Jim Pemberton, former Anacortes public works director, began Tuesday, Dec. 8, as

Sequim’s interim public works director.

He succeeds Ben Rankin, who resigned Dec. 2 to return to South Carolina.

City manager Steve Burkett continues searching for a permanent public works director, a position which could be combined with that of planning director into "community development director."

"Jim comes to us with excellent public works management skills and experience. He has enjoyed a long and diverse career with the city of Anacortes," Burkett said in a prepared statement.

Worked with tribe

"He has broad experience in all facets of public works. He has developed excellent working relationships with the state Department of Ecology, the Washington State Department of Transportation and tribal leaders in the Skagit Valley."

The 60-year-old Pemberton worked 27 years for the Anacortes Public Works Department, including seven as public works director.

His other positions were director of engineering and development services, assistant public works director and public works maintenance superintendent.

Pemberton also worked as interim public works director for Mukilteo and Kenmore.

Rankin, city engineer at Clemson, S.C., for 10 years, was hired by interim city manager Linda Herzog in May before Burkett was hired by the city council.

Reach Brian Gawley at bgawley@

sequimgazette.com.