Description
Community
The City of Olney has seen a steady population over the past several years. The 2020 Census listed the population of Olney as 3,294. Olney is synonymous with manufacturing: Tower Extrusions (600 employees) and Air Tractor (400 employees) are both industry leaders within their respected industries, and major employers in town. Both have seen significant growth in recent years. Other local employers: Cemco, PSI Extrusions, Brazos Communications, Ft. Belknap Electric Co-Op, Hamilton Hospital, Olney ISD to name a few. For a small town, Olney proudly boasts a wealth of jobs across various industries.
The City is in a continuous effort to keep improving water and sewer infrastructure to accommodate the population and economic growth. The City passed a $13.5M Revenue Bond in 2022 for a new Water Treatment Plant. Engineering and Construction plans are underway. Schools in Olney are part of the Olney Independent School District (2-A), and rank among the highest in the State. Local Non-profit groups, with the support from several citizens and businesses, led the efforts to renovate Tom Griffin Park with new park equipment, walking trail, and city swimming pool which opened in the summer of 2024. The Jr. Altruistic Women’s Club maintain and help beautify Tom Perkins Park. Olney is home to Hamilton Hospital, the oldest and one of the top rural hospitals in Texas. Olney boasts a locally owned and operated grocery store which has served the community for over 50 years. Olney is home to the Olney Recreation Association, which includes a 9-hole golf course, ballroom, and new swimming pool. Olney is a community of spirit and pride and is replete with people who possess a “Can-Do” attitude!
About the City of Olney
The City of Olney is a Home Rule City located in Young County, Texas. Olney is serviced by two major highways, State Highway 79 and State Highway 114. The city is located approximately 45 miles south of Wichita Falls and 100 miles west of Fort Worth. The County Seat is Graham, TX, located 26 miles south. The City owns the municipal water and wastewater services. The City operates a local police department and the hospital manages the emergency medical services The City also has a municipal judge/municipal court, public library, public works, and general office and administrative staff. Fire Service protection is provided by an all-volunteer Fire Department. Olney budgets for 27 full-time employees. The City of Olney has an Ad Valorem Tax Rate of $0.8621 per $100 valuation and a current budget of $ 3.8M. The City also has a Type B Economic Development Corporation. In December 2025, the City Council approved the creation of two TIRZ
Ideal Candidate
Olney is looking for a forward-thinking leader adept in navigating rapidly changing priorities, to steer the City’s vision as the next City Administrator. The City of Olney envisions its next City Administrator to be a blend of insightful leadership, community passion, and analytical prowess - someone who, with his/her depth of experience and dedication, will further the City’s narrative of growth and community cohesion. This position requires continuous interaction with department staff, City officials, part-time employees, and the general public. Candidates should have a general understanding of:
Strategic planning, vision, and implementation
Economic development
Budgeting and finance
Personnel management
Interdepartmental coordination
Stakeholder relationships
Understanding of legal regulations/compliance
Council collaboration.
Education and Experience
Requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in city management, a major municipal department, or private sector executive management level, preferably with experience in budgeting, finance and/or personnel management. Valid Texas Driver's License required. The City may consider any relevant work experience and education when determining an applicant's qualifications.
Compensation and Benefits
Candidates are required to obtain a minimum level of continuing education hours in order to maintain their certifications. The salary range for this position is $90k-$110K annually and is commensurate depending on qualifications. The City provides a full range of benefits including insurance, paid sick and vacation leave, phone allowance, and retirement.
Requirements
Description of Work
Job Summary: Serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City under the direction of the Mayor and City Council; responsible for all department heads and City operations and functions.
- Supervision Received: Work is performed under the general guidance of the Mayor and City Council.
- Supervision Exercised: Directly supervises all department heads and City operations.
Examples of Essential Duties
Supervises and coordinates activities of all City departments. Attend various meetings, including City Council and staff meetings. Represents the City in meetings and functions with outside organizations, agencies, businesses, and the public. Prepares annual City budget and presents it to City Council. Administers and monitors the City budget and keeps the City Council advised of the city’s financial condition. Keeps the City Council informed of activities of the City organization; identifies potential problems and/or issues; makes recommendations to the City Council on issues requiring Council direction. Plans and executes short- and long-range plans and programs of the city; approves the appointment and removal of all other city employees. Monitors payment of all funds drawn from the city treasury and approvals for purchase all major items within the limitation of state statute and budget constraints. Prepares and maintains responsibility for agendas and other materials for all meetings of the City Council, boards, commissions, and committees. Issues administrative directives and communicates official polices to staff and the public. Sees that all City ordinances are faithfully performed and enforced. Prepares general correspondence, reports, agreements, and studies.
Minimal Qualifications
Knowledge:
Knowledge of the function and organization of municipal government; knowledge of theories, policies, and practices of public administration; knowledge of management by objectives; knowledge of long-range planning techniques; knowledge of ethical considerations in local government; knowledge of the techniques of persuasion; knowledge of report writing techniques; knowledge of effective speaking practices; knowledge of public relations principles and practices; knowledge of time management techniques; knowledge of problem-solving techniques; knowledge of local codes, ordinances and state and federal laws affecting municipalities; knowledge of municipal budgeting procedures and fund accounting; knowledge of personnel management methods and principles.
Skills:
Skill in the use of a personal computer and basic computer applications used by the City; skill in the use of a ten-key calculator, copier, skill to type a minimum of 40 wpm and other office equipment.
Abilities:
Ability to perform mathematical calculations; ability to identify, organize and use potential sources of data; ability to make independent judgments; ability to analyze statistical information; ability to determine appropriate expenditures for budgeted funds to meet unit objectives and goals; ability to plan, organize, and monitor subordinate employee work assignments to accomplish unit objectives; ability to set clear performance standards for subordinate employees; ability to effectively discipline subordinates, when warranted; ability to develop and apply criteria to evaluate alternative proposals, recommendations, plans, etc.; ability to analyze and evaluate major programs, policies, procedures, services and facilities in order to develop recommendations or implement improvements; ability to identify the implications of broad city policies for management of individual programs and activities; ability to act decisively when timely action is called for; ability to quickly and accurately identify potential problem situations; ability to clearly and effectively present ideas in discussions and oral presentations; ability to develop sound decisions in situations involving complex factors; ability to accept criticism and use it for constructive change; ability to create an atmosphere of mutual trust; ability to provide negative feedback to others in a manner which does not arouse defensiveness or animosity; ability to assess the ethical implications of a course of action; ability to effectively argue the pros and cons of a proposed position or course of action; ability to present a “positive image” of the city (avoid complaining, personal opinions, arguing, excuses, or blaming others); ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with employees, elected officials and the general public; ability to effectively deal with persons of diverse backgrounds and interests; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in public administration or business administration, or a field related to a major function of a local government.
Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in city management, a major municipal department, or private sector executive management level, preferably with experience in budgeting, finance and/or personnel management. Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above required knowledge, skills and abilities may be an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.
Licenses and Certificates: Texas Class C driver’s license.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job or which the employee will encounter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to prolonged periods of sitting and is frequently required to stand, walk, reach and bend over. The employee must have adequate manual dexterity to operate computers, telephone, and other office equipment. The employee must have normal vision and hearing. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. The employee will work in a normal office environment which is generally quiet.
