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City Clerk Michele Nightingale oversees human resource functions. 

Current Vacancies

City Administrator - Position Profile

Located about 40-minutes northwest of Wichita, the City of South Hutchinson (pop. 2,500) is seeking a city administrator to continue the positive progress made over the last few years. The new administrator will inherit a city that arguably has the best balance sheet in its history and is in very stable financial condition.

The organization is very lean and flat with the city administrator being a very hands-on position. The successful candidate will be expected to wear many hats and will need to become generally proficient across a broad swath of service delivery areas.

They will initially need to focus their attention on five (5) main areas:

1. Comprehensive review and analysis of all codes, systems, and processes to continue push to become more efficient and effective
2. Securing additional water rights to allow for future growth
3. Ensuring state regulatory requirements pertaining to our wastewater system are satisfied
4. Develop a comprehensive and sustainable plan to maintain and/or update City’s facilities and infrastructure
5. Community development

The governing body is cohesive, works well together, and maintains a healthy and productive relationship with its current administrator. The governing body is very receptive to new, innovative ideas, and the successful candidate will feel empowered to pursue creative solutions.

Due to the population density and clustering of residents in the northeast section of Reno County, there are and will continue to be significant opportunities with respect to intergovernmental cooperation and collaboration between South Hutchinson, Reno County, and the City of Hutchinson.

South Hutchinson currently has an approximate budget of $7 million and about twenty (20) full-time employees. The police department is comprised of seven (7) full-time officers, including the police chief, and provides 24/7 coverage. The fire department is a volunteer/part-time hybrid. The public works department consists of six (6) full-time employees who also oversee the water and wastewater utilities.

Our water utility has an annual water allotment of 350 million gallons but produces approximately 300-325 million gallons of water from a groundwater system. One large commercial customer consumes more than 50% of our total annual billing.

Qualifications

The governing body is extremely flexible and willing to explore a variety of different types of candidates for this position, including those with non-traditional backgrounds and/or those without previous public sector experiences.

However, candidates must be able to communicate how their background and past experiences will help them find success in South Hutchinson.

Minimum requirements include:

• a bachelor’s degree and at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in local government; or
• ten (10) years of progressively responsible and transferable experience with a demonstrated track record of success that includes the direction and management of subordinates

Preferred qualifications include:

• a master’s degree in public administration or a closely related field

Residency Requirements

The successful candidate is required to live within 10-miles of the city limits within 12-months of start date.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $75,000 - $115,000, depending on qualifications. The City has one of the best health insurance plans in the state and other considerations are negotiable. City participates in KPERS, the state retirement system.

How to Apply

Resume packets will only be accepted electronically by Mayor Brian Garretson at: garretson@southhutch.com. Although the position will be open until filled, please apply by Monday, May 1^st to be considered during the first review of candidates.