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GATESVILLE – The search is officially underway for a new Gates County Manager.

At a workshop here last week, the Gates County Board of Commissioners approved the wording of a job description and general statement of duties for prospective managers they hope to interview for the position.

The manager’s job became vacant on Oct. 21 where, at a regular meeting of the commissioners, Natalie Rountree was fired from the position she had held since July 2014. Rountree was fired without cause and the commissioners agreed to pay her a lump sum severance package of $50,772.42. That amount includes $9,604.68 for her accrued vacation leave as well as her health insurance for the months of November, December and January at $716.24 per month.

In addition to the traditional duties entrusted to a county manager, the Gates County Commissioners made it clear in the wording of the job description that they are looking for someone who would work with them “to develop consensus on a clear vision of the future for the community and the organization, [and] coordinate and work with the commissioners on planning and policy development to put this vision into effect for county services.”

Also, as discussed at a special called meeting on Oct. 28, the commissioners are seeking a manager who not only has a thorough knowledge of local government management and administration, but also possesses experience in economic development, grant writing, and tourism.

“The preferred candidate will have experience as a county or municipal manager, assistant manager, planner, tax administrator or finance officer,” it states in the job vacancy listing.

That listing will be advertised on Governmental Email listservs (Finance Officers, County Planners, County Managers, Clerks, Tax Assessors, Property Tax), in newspapers (print and online), via professional organizations (the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and the NC League of Municipalities), and on Facebook, the Gates County government website, NC Works, and through regional chambers of commerce.

The position requires graduation from a four year college or university with a major in public administration, business management, or related field and considerable broad management experience with a public sector organization, with a strong preference for local government management experience; graduate degree in public administration or related field strongly preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Upon employment, the new manager will be required to reside in Gates County.

A complete job description and application can be found on the Gates County website (www.gatescountync.gov). Submit letter of interest, resume, salary history and work-related references along with a completed county application in confidence to: Melissa Lawrence, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, PO Box 148, Gatesville, NC 27938; (252) 357-2411 or emailed applications to mlawrence@gatescountync.gov.

The position is open until filled.