Bergles had the job less than two years
By Ed Nadolski
Editor in Chief
The City of Burlington is searching for a new public works director in the wake of the pending departure of current Director Jim Bergles.
Bergles will return to the Village of Waterford to replace the retiring DPW director. Prior to coming to Burlington, Bergles was assistant DPW director in Waterford.
He served in Burlington for a year and a half, which means this is the third time in five years the city is seeking a new DPW leader.
Bergles’ departure comes at an inopportune time for Burlington with the city involved in several large public works projects, including the reconstruction of Kendall Street, the construction of a new swimming pool and a new radium removal system for one of the city’s municipal water wells, according to City Administrator Carina Walters.
“I was a little surprised since we’ve got so many projects going on right now,” she said of Bergles departure.
Bergles said his decision came down to the fact the position in Waterford suits him better.
“Even though Burlington is a great city with a lot going on, I just feel that Waterford is a better fit for me,” he said Tuesday.
The last day for Bergles, who gave the city a month’s notice, will be July 5. He is paid $83,000 annually in the position.
Bergles succeeded Craig Workman, who departed in the summer of 2015 after two and a half years on the job.
During that search, the city spent $20,000 on a consulting firm to find and identify the finalists for the post.
This time, according to Walters, the city will conduct its own search.
That effort started earlier this month with advertisements that will be circulated in several state and national municipal management publications.
Once city staff identifies leading candidates, the city will likely conduct a two-day assessment center, which will include interviews with the candidates and testing to gauge their skills.
Walters said the process will be similar to those used by consulting firms.
“You really want to capture how that individual thinks and his or her personality,” she said.
Walters said she was not aware of any internal candidates who are qualified or may seek the position.
According to the job posting, the city is seeking candidates with at least five year’s DPW supervisory experience with increasing responsibility in a community similar to Burlington. A master’s degree is preferred.
The annual salary range for the position is $83,574 to $107,452.
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