City Administrator
City of Cascade Locks, Oregon
Salary: $90,000 - $115,000
Plus excellent benefits. Total compensation package valued up to $165,000.
Cascade Locks, (pop. 1,415), is located in Hood River County, Oregon, within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, approximately 45 miles east of Portland. Positioned along the Columbia River, Cascade Locks serves as both a residential community and a gateway to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most recognized natural corridors. Recreation is a defining element of life in Cascade Locks, as the city sits along the Pacific Crest Trail and offers direct access to hiking, fishing, boating, and windsurfing. Cascade Locks is also known as one of the best sailing venues in the world. Outdoor recreation is shaped by the unique geography of the Columbia River Gorge, where consistent thermal winds funnel through the canyon, creating world-class conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding. With a close-knit community where residents value visibility, engagement, and approachable leadership, Cascade Locks is a quiet and scenic Columbia River Gorge community, where natural surroundings and civic connection support both livability and public service.
The City of Cascade Locks operates under a Council-Manager form of government. Legislative and policy authority rests with the City Council. The City Council establishes policy, adopts ordinances and the budget, and retains authority over key administrative decisions, including personnel actions. The City Administrator serves as Chief Administrative Officer and is responsible for implementing Council direction and managing daily operations. The City operates on a 2025-2026 budget of $16,445,668 with 15 FTEs. City departments include Administration, Finance, Public Works, and Fire and Emergency Services. The City also owns and operates a municipal electric utility. The utility represents a significant enterprise function and provides a stable source of revenue relative to cities of similar size.
The City Administrator reports directly to the Mayor and City Council and oversees all City operations in accordance with the City Charter and applicable laws. The City Administrator provides overall leadership, direction, and coordination of City departments, ensuring effective service delivery, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with Council priorities. This position functions as the central link between policy and implementation, advising elected officials while managing day-to-day municipal operations. Key responsibilities include directing departmental activities, administering the City’s budget, overseeing public utilities and contracts, and ensuring compliance with ordinances and regulations. The City Administrator attends Council meetings, prepares reports and recommendations, and supports Council decision-making on both routine and complex policy matters.
Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, and five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative experience, preferably in municipal government; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which demonstrates the ability to perform the described duties of this position is required. A master's degree in a related field is preferred. Residency within Cascade Locks is strongly preferred, but not required.
For a complete position profile, full job description, benefits summary, and to apply online, visit Prothman Company at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The City of Cascade Locks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by June 7, 2026. (First review, open until filled.)
