County Administrator

Oregoncounties; Oregon (WI); On-site; USD 165,149 - 221,945; Full time

Job summary

Lincoln County is located on the Oregon coast and serves about 50,000 residents with seven cities. The County Administrator oversees operations and policy implementation across multiple departments, offering a challenging leadership role.

Minimum education includes a bachelor’s degree in business administration or public administration and several years of municipal experience; a master’s degree and prior Oregon county administration is preferred. Apply by August 30, 2026.

Job description

Salary: $165,149 – $221,945 DOQ

Located 2.5 hours southwest of Portland, Lincoln County is one of the most popular destinations on the Oregon coast. With over 60 miles of shoreline, the coast varies from rocky cliffs to sandy beaches. Lincoln County is also known for its hundreds of miles of navigable rivers, waterfalls, old-growth Douglas Firs, lush rainforests, as well as world-class dining and a thriving art and culture scene. Lincoln County is home to about 50,000 people and seven incorporated cities, each with their unique personality: Depoe Bay, Lincoln City, Newport, Siletz, Toledo, Waldport and Yachats. The county seat is Newport, the largest city, with a population of 10,500. Although tourism has replaced timber and fishing as the county’s largest industry, commercial fishing still contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the region’s economy. Residents appreciate the region’s small-town feel and spectacular scenery, all while being within reach of the larger cities of Corvallis, Eugene, and Portland.

Established in 1893, Lincoln County employs 526 employees and has a 2026-2027 budget of $213 million, including a general fund of about $64 million. The County spans 992 square miles and serves a population of approximately 50,862. County departments include County Administration, Legal Counsel, Finance & Accounting, Health & Human Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Juvenile, Parole & Probation, Planning & Development, Public Works, Surveyor’s Office, Transit, and Veteran Services. Elected county positions include the Assessor, Commissioners, County Clerk, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Treasurer. The County has a strong management team made up of elected officials and department directors that work closely together with the County Administrator.

Serving at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners, the County Administrator manages county operations and is responsible for implementing BOC policy, and for planning, organizing, directing and controlling the activities and operations of Lincoln County government. The County Administrator also develops policy recommendations for BOC action and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the BOC. Working under the general direction of the Board of Commissioners, Lincoln County’s Administrator supervises non-elected department directors.

Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration or political science and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible administrative or staff experience in municipal government with at least five (5) years in municipal administration and three (3) years of high-level administrative responsibility at a department head or Assistant City Manager level or above is required. A master’s degree in a related field, as well as previous Oregon county administration experience is preferred. Candidates may possess any combination of relevant education and experience that demonstrates their ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Lincoln County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For questions, call 206-368-0050. Apply by August 30, 2026. (First review, open until filled.)