Ravalli County commissioners interviewed three finalists May 9 for the county's facilities manager position, hearing candidates describe hands-on experience with building systems, staff supervision and how they would prioritize work across multiple county sites including the courthouse campus, fairgrounds and the detention facility.

The board convened a sequence of interviews with James "Jimmy" Vanderhoek, Adam Reed and Scott Harms. Each candidate answered questions about technical experience (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, boilers), supervisory approach, budget experience and handling work across multiple locations. Commissioners and staff emphasized that the position is hands-on and requires flexibility during peak events such as the county fair.

Highlights from interviews:
- Staffing and scope: Commissioners told candidates the facilities department currently employs three maintenance staff and three custodians; one maintenance staff is assigned at the fairgrounds. Commissioners said the department supervises county buildings, the fairgrounds and several off-campus maintenance needs.
- Technical qualifications: Candidates described wide-ranging facilities experience. Vanderhoek discussed industrial facilities and prior county work; Reed emphasized carpentry and mechanical maintenance, and noted plans to pursue HVAC certification; Harms cited recent federal facilities oversight work, boiler training and quality-assurance oversight of O&M contracts. Harms said he had bought the boiler textbook and believed he could meet a six-month licensing expectation if hired.
- Licensing and training: Commissioners noted that a boilers license is a requisite for the job. Candidates asked whether the county would allow time to obtain required certifications; commissioners said hires have previously started without an employer's license but that the license is required. The board said training can be funded when justified and noted training budgets are limited.
- Employment terms and benefits: Commissioners said the position is salaried and has a one-year probation (extendable to 18 months). Vacation accrual and sick leave follow county policy: sick leave begins accruing at hire but is available after 90 days; vacation accrual starts at hire and is available after six months; vacation increases with longevity. Candidates asked about scheduling, emergency coverage and how work orders are reported; staff said work orders can be submitted by email and emergency calls are used for urgent items.

Why this matters: the facilities manager will oversee aging infrastructure across county campuses and small crews; commissioners said the role requires day-to-day troubleshooting and hands-on work as well as planning for capital needs. Candidates and commissioners agreed that budget constraints and limited drawings for older buildings complicate proactive maintenance.

Next steps: the board completed interviews and recessed; no hiring decision was announced during the meeting. Commissioners said finance staff and department liaisons will assist an incoming hire with budgeting and that the county will aim to make the selected candidate successful.