoft Office
- the Google Suite, and
- much more.
Early Careers
You’re looking to make an impact while developing your career. We’re looking for the next generation of City leaders to build Boston’s future.
WHY SHOULD YOU START YOUR CAREER AT THE CITY?
- You want meaningful and challenging work.
- You want to make a difference in the communities where we work, live, and play.
- You want to learn from colleagues who inspire and believe in you.
- You want to join people from different cultures and backgrounds brought together to effect positive change.
Early Career Opportunities
Internships
Internships are most often offered to students, and sometimes new graduates, to experience a professional work environment. Internships provide hands-on work responsibilities and opportunities to learn more about roles and career paths at the City of Boston.
Fellowships
A fellowship is a training and research opportunity that provides professional development to research or study a subject area. Candidates for fellowships are often graduate or post-graduate students, but may be at any stage of their career.
Youth Summer Jobs
The City’s SuccessLink Employment program offers a variety of youth and young adult summer jobs at nonprofits, community-based organizations, and City agencies. Youth workers are paid hourly and participate in professional development programming throughout the summer.
