PORT TOWNSEND — The Port of Port Townsend will actively begin its search for a new executive director this week.
The new director will succeed Larry Crockett, 68, who has held the position for 17 years.
With Crockett’s input, port officials are now putting the finishing touches on the application packet, which includes a job description and five questions meant to determine the candidate’s qualifications and disposition.
The application period formally opens today with a posting on the port’s website, portofpt.com, as well as in local and regional newspapers and industry trade sources.
The application deadline is March 31. Crockett will retire June 1.
The job description does not include an annual salary range but should be between $115,000 and $140,000, according to a discussion at a Feb. 10 meeting.
Crockett earns $126,000.
No more work
While he will be available for consultation, Crockett said he will not work after his retirement.
“Once I go home on May 31, I will go home and not answer my phone,” he said.
Crockett said that if a new director is not in place at that time, the commissioners could name an interim director, such as Deputy Port Director Jim Pivarnik, Planning Analyst Eric Toews or Human Resources Director Abigail Berg.
“Jim is still here, Eric is still here, Abigail is still here. The sun will still rise and the sun will still set,” Crockett said.
“I have told the board they will never find the perfect candidate. There will be people who excel in some areas but are weak in others.”
Said Pivarnik: “It’s important that the commission gets it right rather than speed the process.”
He added that he was not interested in the director position.
If no candidate is selected, the port could hire a search firm, which Crockett said could cost between $30,000 and $40,000.
At the beginning of the process, Crockett recommended not hiring a search firm, both to save money and because it most likely would not be needed.
Crockett said that 50 to 75 people could apply for the position. He expects applicants will be narrowed down to four or five finalists.
Several area vacancies
“One issue will be, there are now several port director vacancies, such as Port Angeles, Kingston, Longview and Walla Walla,” Crockett said.
Karen Goschen is serving as interim executive director in Port Angeles. Ken O’Hollaren resigned from the position effective Dec. 31.
The Port of Port Townsend’s selection process will be confidential until finalists are named.
Finalists will be expected to participate in public meetings that include port stakeholders, the general public and the media, according to the package’s cover letter.
For more information, go to portofpt.com or call 360-385-0656.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
