Not even a month after being suddenly ousted from his job as Clark County manager, Mark McCauley has a new job.
In a post made to his personal Facebook page Thursday, McCauley announced that he has accepted a department head/deputy county administrator position with Jefferson County, home to Port Townsend. According to the post, the start date for his new job has yet to be determined.
“My wife and I are heading to Port Townsend tomorrow to look at houses,” he wrote. “A great new adventure is about to begin. Thanks to everyone for the support you’ve given me. It meant a world of difference and gave me the strength to get through this difficult time.”
In May, the county council unexpectedly voted to terminate McCauley’s contract as county manager, a position he held since June 2016. Members of the council have declined to provide details for the sudden move and have only expressed a desire for a change in direction.
In about a month, the council expects to hire an interim manager through the Prothman Co., an Issaquah-based firm that recruits executives for local governments in the West.
McCauley said that when he suspected he would lose his job, he submitted job application materials to the Prothman Co.
“It’s serendipity,” McCauley said.
He said on May 18, he went up for a job interview in Port Townsend. Days later, he said he had a job offer to talk over with his wife. McCauley said the move is a big change, and he is reluctant to leave.
“I’m going to keep roots here,” said McCauley, who intends to keep his house in Clark County. “I’m not abandoning the county at all.”
He said the job pays $110,000 annually, less than his $169,460 salary as Clark County manager.
McCauley, who turns 61 next month, said he doesn’t know where he will retire.
“It’s a great part of the state,” he said. “It’s lovely up there; it’s a smaller community, but the dynamics up there are going to be enjoyable.”
A call to Jefferson County was not returned.
