KINGS BEACH, Calif. — Former North Tahoe Public Utility District General Manager/CEO Paul Schultz will have a new role with the district — one with a lesser title, but the same pay.

The district’s board of directors unanimously appointed Schultz to the full-time position of assistant general manager on Tuesday.

“Because of our aggressive capital program, we chose to appoint Paul as assistant GM to keep these projects on track because of his engineering expertise and familiarity with the projects,” said board vice president John Bergmann.

---

---

Initially, his focus will be on the $4.06 million construction of new administrative offices on National Avenue in Tahoe Vista, PUD officials said.

Schultz began his new position Tuesday and will be paid $13,529.72 a month, according to the PUD, which equates to 162,356.64 on an annual scale.

---

---

The appointment terminates his general manager contract, according to the district. That contract held a base salary for 2014-15 of $162,357.

PUD staff are preparing an employment contract for Schultz, as assistant general manager, to be brought to the board for approval at its regular February meeting.

There is no direction to add a termination date to the contract, said Pam Emmerich, NTPUD technology and public information administrator.

However, it will be an at-will contract, Emmerich said, meaning either Schultz or the board of directors can terminate it for any reason.

As for the district’s search for a new GM, the PUD has received roughly 48 applications for the position since it was first officially advertised Dec. 19, 2014, officials said.

Resumes will be accepted until Jan. 20. A recently approved ad hoc committee — on which Bergmann and director Phil Thompson are the only members — will initially review the applications received.

Qualities being sought in a new GM include outstanding communication and listening skills; knowledge, experience and management of potable water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and transport, and park and recreation facilities; and strong negotiating skills.

Candidates who meet the most characteristics being sought in a new GM will be recommended for interviews, Bergmann said.

Preliminary board interviews will be done Feb. 3-8, with finalist interviews conducted Feb. 16-20, according to the district.

The board’s goal is to hire a new leader by March 1, Bergmann said.

In the meantime, CFO Larry Marple is serving as interim general manager.

The board’s decision to recruit a new general manager was announced in November 2014, with directors citing a desire for leader who will more frequently engage the community.

Visit ntpud.org to learn more about the district and the GM position opening.