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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11092020 City Council Laydown - GovHR I / o 9 : o ,2 c> cam.,,,, L yJL, G o ✓ H R GovHR USA GOVTEMPS USA SEWARD, ALASKA CITY MANAGER Seward, Alaska (2,693) Beautiful and dynamic Seward, situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula,seeks a strong,collaborative,and visionary leader to become its next City Manager. Founded in 1903 as the ocean terminus of what is now the Alaska Railroad, Seward is not only known for its natural beauty but also as Alaska's only deep-water ice-free port with rail, highway and air transportation to Alaska's interior and major urban population centers. This strategically positions Seward for Pacific Rim maritime commerce. Seward is a progressive community with a year-round population of just under 3,000,that is served by Seward's electric utility,and a seasonal population exceeding 10,000,supplemented by arrival of two to three cruise ships per week during the season. Seward's citizens distinguish themselves through volunteerism and civic pride and involvement. The operations of the City of Seward are complex and broad in scope, including utilities, harbors,and ownership of health care facilities. Exciting challenges and opportunities to partner with other entities, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality and performance of the municipal organization await the next City Manager. The City Council seeks candidates who will exhibit a welcoming and collaborative approach with all constituencies. This is truly an outstanding and unique career opportunity for an experienced,well-rounded and professional municipal manager. The successful candidate will,without limitation, have the following qualifications and experience: • Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration or related field.Graduate degree in public administration or related field preferred. • Seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in council/manager municipal government, with five (5) years at a management level. Experience as a city manager, assistant city manager, or other executive level position preferred. Rural community and Alaska experience a plus. • Strong experience in budgeting and financial planning, utility management, public works, project management, human resources and employee relations, community development and economic development highly desirable. • Strong leadership, interpersonal,communication and team-building skills essential. • Knowledge and experience in emergency management, health care, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, maritime law,and marine operations desirable. Starting salary $125,000 +/- DOQ/E. Competitive benefits package including participation in the Alaska Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Alaska does not have a state income tax. Apply online with resume, cover letter and contact information for five (5) work-related references to Rachel Skaggs,Senior Vice President,GovHR USA at www.GovHRJobs.com. The recruitment for this position will remain open until the position is filled, with a first review of resumes on January 1, 2021. Click here to apply:https://www.govhrusa.com/career-center/ City of Seward,Alaska City Manager Ad Source List Ad Budget$2,500 ICMA $450 Govtjobs.com $ 199 LinkedIn $ 250 Local Government Hispanic Network $ 75 National Forum for Black Public Administrators $350 National League of Cities $350 Strategic Government Resources $ 50 Mountain Careers $ 79 Assoc.of Washington Cities(uses Jobnet) $200 Maine Municipal Association $ 75 League of Women in Government Free Alaska Municipal League Free teresa@akml.org League of Oregon Cities $ 80 Be A Hero/Hire A Hero $ 199 Greener Grass FREE Oregon City/County Mgt.Assoc.(OCCMA) Links to ICMA Washington City/County Mgt.Assoc. (WCMA) Links to League of OR Cities Alaska Municipal Management Assoc. Free links to AK ML United Latin American Citizens(Hire Latinos) FREE Ohio (OCCMA) FREE FCCMA(Florida) Free MN CMA(Charlene will post) FREE Municipal Management Association of Northern California Free Hotjobs.vet FREE Veteranjoblisting.com FREE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $2,357 49 ElGovHR USA GovTempsUSA Executive Recruitment for SEWARD, ALASKA CITY MANAGER GovHR USA is pleased to announce the `fix recruitment and selection process for City ,; Manager for the City of Seward, Alaska. "`` This brochure provides background information about the City of Seward and the municipal organization, as well as the % challenges. opportunities and expected , e qualifications for the position. If living and working in a dynamic, sophisticated and progressive community surrounded by natural _ . beauty interests you. submit a cover letter, di resume and contact information for five (5) , work-related references to www.GovHRJobs.com. .." 