Font ResizeIt's been nearly a year since York's deputy director for the department of permits, planning and zoning left her post, and the city is still looking for a replacement.
Kendra Hunter vacated the job last August, and the city didn't immediately look for anyone to replace her, said C. Kim Bracey, the city's community development director.
At the time, a consultant was evaluating the office, so officials wanted to see what the results were, Bracey said. The report revealed a number of problems, including customer service and lack of employee training.
City officials discussed reorganizing, and Don Raymond took over as acting deputy director, but he wasn't doing all of the duties of the old job.
The city decided to rehire for the position and began advertising it a few months ago. So far, no one meeting the minimum qualifications has applied, Bracey said.
The job has been advertised in York newspapers, in a trade publication for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, on www.governmentjobs.com and on the city's Web site, said Randy Helt, deputy business administrator for human resources.
Bracey said it's not easy to find people with skills required of the job.
The city wants "somebody a little seasoned in the field, with some experience under their belts, to manage and oversee the entire operation," she said. "We're hopeful we'll find it."
But the salary range, listed as $48,971 to
Helt said the city has to be careful to find the right person. Hiring the wrong one could cost more, if officials have to start the hiring process all over again.
"You want to find the best qualified person you think will be successful in the job," he said.
Bracey said it's not an impossible task. But, she said, if a candidate can't be found, splitting up the position might be an option.
Other key positions, such as the city planner, are empty, too.
"We're managing with the assistance of our contracted resources," she said, pointing to the planning firm JMT and Guardian Inspection Services. "I don't think it's prudent to our city taxpayers to continue that operation forever. It's expensive to pay for professionals this way."
amason@ydr.com; 771-2048
THE JOB
The minimum requirements to be the city's deputy director of permits, planning and zoning are:
--- bachelor's degree in public administration or a minimum of three years of experience in a related field;
--- experience in government administration;
--- some experience with building codes, property inspections, planning or a similar field; and
--- minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
The required skills and typical work are detailed on the city's Web site. Visit www.yorkcity.org and click on "Employment Opportunities."
