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Los Alamos County is seeking a highly motivated, inclusive, collaborative, adaptable, and experienced leader with a forward-thinking outlook to become their next County Manager. Presently, the County is experiencing unprecedented growth, largely driven by the mission expansion of its largest employer, Los Alamos National Laboratory. For the right person, this provides an opportunity to shape how County services will evolve to meet the increased demands associated with such growth.
Los Alamos County comprises two communities: Los Alamos (~12,500 residents) and White Rock (~6,500 residents). Technically, both are part of the same incorporated city/county. About 190,000 people live within a 40-mile radius of Los Alamos County. Los Alamos National Laboratory is the largest employer in the County with more than 17,000 employees and an annual budget of $4.6 billion. More than 9,000 people commute to the laboratory from the surrounding area each workday. The laboratory supports high levels of job stability, income and education, with the highest number of PhDs per capita and a median household income of $123,677 per year. In addition, the county enjoys a low crime rate and gets high marks from residents who feel safe and secure. Los Alamos Public Schools offer a well-rounded learning opportunity for students in Pre-K through 12th grade with a 95% graduation rate. The University of New Mexico has a local branch in town and the community has a sizable, home-schooled population.
At 7,245 feet in altitude, Los Alamos is “big pine” country, providing a wealth of high-altitude recreational resources, including: Pajarito Mountain featuring downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding and snowshoeing in the winter, mountain biking in the summer and fall, and hiking year-round; Los Alamos County Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 course; Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center features a 50-meter, Olympic-size pool (used by Olympic athletes from around the globe), a therapy pool and a recreational Leisure Lagoon; Los Alamos County Ice Rink is the only refrigerated, NHL-regulation, outdoor ice rink in New Mexico; and more than 150 miles of County network and U.S. Forest Service trails traverse through and around Los Alamos. Los Alamos is also the gateway to three national parks: the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Bandelier National Monument, and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Los Alamos’ four-season climate, with annual temperatures averaging a high of 70 degrees and a low of 42 degrees, promotes exceptional recreation opportunities year-round.
Los Alamos is an incorporated county, established under a special provision of the state constitution, with both county and municipal authority and powers. Under the adopted home-rule Charter, the County Council is the governing body of the County. The Council consists of seven members elected at large, for four-year, staggered terms. The Council appoints the County Manager and the County Attorney. The Utilities Manager is appointed by the Board of Public Utilities, with the formal approval of the Council. Los Alamos County employs about 920 people (~ 770 FTEs).
The County Manager is appointed by and serves at the will of the County Council. Under broad direction from the Council, this position manages, directs, and integrates a wide range of complex and sensitive County services, often involving issues of significant visibility and substantial consequences for the County. This recruitment was initiated due to the upcoming retirement of the current County Manager who has served Los Alamos County for almost 3 years as manager, 28 years overall.
Successful Candidates should have:
- a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university In Public Administration, Business
Administration, or related field.
- at least ten years of experience in managing city or county government or a large department of a similarly sized organization, with at least five years of supervisory experience.
Preferred qualifications include a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field; experience as a city or county manager, or as an assistant or deputy city or county manager; and experience working in a community with one large employer or a large federal facility.
The successful candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain within the first 60 days of employment and must maintain a valid New Mexico Class D driver’s license. The selected candidate must establish and maintain residency in Los Alamos County within a time determined in consultation with the County Council.
The County offers competitive compensation with a salary range of $182,527 to $297,218 DOQ along with a comprehensive benefits package including: annual leave, sick leave, holidays, and a relocation reimbursement that is negotiable. The County also offers medical, dental, vision & mandatory life insurance, retiree health care authority, long term disability, Retirement: PERA (Defined Benefit Plan): Employer contributes 21.16% of base wages (Employee contributes 5.29%), Los Alamos County Employee Pension Plan (Defined Contribution Plan): Employer contributes 9.00% of base wages (Employee contributes 1.00%) and a voluntary contribution to 457 Plan (with 5% employer contribution).
Apply online with résumé, cover letter, and contact information for five (5) professional references. Applications are due by November 3, 2023. For additional information, contact Sarah McKee, Senior Vice President, 847-380-3240 x120.
Application Deadline: November 3, 2023
Posted: 2023-10-05
