Washington County this week announced that it will reopen its search for a new County Administrator. The County Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the County Government and is responsible for directing the day-to-day government functions.
The administrator is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners and is responsible for carrying out policies, orders, and instructions of the Board in the administration of public local and general laws. The administrator is also responsible for the supervision of Division Directors and various department directors and agencies.
The position has been open since late last year.
According to Herald-Mail Media:
“We made an offer (to a candidate). It was not accepted at that time,” Commissioner Cort Meinelschmidt said Wednesday afternoon. “We decided to open it up to everyone again.”
Jeff Cline, president of the commissioners, said reopening the applications is “being fair to all of the other candidates who applied.” He said county attorney Kirk Downey has been doing “an outstanding job” as the interim administrator for the past several months.
According to a County press release:
Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in public or business administration or related field and substantial senior-level leadership experience in private industry or local or regional government. Demonstrated experience with budget preparation and control, strategic planning, and a thorough knowledge of public administration principles and practices is also preferred.
Interested candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to public service and a proven history of excellent leadership qualities including, but not limited to, trustworthiness, honesty, creativity, assertiveness, humility, vision, diplomacy, tact, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. Residency in the County is required no later than six (6) months after acceptance of an employment offer.
The position is a Grade 22. A total compensation package will consider the candidate’s experience and expertise and will include benefits offered to all employees:
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance,
- Participation in the County pension plan
- Vacation, personal, holiday, and sick leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- The position is posted on the Washington County website, along with the following professional organization job search posting locations:
MACO
NACO
MML
ICMA
The deadline for mailing all candidate submissions is October 13, 2020.