Pros
Above-average pay and health costs, lots of time off, no complaints when it comes to benefits, easy to network and apply for other jobs internally(since no one watches what you do and you can waltz around the building chatting without any ramifications)
Cons
Typical political environment filled with favors to an elite (unqualified) few. Terrible work environment. Lots of gossiping and negativity. I don't think many people like their job, they are just waiting until they can be fully vested in their pension so that they can get out - I couldn't even make it that long. Many workers are extremely lazy and/or don't have any work to do. Most non-public safety departments could probably cut 1/3 of their staff and not even notice it. Extremely relaxed atmosphere with little guidance by upper management. Upper management positions are given out/created as political favors rather than by their merit and most of the time have never worked in anything related to the department they are supposed to oversee. Not only do they not know what their department does, but many also are incredibly pompous and have never managed before.
