Everett public works chief moves on

Published 9:00 pm Saturday, May 19, 2001

By Kate Reardon

Herald Writer

EVERETT — Clair Olivers believes in leaving things in better condition than when he found them.

He hopes to do just that with the city’s Public Works Department when he leaves his post as director in July for a job as an assistant general manager at Snohomish County PUD.

There’s no official word yet on who will fill Olivers’ position directing about 200 city employees and a $50 million capital and operating budget.

"There’s a lot going on in Everett," Olivers said, pointing out a sewer replacement project in north Everett, a future sewer replacement project along Hewitt Avenue and a joint waste-water outfall project among Everett, Marysville and Kimberly-Clark Corp. "I’m proud of the condition I’ll leave the city’s utilities in."

The 49-year-old Olivers has worked for the city for nearly 25 years in various jobs dealing with water systems, sewer improvements, drainage basins and erosion controls. He has served 7 1/2 years as the city’s public works director.

In his new job, he will be in charge of the PUD’s water resources. He replaces Craig Thompson, who retired from the PUD earlier this year.

Olivers said he’ll bring experience and a deliberate approach to the job.

"Nobody would have ever described me as particularly flashy," Olivers said. "But I think I can bring some valuable experience to the PUD, particularly in water issues."

Olivers said he wanted to take on the challenges of a new position. Pay was also a factor, he said. Salary figures for both jobs were not immediately available.

"It’s a chance to learn some new things and be challenged," he said.

PUD General Manager Paul Elias said his agency hired Olivers because of his extensive experience in managing water systems and his strong leadership skills.

In 1982, Olivers worked with PUD staff as part of a construction management team that built the Jackson Hydroelectric Project. His main role was to manage the construction of the $30 million Everett drinking water treatment plant, which increased the storage capacity of the city’s water system.

Olivers has also volunteered for the group Water for People, an exchange program that places water utility professionals in countries that need help with their water systems. For that program, Olivers helped set up utility operations and management systems in Bulgaria and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Olivers, who is active on several water industry boards including the American Water Works Association, has a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington.

Olivers and his wife live near Lake Stevens.

You can call Herald Writer Kate Reardon at 425-339-3455

or send e-mail to reardon@heraldnet.com.