CITY ADMINISTRATOR

JOB TITLE: City Administrator

REPORTS TO: Mayor/Council

FLSA STATUS: Salary/Exempt

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Union

PREPARED BY: Tania Morelos, City Clerk DATE: February 10, 2026

APPROVED BY: Ken Johnson, Mayor DATE: February 10, 2026

SALARY RANGE: $151,000-$191,000 Annual DOE

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction and authority of the Mayor, the City Administrator administers, coordinates, and supervises the activities and functions of the City’s offices, departments, commissions, and boards in carrying out the requirements of City ordinances and the policies of the City Council, as provided in Othello Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 2.10. The City Administrator serves as the City’s chief administrative and liaison officer and assists the Mayor and City Council in the administration of City government. The position serves at the will of the City in accordance with OMC 2.10.020. ---

APPOINTMENT AND STATUS The City Administrator is appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by a majority of the City Council and may be removed by the Mayor with Council approval, consistent with OMC 2.10.020. The City Administrator serves at the pleasure of the City and is not subject to civil service or other personnel protections unless expressly provided by contract. ---

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are representative of the position and are not listed in order of importance. Other related duties may be assigned as necessary to meet the needs of the City.

Administration and Operations

· Under the direction and authority of the Mayor, supervise, administer, and coordinate the activities and functions of the City’s offices, departments, commissions, and boards to ensure compliance with City ordinances and adopted policies, as authorized by OMC 2.10.040(a).

· Regularly report to the Mayor regarding the status of assignments, duties, projects, and operations of City departments and programs, pursuant to OMC 2.10.040(b).

· Attend all meetings of the City Council and such other meetings as may be requested by the Mayor, consistent with OMC 2.10.040(g).

· Recommend for adoption by the Mayor and City Council such measures as deemed necessary or expedient for the effective operation of City government, as authorized by OMC 2.10.040(h).

Financial Management

· In cooperation with the City Financial Officer, assist the Mayor in the preparation and submission of the annual budget to the City Council and administer the budget following adoption, in accordance with OMC 2.10.040(c).

· Monitor revenues and expenditures on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the adopted budget.

· Supervise and audit departmental expenditures to maintain fiscal controls and remain within budgetary limitations, as provided by OMC 2.10.040(d).

· In cooperation with the City Financial Officer, keep the Mayor and City Council fully advised of the City’s financial condition and future fiscal needs, consistent with OMC 2.10.040(i).

Human Resources and Labor Relations

· Serve as Personnel Director, responsible for personnel records, employee benefits administration, payroll processing, and related tax reporting, as authorized by OMC 2.10.040(e).

· Attend and participate in labor negotiations and union meetings and maintain appropriate records of such proceedings, pursuant to OMC 2.10.040(e).

Purchasing and Contract Administration

· Supervise and coordinate purchasing activities for City offices, departments, commissions, and boards, as provided by OMC 2.10.040(f).

· Assist with the preparation, administration, and oversight of contracts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and City policies.

Public Works, Planning, and Community Development

· Act as oversight over Grant Administration and Project Management on all public works and capital improvement projects, including contract oversight, and project coordination, consistent with OMC 2.10.040(l).

· Assist the Police Chief, Building Inspector, Planning Department, and other City departments with the administration and enforcement of ordinances related to licensing, taxation, inspections, and development activities, as authorized by OMC 2.10.040(k).

· Assist the City Planner with zoning, annexation, and long-range planning efforts.

· Serve as the City’s Plat Administrator and SEPA Administrator, as assigned.

Community Relations and Compliance

· Investigate complaints related to the administration of City government and services, including public utilities, and ensure that franchises, permits, and privileges granted by the City are faithfully observed, consistent with OMC 2.10.040(j).

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution in public administration, business administration, engineering, or a closely related field.

· A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government management or a related public or private sector leadership role.

· Experience with public works projects, contract writing, project supervision, and grant administration is desirable.

· Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with elected officials, employees, contractors, and the public.

· Ability to exercise sound judgment, analyze complex issues, and make informed decisions.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in professional and occasionally challenging environments.

· Knowledge of principles and practices of modern municipal administration and management.

· Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations governing municipal operations.

· Knowledge of municipal budgeting, revenue and expenditure forecasting, and personnel management.

· Knowledge of land use planning, zoning, environmental review (SEPA), and platting procedures.

· Ability to plan, organize, and administer municipal operations with minimal supervision.

· Basic knowledge and skills on grant writing and administration.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

· Residency within the City of Othello is required unless waived by the City Council or addressed in the employment contract, pursuant to OMC 2.10.050.

· Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License within the first month of employment.

· Must be bondable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

· Primarily office-based work with frequent meetings and computer use.

· Occasional field work related to public works and capital improvement projects, including exposure to weather, construction equipment, and active job sites.

· Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, communicate verbally, and perform light lifting as necessary.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and does not constitute an employment contract. The City reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, and qualifications consistent with Othello Municipal Code Chapter 2.10 and operational needs.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the City Administrator and may evolve to meet the changing needs of the City. The Mayor/Council reserves the right to modify duties as required.

recblid rfkvr8ppam6f1x6hlwj4zu67xae2oi