40004t.. ::Electronic submissions are required. The recruitment for this position will remain open ° M sit* ..1 until the position is filled, with a first review of bli. resumes on February 18, 2019. , Questions regarding this opportunity should , be directed to the Executive Recruiter working with the City of Seward: ,._.._ Rachel Skaggs, Senior Vice President GovHRUSA. LLC 630 Dundee Road. Suite 130 - - Northbrook, Illinois 60062 e_ :a y Cell: 815-303-2187 7 - .. Formal Applications should be submitted to: www.GovHRjobs.com •• - _ --- Additional information about the City of Seward can be >- .- _ .,.,. i,. found on the City's website: www.cityofseward.us. " "' 4pf St* -- ,'"N Seward,Alaska PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT • Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication and team-building skills essential. Seward, Alaska (2,693) Beautiful and dynamic Seward, situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai • Knowledge and experience in emergency management, Peninsula, seeks a strong, collaborative and visionary health care, environmental sustainability, renewable leader to become its next City Manager. Founded in 1903 energy, maritime law and marine operations desirable. as the ocean terminus of what is now the Alaska Railroad, Seward is not only known for its natural beauty but also as Starting salary $125,000 +/- DOQ/E. Competitive benefits Alaska's only deep-water ice-free port with rail, highway package including participation in the Alaska Public and air transportation to Alaska's interior and major urban Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Alaska does not population centers. This strategically positions Seward for have a state income tax. Pacific Rim maritime commerce. Apply online with resume, cover letter and contact Seward is a progressive community with a year-round information for five (5) work-related references to population of just under 3,000, an extraterritorial Rachel Skaggs, Senior Vice President, GovHR population of similar size that is served by Seward's USA at www.GovHRJobs.com. The recruitment for electric utility and is active in the community, and a this position will remain open until the position is seasonal population exceeding 10,000, supplemented by filled, with a first review of resumes on January 1,2021. arrival of two to three cruise ships per week during the season. Seward's citizens distinguish themselves through volunteerism and civic pride and involvement. The operations of the City of Seward are complex, "? sophisticated, and broad in scope, including utilities, harbors and ownership of health care facilities. Exciting challenges and opportunities to partner with other entities, - — improve service delivery, and enhance the quality and performance of the municipal organization await the next City Manager. The City Council seeks candidates who will exhibit a welcoming and collaborative approach with all constituencies. This is truly an outstanding and unique career opportunity for an experienced, well-rounded and professional municipal manager. COMMUNITY BACKGROUND Seward, pronounced"Soo-word," is situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. It is The successful candidate will, without limitation, have the surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains which following qualifications and experience: are blanketed with lush green vegetation, trees and alpine • Bachelor's degree in public administration, business wildflowers. Mt. Marathon is the western backdrop of administration or related field. Graduate degree in Seward with Harding Ice Field lined along the back, public administration or related field preferred. extending to the coast. Chugach National Forest, Kenai Fjords National Park and Caines Head State Recreation • Seven (7) years progressively responsible experience area are nearby. in council/manager municipal government,with five(5) years at a management level. Experience as a city Founded in 1903 as the ocean terminus of what is now the manager, assistant city manager, or other executive Alaska Railroad, Seward prides itself, not only on its level position preferred. Rural community and Alaska natural beauty, but as Alaska's only deep-water, ice-free experience a plus. port with rail, highway and air transportation to Alaska's interior and major urban population centers. This • Strong experience in budgeting and financial planning, strategically positions Seward for Pacific Rim maritime utility management, public works, project management, commerce. human resources and employee relations, community development and economic development highly Seward enjoys a beautiful and scenic natural Alaskan desirable. environment with numerous visitor attractions. The town City Manager offers day cruises, kayaking, fishing, abundant marine land-based and marine wildlife, coupled with immediate activities and wildlife, unparalleled recreation and is the access to pristine areas for hiking, mountain biking, terminus for the