JOB DETAILS

Job Function: Chief Administrator (City Manager)

Credential: No preference.

Salary: $160,000 - $180,000 (DOQ / DOE)

Position Type: Full Time

Population: 3950

Where: 212 Chenega Street, Valdez, Alaska 99686

Form of Government: Council-Manager

Post Date: May 01, 2023. Application reveiw is open and ongoing.

Apply at https://www.valdezak.gov/jobs

Persons interested in this position must submit an online application, cover letter and current resume detailing size and scope of leadership and management experience.

This position will be responsible for department and services typically seen in both city and county/borough administration: Law Enforcement, Fire/EMS Services, Ports and Harbor, Public Works, Parks Recreation and Cultural Services, Capital Facilities, Human Resources, Finance, Planning, Information Technology, Communications, and Economic Development. The City Manager also serves as an Ex-Officio member of several Boards, Commissions, and Task Forces to include the Providence Community Advisory Board and the Permanent Fund Committee.

The successful candidate must have demonstrated leadership skills to assist elected officials in establishing a vision for the community. The successful candidate must also possess extensive knowledge of municipal operations and best practices to effectively create and direct strategies for implementation of Council priorities.  

The preferred candidate will have direct experience in the following Council priorities:

• Master Planning – The City has recently completed its Master Plan and Waterfront Plan and is currently working on Title XVII and zoning to align with the comprehensive plans.
• Housing – Council has identified increased housing availability, including affordable housing, as an urgent priority.
• Child Care Services – Council has identified childcare as a priority for the City.
• Emergency Management and/or ICS settings – the City is cultivating and reinforcing its ICS structure and capabilities for a variety of emergency scenarios.

Applicants will possess a bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field, and ten (10) years of progressively responsible management experience in public administration, or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job. Must have the ability to complete executive level ICS training within six months of hire date, if not already completed prior to hire. Must have the ability to furnish a bond as required by city council under Valdez Municipal Code.

SUMMARY

The City of Valdez, population 3950, located in south central Alaska on Prince William Sound, has a relatively mild climate which is attributed to the marine currents in, and weather generated by the Pacific Ocean. Its distinguishing characteristics are the incomparable rugged beauty of its natural mountain-ringed setting, its deep-water, ice-free access to magnificent Prince William Sound, and an extremely high average annual snowfall of almost 30 feet, the most of any other city in the world at sea level.

Although geographically remote, Valdez is reachable year-round by road. It is approximately 305 road miles east of Anchorage and 365 road miles south of Fairbanks. Valdez is the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System ("TAPS"). The assessed valuation of taxable property in the City is approximately 2.5 billion, with 90 percent of this valuation attributable to TAPS. Ninety percent of the City’s revenues derive from property tax.

Economy

The Valdez economy is dominated by transportation, mostly related to the transportation of crude oil. As America's northernmost ice-free port, Port Valdez is a deep-water fjord with depths greater than 750 feet. Approximately 7% of all U.S. oil - 80% of west coast oil - is transported through Port Valdez in the deep draught oil supertankers, with hundreds of shipments annually. Port Valdez is a major seaport with a $48 million cargo and container facility. Valdez processes cargo through one of the largest floating concrete docks in the world. The depth of the water in front of the Valdez Container Terminal is 50 feet.

The City has a developed tourism economy with approximately 70,000 people visiting Valdez annually, primarily in the summer months. Sport fishing and sightseeing are significant sectors of the economy. In addition, commercial fishing is a significant player in the overall Valdez economy, the fish processing plants located in Valdez are among the 10 largest employers of the community.

Valdez continues to develop winter tourism by promoting winter sports resulting from the abundant snowfall and proximity to the Chugach Mountains. Valdez is the birthplace of the World Extreme Skiing Championships with several Heli-ski operators currently providing this experience in Thompson Pass. Abundant snowmobiling opportunities have resulted in championship competitions in Valdez.

The Organization

Valdez is a home rule city that operates under a Council ­ Manager form of government. Policymaking and legislative authority are vested in the City Council consisting of the mayor and six council members. Council members are elected at-large on a nonpartisan basis for three-year staggered terms with elections every year. The council appoints and directs the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney.

The organization is a full-service municipality which includes functions commonly performed by County/Borough governments. The City Manager has twelve direct reports, and the organization employs 134 FTEs.  The City has an annual budget of $60M, and fund balances totaling $350M; $250M of which is held within its Permanent Fund endowment.

Salary range for this position is 160K – 180K + [DOQ / DOE]. Benefits include excellent comprehensive medical, dental, vision and life insurance, deferred compensation, public retirement system, and leave benefits. Terms of the contract are competitive and negotiable as part of the total compensation package.