Los Alamos County - County Manager Recruitment Public Survey

To ensure the recruitment for the next County Manager is a success, the County Council is seeking your feedback. This short survey is designed to collect information to help identify the unique and important characteristics necessary for this position. Collected information will be used in designing interview questions and assessment activities that will assist in determining whether candidates possess the attributes being sought. This survey will be open until Thursday, May 27, 2021.

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* 1. What are the three most significant challenges/opportunities facing the County that will require the next County Manager's immediate attention?

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* 2. What are the five most important skills/abilities essential to the success of the new County Manager (check five boxes):

Assertive yet respectful in providing concise and sound recommendations to County Council, while also helping to accomplish the goals of the governing body in an innovative and creative way.

Background in economic and/or community development in order to promote downtown revitalization.

Bring considerable county management experience and the ability to provide innovative strategies to provide an array of services while dealing with the realities of budget constraints.

Brings familiarity with utility infrastructure and operations.

Open, honest communicator willing to be available to the Council, community, and county stakeholders.

Previous experience in a large single employer community.

Prior experience working with other government entities, particularly US Department of Energy, US Forest Service, U.S. Park Service, Native American pueblos and other similar agencies.

Skilled at building and maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

The ability to develop and effectively manage large/complex budgets (currently $240M)

The ability to make hard decisions, holding self and others accountable.

The ability to provide clarity to staff, and promptly provide accurate information to the County Council and County Staff.

The ability to set a clear vision and strategic discipline for the County staff and to help staff understand their role in achieving the vision.

The ability to work in a participatory democracy with a highly involved, well-educated citizenry with high expectations for service delivery.

The ability to act independently, as appropriate, to protect the County’s interests and keep the County Council regularly informed.

Values transparency and supports departments in providing information to requesting parties in a timely and effective manner.

Other (please specify)

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* 3. What are the five most important personal attributes that the new County Manager should possess to be successful in Los Alamos? (check five boxes)?

Calm and respectful in challenging situations

Collaborative

Commitment to job and the staff

Empathetic/understanding/compassionate

Enjoys interaction with staff at all levels

Flexibility and ability to deal with ambiguity

Follows through, consistent, dependable

Humility

Innovative

Inspiring, motivating

Managed risk taker, not afraid to make mistakes

Open/inclusive/welcoming/approachable

Passion/enthusiasm for providing the best in public service

Positive mindset

Professionalism

Resilient/thick skin/able to manage sometimes challenging political terrain

Respect and gratitude for staff

Respectful and commands respect

Sense of humor, good natured

Thoughtful and considerate

Transparent

Trustworthy/integrity

Other (please specify)

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* 4. What are five characteristics that, if exhibited by the next County Manager, would be most challenging to his or her success in the position (check five boxes)?

Does not possess the ability to say 'no' when necessary

Does not understand the history of Los Alamos and its strategic priorities

Doesn't understand community dynamics

Inability to bring together diverse perspectives toward a common goal

Inflexibility

Lack of experience managing a local government agency with budgetary constraints

Lack of New Mexico experience

Lack of vision and strategic priorities

Lack of economic and/or community development experience

Micromanager

Unable to make difficult decisions

Uncomfortable with outreach and engagement

Underestimates the full scope of the job and commitment required

Other (please specify)

Los Alamos County - County Manager Recruitment Public Survey

Question Title

* 1. What are the three most significant challenges/opportunities facing the County that will require the next County Manager's immediate attention?

Question Title

* 2. What are the five most important skills/abilities essential to the success of the new County Manager (check five boxes):

Question Title

* 3. What are the five most important personal attributes that the new County Manager should possess to be successful in Los Alamos? (check five boxes)?

Question Title

* 4. What are five characteristics that, if exhibited by the next County Manager, would be most challenging to his or her success in the position (check five boxes)?

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* 5. Other Comments