Alaska Railroad. Seward was named mountain climbing, cross country skiing, snow machining, All-American City in 1963, 1965, and 2005. camping, fishing, white water rafting, dog mushing, sea kayaking, cold water scuba diving and other outdoor Seward experiences a maritime climate with average activities make the City of Seward a year-round outdoor winter temperatures ranging from 17 to 38 degrees playground for all ages. Fahrenheit and average summer temperatures ranging from 49 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Average annual rainfall is 66 inches. Average annual snowfall is 80 inches. Seward's local economy is driven largely by the commercial fishing industry and seasonal tourism. Many of Seward's lodging facilities, restaurants and shops cater mainly to tourists, and open for business during the summer tourist season, generally mid-May through mid-September. Other major employers in Seward include the state-run Spring Creek Correctional Center, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development's AVTEC vocational school and the Providence Seward Medical and Care Center. Seward History In 1792, Russian explorer Alexander Baranof arrived by boat in what is now known as Resurrection Bay. Baranof remembered the sheltered waters of the bay when he ,Nor 411:14". chose a place to build the Phoenix, perhaps the first ship ,>" built on the west coast of North America, in 1793-1794. • - Syr 1 % Seward is named in honor of William H. Seward, ►�� President Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State. Secretary Seward was responsible for negotiating the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. Settlement of Seward is proud to be the home of the Alaska SeaLife Resurrection Bay began in the 1890's with the arrival of Center. The Center is the only facility in Alaska that Captain Frank Lowell and his family. The founders and combines a public aquarium with marine research, settlers of the town of Seward arrived in 1903 to build the education, and wildlife response. While primarily railroad. dedicated to marine research and education, the Center is the only permanent marine mammal rescue and On Christmas Day, 1908, gold was discovered on Otter rehabilitation facility in the state. The Alaska SeaLife Creek, a tributary of the Iditarod River. The Iditarod Center lies at "Mile 0" of the scenic Seward Highway on Trail began as a mail and supply route from the coastal the shores of Resurrection Bay. Visitors to its "windows to towns of Seward and Knik to the interior mining camps the sea" have close encounters with puffins, octopus, and beyond to the coastal communities of Unalakleet, harbor seals, sea lions, and other marine life while Elim, Golovin, White Mountain and Nome. Later, in learning about the work conducted both in the field and in 1925, the Iditarod Trail became a life saving highway for the Center's laboratories. epidemic-stricken Nome. Diphtheria threatened and serum was sent via dogsled to the western community. The Seward offers an unbeatable year-round quality of life and Iditarod now is a national historic trail, and is called the environment to attract residents, visitors and employees. "Last Great Race on Earth." Each year, an extremely The spectacular mountain and bay scenery, with abundant competitive dogsled race takes place over more than Seward, Alaska 1,150 miles from Anchorage to Nome. Mile 0 in Seward is THE MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION marked by a historical monument. Seward is a home-rule city located within the Kenai Seward was incorporated in 1912. In 1915, President Peninsula Borough. A full-service City, Seward operates Woodrow Wilson chose Seward as the main railroad route under the council/manager form of government. The into Alaska's interior. The fate of the railroad fluctuated for Mayor and six City Council members exercise all many years until the advent of World War II. During the legislative and policy-making powers of the City and war, Seward and its port prospered. Resurrection Bay perform all duties and obligations required by law. The became a strategic military port, and by 1944 the railroad City Manager is appointed by the Mayor and City Council. was one of the most prosperous in the nation. which also appoints the City Attorney and City Clerk. Year- round staffing is approximately 88 FTE. Seasonal In 1964, an earthquake measuring 9.2 on the Richter employment increases staffing to approximately 150 FTE. scale was centered 95 air miles northeast of Seward. The with the bulk of the increase occurring in the Harbor quake, several tsunami waves, and resulting fires severely and Parks & Recreation Department. damaged the town and the rail yards. Eventually both the town and railroad were restored, but rail service took The Kenai Peninsula Borough was incorporated in 1964 many years to recover. Remnants of that earthquake can as a second-class borough. An elected Mayor serves as still be seen along the waterfront today, with a movie the chief administrator of the Borough and works with an being shown at the Seward Library during the summer elected 9-member legislative assembly. on which Seward months. has one seat. The Borough is responsible for area-wide education, solid-waste management. planning and zoning. SEWARD AT A GLANCE taxation and assessment. Year-Round Population: 2,693(2010 Census); 2,831 (2017 estimate) Seasonal Population: ir, 10,000+; supplemented by visitors arriving by ship Incorporated: 1912 ' , City Budget: Approximately$38 million (2019) Land Area: osot 5}. �. 