Interim public works director Mike Dimmick began his new role on Feb. 1.

Mike Dimmick, the city’s water foreman, took the reins as the city’s interim public works director. Dimmick replaces Dale McDowell, who retired after nearly eight years as director. McDowell will continue on a project-by-project basis.

Dimmick joined the department four years ago after a 26-year career in Moscow, Idaho, as water foreman there.

“We wanted to come to the beach, and there just happened to be a job in Seaside,” he said at the Feb. 1 Seaside Chamber of Commerce coffee.

He said he is looking forward to the various tasks ahead, overseeing a staff of 18 full-time employees and managing a budget of approximately $20 million in personnel, operations and major project management.

The city’s job posting for public works director ended on Feb. 3.

Dimmick said he has applied for the role on a permanent basis.