APPLICATION DEADLINE:
5 p.m. | Friday | January 16, 2026

RECRUITMENT BROCHURE

Imagine starting your day with a five-minute commute, a quick stop for coffee where people greet you by name, and a walk into City Hall where your team is small enough to know personally but large enough to make a real impact.

As Lamesa’s City Manager, your professional life is rooted in direct access and real relationships. You’ll work closely with a Mayor and Council who expect honesty, preparation, and no surprises, and who look to you as their primary advisor on policy, finance, and operations. Your calendar will include regular one-on-ones with department heads, staff walk-throughs in the field, and time blocked for the strategic work: budgets, capital planning, economic development and partnerships.

You’re visible and approachable. It’s normal for you to step out to a ballgame, a civic club lunch, or a neighborhood meeting and come away with three new ideas and a handful of follow-ups. Residents recognize you, and you’re comfortable explaining complex issues in plain language.

Personally, you enjoy the rhythm of small-town West Texas life: shorter lines, familiar faces, and the ability to be present with your family or loved ones at school events, church, or community activities without losing hours on the road. Cost of living is manageable, and your time is spent more on people than on traffic.

In Lamesa, you’re not just managing an organization, you’re woven into the life of a community that will quickly feel like home.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, political science, or a related field, with a strong background in administrative management, finance, and municipal law.
• At least three years of experience as a city manager or assistant city manager, or equivalent senior municipal leadership experience.
• Texas Residency (Legal Requirement) – Must have been a resident of the State of Texas for at least twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of appointment as City Manager. Candidates who cannot meet this requirement at the time of appointment are not eligible under the City’s adopted Charter framework.
• Local Residency Expectation – Must either currently reside in, or be willing to relocate to, Dawson County within a reasonable period after appointment.

• Certified Public Manager (CPM) Certification or a Master’s Degree in public administration, business administration, urban affairs, or a closely related field.
• Progressive leadership experience in Texas local government, ideally in full-service or multi-department cities with rural or regional service roles.
• A track record of modernizing operations, including implementing new software platforms, digitizing paper-based processes, and thoughtfully leveraging data analytics and emerging tools such as AI-assisted workflows to improve service delivery and transparency.
• Experience working closely with water, wastewater, streets, solid waste, and capital projects, with an understanding of enterprise operations and rate-based utilities.
• Familiarity with EDC tools, incentives, and housing strategies (e.g., grants, 380-type agreements, public-private partnerships) and the ability to help the community think long-term about growth and reinvestment.