CASPER, Wyo. — The circumstances surrounding former Natrona County Parks Director Matt Buhler’s departure from his position remain unclear.
The county, however, is seeking applications to select a new parks director. Applications can be completed online until the deadline of 5 pm Oct. 9.
While county officials say they are unable to comment on why Buhler is no longer parks director because it is a personnel issue, the topic came up at a Natrona County Parks Board meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12.
“Everything is a little up in the air right now,” board member Roy Buck said. “One of my big concerns with the vacancy in the parks director position is I don’t want this to be another road block and stop everything.”
County Commissioner Brook Kaufman said that NC Road & Bridge Superintendent Mike Haigler is taking over some of Buhler’s duties until a new director is named. County Attorney Eric Nelson is also taking on some of those duties.
“Our intention is not to stop anything,” Kaufman said.
Buck added that projects already underway are likely to continue.
“We had projects in process,” he said. “They are moving forward.”
“I can’t say that we’ll start any new projects this time of year.”
Once the deadline for people to apply for the parks director position has passed, the county commissioners will interview candidates. They will then select a new director.
“The Park[s] Director plans, manages and directs the operations, activities, and personnel of the Natrona County Parks Department to include development, upgrading, maintenance and repair of Natrona County Parks Properties,” the county’s job description reads.
“In addition to managing ongoing services, the position is responsible for planning and developing service initiatives to achieve economies, expand recreational opportunities for residents, and generally make significant contributions to maintaining or improving levels of service.”
Candidates for the position must have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field and a master’s degree is preferred.
They are also asking for a minimum of five years experience in public works operations and two years in a supervising role.
People must be at least 18 years old to apply.
