City searching for new public works director

Kalispell is looking for a new public works director following the departure of Bill Shaw.

Shaw and the city parted ways in late March. Shaw, formerly the city manager of Columbia Falls, spent less than one year on the job.

Since then, Water Resources Manager Susie Turner has been filling in as the public works department’s acting director.

Turner said she hasn’t given much thought to whether she will apply for the job.

“For the time being, I’ll do what I can to help support the city. I guess we’ll see,” she said.

Public works is Kalispell’s largest department. It has a fiscal year 2011-12 budget of more than $17 million and 75-plus personnel.

The department oversees infrastructure design, water distribution, sewage collection and treatment, garbage pickup, storm sewers, fleet maintenance, budget management, construction management, street maintenance, traffic control and utility and facility planning.

According to its job posting, Kalispell is looking for a registered professional engineer with a degree in civil engineering, public administration or a closely related field and at least six years of professional civil engineering experience.

Kalispell is advertising the position with an annual salary range of $65,400 to $102,500, depending on qualifications.

The position will continue to be advertised until filled, with preference given to those who apply by May 1.

Reporter Tom Lotshaw may be reached at 758-4483 or by email at tlotshaw@dailyinterlake.com.