Following Chehalis HR manager's retirement, city also seeking new clerk and city manager's administrative assistant

In late June, the City of Chehalis announced it was looking for a new human resources (HR) manager as Glenn Schaffer retired after 17 years of working for the city.

While the city has received applications from several candidates for the position, it is now also looking for a new city clerk, according to a City of Chehalis news release, following Chehalis City Clerk Kassi Bateman’s decision to leave.

“(Bateman) has turned in her two-week resignation to take a job with the state that she can work from home,” Chehalis City Manager Stacy Denham said in an email to The Chronicle. “Her commute is somewhat long as she lives in Cowlitz County and has children. So, it’s hard to compete with that.”

Denham started his role as city manager in June.

Currently, the city is still accepting applications for the clerk position. The 2024 salary range for the clerk will be $6,120 to $7,439 a month depending on experience, “plus excellent benefits,” the release stated.

The new Chehalis City Clerk will be responsible for smooth and effective operation of administrative duties during city council meetings.

These duties include preparing meeting agendas, acting as the city’s recording officer and serving as a custodian of all resolutions, ordinances, agreements and other legal documents processed by the Chehalis City Council.

Additionally, the city is also looking for a new administrative assistant for Denham, and is currently accepting applications for this position too. The monthly salary for this position is $4,002 to $4,866 depending on experience plus benefits.

“This position is responsible for the overall smooth and effective operation of administrative functions of the City Manager’s office,” a city news release stated. “Typical tasks include managing the City Manager’s calendar, receiving the public, and preparing reports for the City Council.”

Both positions require a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.

Those interested in applying for the clerk or city manager administrative assistant positions can email their resumes and cover letters to Denham at sdenham@ci.chehalis.wa.us or mail physical copies to the city manager’s office at Chehalis City Hall, located at 350 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis, WA, 98532.

For more information about the city clerk position, visit the city’s website at https://www.ci.chehalis.wa.us/cityclerk . To learn more about the administrative assistant position, visit https://www.ci.chehalis.wa.us/citymanager/administrative-assistant-city-manager .