ROCKLAND — The Rockland City Manager Search Committee met Monday evening, Jan. 5, and offered the position of city manager to Jim Chaousis, who is currently town manager of Boothbay. 

"We are excited about the high quality results of this search,” said Rockland City Mayor Frank Isganitis, in a statement issued Jan. 8. 

“Terms of the agreement have not been decided on by the committee members who will meet on Monday evening, Jan. 12, at 6:30 p.m. to hopefully solidify agreement terms to be offered,” the statement said.

Chaousis met with the Boothbay Board of Selectmen Thursday afternoon to inform the board that he had been offered the Rockland City Manager’s position. He told the selectmen that he has not accepted the job but will meet with the search committee next week to discuss the terms of possible employment.

Chaousis had confirmed Monday that he was a finalist for a similar position in Rockland. Chaousis toured Rockland with the city manager search committee on Jan. 4 as part of his third interview. He has not said, yet, if he will take the job.

Chaousis, along with Jeffrey Kobruck, the executive director of the Midcoast Economic Development District, were the two finalists for the position, according a Bangor Daily News report. Chaousis applied for the position after being recruited by Dacri Associates, the consulting firm hired to facilitate the search.

Chaousis was one of six chosen to be interviewed out of more than 100 applicants. Chaousis said he applied for the position after being recruited by the consultant, and for the challenge of working in a larger community.

Chaousis said his interest in the Rockland city manager’s position is for professional development. Chaousis, 37, has always wanted the challenge of becoming a city manager. He believes Rockland would be a good fit for him.

He also said the chance to work as a city manager in Midcoast Maine appealed to him.

“Rockland is a city with over 100 employees. It’s a different game,” he said. “I envisioned someday becoming a city manager, and after I was recruited I thought maybe now was the time.”

Boothbay Selectmen’s Chairman Steven Lewis said Chaousis had informed the board he was a candidate for the Rockland position.

“He has alluded to us he is a candidate,” said Lewis, who declined to comment further.

Chaousis had his first interview on Dec. 11, and was notified on Dec. 15 that he was a finalist. Chaousis informed the selectmen, town office staff and local chamber of commerce members that he applied for the Rockland position.

“I didn’t want anybody surprised when it was reported I was a candidate,” Chaousis said. “The selectmen understand I was recruited for the post. And I probably wouldn’t have applied unless the consultant (had) contacted me.”

Chaousis was hired as Boothbay town manager in November 2010. His current salary is $74,000. Lewis said Chaousis was hired after the board used a consultant to find a new town manager four years ago.

Chaousis, a Livermore native, worked as town manager in the neighboring town of Livermore Falls for two years before moving to Boothbay. He served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including time in the Persian Gulf War.

He is a graduate of Livermore Falls High School and the University of Maine at Augusta. Chaousis studies included science and public administration in college.

Chaousis said he left Livermore Falls for Boothbay for career advancement. He said the best part of his job in Boothbay was: “You can work where you play.”

“What wouldn’t attract you to a job in Boothbay,” Chaousis said. “Once again, I came here for professional opportunity, and to work with a more sophisticated municipal government.”