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Cowlitz County to backfill long‑tenured public‑works post, sheriff seeks multiple hires
Summary
Human Resources asked commissioners to approve recruitment to backfill a 40‑year public‑works Operator 3 and multiple sheriff’s office vacancies including an animal control officer, records support specialist and two deputy positions; officials said some openings are budgeted and training timelines vary from weeks to up to a year.
County Human Resources presented multiple staffing requests that the Board of Commissioners will consider on the upcoming agenda.
Jessica Warren of Human Resources said Public Works requested permission to fill an Operator 3 opening at the Castle Rock shop after a 40‑year employee, Corey Johnson, gave notice. Savannah Clement of Public Works told commissioners the internal “domino effect” of promotions will likely leave an entry‑level Road Operator 1 job open and that the office plans to backfill through the normal seniority and hiring steps. “This is a 40 year employee who is retiring,” Clement said.
Warren also relayed several sheriff’s office requests. The sheriff described an immediate need to fill an animal control officer vacancy following a resignation; his office currently staffs two full‑time animal control positions covering 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week with a part‑time backup. On hiring timelines, the sheriff said an experienced candidate could begin picking up animals within about a week, while training a new hire could take up to a month.
The sheriff reported two deputy vacancies: one caused by a retirement effective May 1 and another when an officer chose to move out of state. He said five deputies are now in various training phases—three in the academy and two in field training—and that training to full independence can take months to a year depending on the candidate. The sheriff emphasized the openings are current budgeted positions rather than new positions and asked the board to authorize filling them so the department can maintain coverage.
Commissioner Farrell expressed no opposition to the requests during the meeting; Chair signaled agreement that law enforcement staffing should not lag. No formal vote was recorded in the transcript; these staffing requests were presented as items for the commissioners’ agenda.