21.55 sq. mi. (14.11sq. mi. land; 7.44 sq. mi. water) 71 i*l , } '~ Total Housing Units: 1,086 (2010) ' Households: 928 (2010) r. , Average Household Size: 2.14 (2010) 'Ste t` � Average Family Size: 2.87(2010) t ,I 'PG-r 1 • tt� Median Household Income: $74,397 (2010) ` r* -- Mean Annual Temperature: 40.6°F - THE CITY MANAGER - - - ; The City Manager is responsible for administering the day- `� """" '� �'' to-day operations of the City of Seward. Working with a _ ++ professional staff, the City Manager ensures the provision '4 of services and enforces the policies established by the �+: .,� City Council. The City Manager's direct reports include the Assistant City Manager, the Chiefs of the Fire and r6 a "•,: i. .. ' Police Departments, and the directors of the Building, -.i i ;_ j � Community Development, Finance, Human Resources, id g�_ -'"" , Parking, Parks & Recreation, Library & Museum. Electric, -�; �=i Public Works and Harbor departments. e. The City Manager is required to reside within the corporate limits of Seward. City Manager Challenges and Opportunities • Addressing challenges in recruitment, compensation, development and retention of City staff, as well as Seward is a small community where big things are staff succession planning. happening. The next City Manager can expect to work closely with elected officials, City staff, and other • Helping to guide the organization and community community stakeholders on a wide variety of challenges through changes in the employee relations and opportunities, including: environment, including contract negotiations and • There is opportunity to create a new and positive possible opt-in under the Alaska Public Employment organizational culture in Seward, to build a high Relations Act(PERA). performing municipal organization and to significantly improve relations with the community. The effort will • Hazard mitigation and response planning, and involve strategic planning among elected officials, City emergency operations planning. staff and community stakeholders as well as staff and leadership development and team-building. • Developing and maintaining a sustainable City long- range T, financial plan and budget. There is an - , opportunity to enhance methodology and develop • :A. • ` more useful financial tools for the City Council, City r �. staff and public. • • Overseeing planning, development and completion of 1 j.. A significant municipal capital projects including Joe renovation or replacement of City buildings, drainage diversion projects and continued expansion of the Seward Marine Industrial Center(SMIC). • Working with the Alaska Railroad to support the replacement of the cruise ship and freight docks. CANDIDATE QUALIFICATION • Working with the Army Corps of Engineers to develop CRITERIA and implement a plan to replace the Lowell Creek Canyon water diversion works and outfall tunnel. The Seward City Council is seeking candidates with high integrity, a welcoming and collaborative approach, and an • Community and economic development opportunities orientation toward results to serve as the City's next City and initiatives to address housing availability and Manager. The following education, experience, expand housing stock, diversify the local economy management and leadership style factors have been and reduce the seasonal variation in economic identified as important for candidates to possess and activity. demonstrate. • Diversifying the community's energy portfolio through Education, Experience, securing access to natural gas and developing Knowledge and Skills alternative energy sources, including wind, geothermal, tidal and hydro. