Human Resources

About Grand Haven

The Grand Haven area and Northern Ottawa County is one of the most historically significant areas in the state of Michigan, with its history dating back over 300 years. This lakeshore town has a 1.5 mile boardwalk that spans from downtown Grand Haven to Lake Michigan. The City has a population of 11,000, giving the city a small town feeling while still giving residents and visitors plenty to explore and experience.

Each year this area welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to its vacation playground. Grand Haven boasts the name “Coast Guard City, USA” as it hosts an annual Coast Guard Festival that attracts 580,000 people each year.  The convenient location and never-too-warm summer climate have made it a mecca for sportsmen and vacationers. Even though the area comes alive in the summer, there is plenty to do in the fall, winter, and spring through the thousands of acres of parks, including downhill skiing at Mulligan’s Hollow. Grand Haven is truly a pleasant place in which to live and visit.

About the City

The City has eight departments, which are City Council, City Manager’s Office, Finance, Department of Public Works, Department of Public Safety, Community Development, Airport, and City Clerk. There are also several affiliates, such as the Sewer Authority, Main Street, Northwest Ottawa Water System, and others. We have around 200 employees that are resident and visitor-orientated and provide the best service possible. The city has an operating budget of $47 million.

Purpose and Values

What is the purpose of city government?

It’s a group of people responsible for their community to generate growth (population and economic gains) and manage resources. That is what the city employees have been charged with doing and we intend to do our best!

• We value diversity - We welcome, honor, and respect the differences between us all.
• We value ethics - We strive to do the right thing, even if it’s hard.
• We value professionalism - We are qualified, skilled, and committed to our citizens and visitors.
• We value respectfulness - We respect each other’s values, differences, and contributions.
• We value service - We value our citizens and visitors so we empower our employees to solve problems.

Why Grand Haven

The City of Grand Haven is home to a number of attractions, historical downtown, events, outdoor activities, restaurants, shops, and so much more. The cozy, quaint town provides a small community feel in the winter and fall months with a city like feel in the summer and spring months. Grand Haven has many fun, exciting festivals and attractions to visit year round as part of the tri-cities community. Such as Coast Guard Festival, Salmon Festival, Side Walk Sales, Winter Fest, etc.

Enjoy a day along the waterfront, dinner at a local restaurant, or night out on the town. Soak in nature at a number of local and state parks within Ottawa County area. Visit the South Pier and walk along the boardwalk while enjoying local stores and food stops along the way. You might even catch a glimpse of the famously photographed, lighthouse in magazines or Michigan photo contests. All reasons why there is truly no better place to live than Grand Haven.

With just 35 miles from Grand Rapids, largest city nearby, it is great for a day or over night trip. Or plan a day trip along the lake shore of Lake Michigan as Grand Haven is one of many small lake town destinations.

Why Work For Us

The City of Grand Haven offers a wide range of career opportunities in its departments. You will find the culture to be a positive, inclusive, and creative atmosphere with the ability to grow in your career and expand on interests you have. Each employee here is valued as an involved individual who loves their community and is dependent on the success of their city.

Working for the City

If you also believe in our purpose and values, we would love to have you join our team. 

 Employment Opportunities

We regularly have our wages reviewed to ensure we are able to attract and retain the best talent, without compromising tax dollars.  Our benefits include:

• Retirement pension
• Retirement Defined Contribution account with a contribution match
• Health Care Savings Plan with a contribution match
• Health and dental insurance (premium share with the city)
• Vision stipend
• 457 retirement account and ROTH IRA are available
• City paid short and long term disability plans
• Life insurance, along with the option to purchase additional
• And more!

Apply for careers with the City of Grand Haven

 Employment Opportunities

Career Options:

• Administrative Support  
• City Management    
• Community Development
• Custodian  
• Finance
• Grounds Keeping 
• Human Resources
• Law Enforcement
• Mechanic
• Public Works
• Seasonal Work

The City of Grand Haven respects, values and celebrates the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make people who they are. The pillars of equity, diversity and inclusion are vital to a vibrant community, and we believe that bringing diverse individuals together and encouraging all voices to be heard allows us to build a stronger community. The City of Grand Haven upholds these pillars as crucial to healthy people and a healthy community.

The City of Grand Haven is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

If you would like to receive your Form 1095-C for the 2024 tax year, you can request the form by one of the following means below. Please include your legal first and last name, the address you would like your form sent to and a phone number or email to contact you at if we have any questions.

• Send a request to the City of Grand Haven at the below address
  City of Grand Haven
  Attn: Human Resources
  519 Washington Ave
  Grand Haven, MI 49417
• Email us at hr@grandhaven.org
• Call us at (616) 847-4893

Organizational ChartPersonnel PolicyEEO Utilization ReportTitle VI Non-Discrimination Plan