Most public administrators work at least 40 hours a week. They often work overtime in order to meet deadlines. Inspectors who visit businesses may be away from their offices frequently. Others, such as auditors, are away from their offices for days or weeks at a time. Some administrators travel to other cities for meetings and conferences.
Some administrators attend meetings that are held in the evening.
They may be on call to department heads 24 hours a day to handle emergencies. Work environments may be relaxed or stressful. Most public administrators are in offices with a small number of employees. Chief executives spend a varying number of hours on the job. In small territories they may work less than 20 hours a week.