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in public Electric, water and wastewater utility planning, administration, business administration or a related field. • operations, billing transparency, system expansion A graduate degree in public administration or a related and upgrades. field is preferred. Candidates should have at least 7 years progressively • Review of the City Code to address inconsistencies, responsible experience in council/manager municipal adoption of the current editions of reference codes, government, with at least 5 years at a management level. and re-engineering the code enforcement process. Experience as a city manager, assistant city manager, or Seward,Alaska other executive level position is preferred Experience in Be a person who welcomes diversity of opinion, who a rural community is a plus, as is experience in an Alaska empowers staff and who seeks to build consensus. municipality. Be a professional who keeps the City Council and City Candidates must have strong interpersonal and staff informed on issues, initiatives and projects. team-building skills, strong oral and written communication skills, and strong public speaking and Be a person who is energized by challenges and brings a presentation skills. creative and results-oriented approach to solving problems; a person who thrives in a place where there is Candidates should have extensive experience in real opportunity to make things happen. municipal financial planning and budgeting, management of municipal utilities, municipal public works Be a person who leads with an open style, views administration, contracts and project management, and stakeholders as partners, and deals with all in a economic and community development. professional, fair, straightforward, and responsive manner. Candidates must have experience in municipal human Be a critical thinker able to distill information with clarity resources management including recruitment, and who provides considered advice and a steady voice. compensation, retention and development of staff, collective bargaining and succession planning. Be a person who believes in and has a history of organizational transparency and encouraging the Candidates must have experience in intergovernmental involvement and input of staff. relations at the State and Federal levels, including procurement and administration of grants. Be a person who embraces cultural diversity and is naturally collaborative, with a desire and ability to work Knowledge and experience in emergency management, effectively with all stakeholders. health care, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, maritime law and marine operations is desirable. Be a person who exhibits a calm, disciplined and communicative demeanor. Experience in a coastal community and an intermodal transportation environment is desirable. Have a management style that involves delegation of responsibility and authority, accountability for achievement of goals and objectives, while encouraging staff and helping them to be successful. vim.- •. ,, Be a patient, resilient, and visionary leader with the ability to focus on the "big picture", anticipate problems and opportunities, and understand current and past practices 406% ► without being constrained by them. • N. Be a good listener. y Be a person who meets people "where they are" and is committed to nurturing and developing talent in others. Be a person who will be visible and involved in the Management and Leadership community and who recognizes the value and importance Styleof"quality of life" resources and activities. Have a sense of humor. The City Council desires that Seward's next City Manager: Be someone who enjoys the outdoors and will relish the Be a person of humility who exhibits highest standards for opportunity to live and work in a truly amazing place. honesty and integrity. City Manager COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The starting salary for the City Manager is anticipated to be approximately $125,000, dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected. The City of Seward offers a competitive benefits package, including participation in the Alaska Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Alaska does not have a state income tax. Seward Citizens City Council Boards&Commissions City Clerk City Manager Crty Attorney Pbnnuq a Ia.00 Commas... Pat It Camra,r Adwso,0 aaord Natar[Presrrwtw,Commas+. PUBLIC WORKS COMMUNITY PUBLIC SAFETY FINANCE E NTERPRISE OPERATIONS MIS LIBRARY MUSEUM PARKS RECREATION DEVELOPMENT FIRE POLK E City Shop&Streets Budding Inspection Patrol,Dispatch,OMV Harbor&SMK Parks&Campgrounds 1 Municipal Emergency Animal Control Electric Teen Center& Buildings Preparedness I Teen Rec Room Water 3 Sower Volunteers.SVAC I Sports&Recreation Wens GovHR USA Ooa'emppUSA GovHR USA GOVTEMPS USA Seward, AK—City Manager Recruitment and Selection Process Proposed Schedule November 16th City Manager Ad is Posted December 31st Deadline for Resumes January 1 - 15 Candidate review, due diligence and video interviews conducted by consultants. January 22 Electronic recruitment report sent to Seward. Week of January 25th Recruitment Report reviewed with Seward and City selects candidates to interview. Early February Interviews for City Manager. Mid-February Second Interviews, if needed. March Appointment and Start Date. 630 Dundee Road,Suite 130,Northbrook,IL 60062 Local:847.380.3240 Toll Free:855.68GovHR (855.684.6847) Fax:866.401.3100 GovHRUSA.com EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT INTERIM STAFFING MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING