Located on the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington, Jefferson County covers 2,183 square miles, stretching from Puget Sound to the Pacific Coast. The region offers incredible outdoor recreational opportunities, both on the sea and in the mountains, stunningly beautiful landscapes, and a uniquely vibrant cultural scene. Accessible by ferry or car from Seattle on the east side of Puget Sound, Jefferson County has maintained a historic character while embracing a progressive and creative way of life. With a population of over 33,000 residents, the county offers everything from a remarkable natural environment to the arts and cultural center of Port Townsend, the county seat. The City of Port Townsend is a picturesque seaport designated as a National Historic Landmark. The city has a population of approximately 10,500, though the city's spectacular festivals and other unique attractions bring over a million visitors each year.

Elected to four-year terms, the three-member Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners is the legislative authority of the county. In addition, Jefferson County citizens elect their Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, District Court Judge, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Superior Court Judge, and Treasurer to serve four-year terms. The County’s General Fund budget for 2025 is $30 million and the total budget is $84 million.

Under broad policy direction from the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the County, and coordinates programs and departments that include: Central Services (Facilities and Information Services), Community Development, Emergency Management, Financial Management, Human Resources, Public Works (Roads, Solid Waste, Parks, Sewer, Fleet), Public Health and WSU Cooperative Extension. This position facilitates administrative functions that cross departmental lines, assists the Board in developing policy, and oversees its implementation. The Administrator helps maintain good working relationships between the Board and other elected County officials and establishes team-based management processes to maximize collaboration in the County organization.

Education & Experience: A master’s degree in public administration or in a related field with 5 years of experience in managerial and executive level positions, or a bachelor's degree with 10 years of managerial and executive level experience is required. Any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered. The County Administrator will be required to live in the county within a 50-minute drive of the county courthouse.

Benefits include: Full medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. 11 paid holidays. 2 floating holidays. 21 to 33 days of personal time off (PTO), depending on length of service. Washington State PERS retirement. Deferred Compensation match up to 5%. Optional Flexible Spending Account. Employee Assistance Program.

For a complete position profile, full job description, and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com, click on "Open Recruitments" and then click the position title. For questions, call 206-368-0050. Jefferson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. First review of applications: March 23, 2025 (open until filled).