Search for new county manager begins

At its regular session, Jan. 15, the San Juan County Council okayed the start of the county manager recruitment process. The council has selected the Prothman Company of Issaquah to serve as its agent and to coordinate with County Human Resources personnel. The council directed Prothman and county staff to make a special effort to find qualified local candidates for the job as part of their recruiting efforts.

The council has asked for community input at its Jan. 29 meeting about the knowledge, skills and abilities to seek in the search for the new county manager. The input will be used in refining the job description for the County Manager position and developing a community profile for the recruitment.

The recruitment and review of candidates will be led by the current council and involve the candidates who are now running for the three-member council along with representatives of the community and county staff.

The current plan would have the process completed in time for the members of the new council to conduct final interviews and select the county manager on their first day in office, May 13.

Since the departure of former County Administrator Pete Rose in June, 2012, Robert W. Jean has served as the head of the county’s administration; first as county administrator pro teem, then as interim county manager after voters approved charter amendments which passed executive authority to the county council.

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