There appears to be no single strategy for finding a local government position. In Philadelphia, for example, you can go to an Application Center to look at job listings, apply for positions, and if qualified take a City Civil Service test. If you pass, your name will be added to a list of eligible candidates and stays there for up to two years unless you are hired. County government positions in the Philadelphia area most likely require you to take a State Civil Service exam. In smaller municipalities, some county government positions will require the State Civil Service exam while others require your completing a standard application.
Research is the key to a successful job search campaign in local government.
Locate the agencies and departments in which you are interested and contact them to learn about the application procedures. One of the best sources of information to begin with is the telephone book for the area in which you are interested. The blue pages contain information on the municipal and county government agencies for that area. A local public library should also have information on file. Krannich, R.L. and Krannich, C.R. 1990.