Nahant searching for DPW superintendent

NAHANT – The Department of Public Works chief has decided to take a step back, a retired chief has stepped forward and the town is looking for a new superintendent.”Tim Lowe hasn’t left but he’s dropping down from superintendent to general foreman,” said Town Administrator Andrew Bisignani. “He’s been here 23 years and said he just wanted to take a step back.”Bisignani said he was sorry to see Lowe leave the post. He has since named retired Fire Chief Robert Ward acting DPW superintendent and is advertising to fill the post. Ward will officially take over the position Monday though Bisignani said he’s already transitioning into the role.”He’ll fill in until mid-June,” he added. “We’re hoping to have someone in place by then.”Bisignani said he’s received eight resumes so far and thinks he will likely reach beyond the town’s borders for a new hire.The job comes with a salary of $85,000 to $92,000 per year and requires what Bisignani calls a “working superintendent, someone who will be out in the truck and on the job,” he said. With a department of only six full-time employees that try to do as much work in-house as possible, Bisignani said that aspect is non-negotiable.Nahant is the smallest town in the commonwealth but the job still covers a large area.Candidates also need licenses, such a water distribution license and a hoisting license, familiarity with municipal government, strong working knowledge of budgets and good management skills. Bisignani said the superintendent is responsible for the town’s public ways, drainage, water and sewer and its infrastructure, public buildings, trees, cemetery, parks and beaches. It wouldn’t hurt if a candidate had grant writing capabilities, an understanding of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and an engineering degree, he added.”We’d prefer an engineering background or the equivalent in experience,” he said.DPW superintendent is not the only open slot in town.With the retirement of Michael Kairevich Sr., the town is also in need of a part-time animal control officer.”Our longtime animal control guy has retired,” Bisignani said. “He’ll fill in for emergencies but for the most part the job is empty.”Bisignani is hoping to have that spot filled by June as well.