New public works director chosen in Pismo Beach

Ben Fine, who has worked four years as Pismo Beach’s associate civil engineer, has been named the city’s public works director/city engineer. His appointment was effective Tuesday.

Fine had been serving as interim public works director since last October, when former Public Works Director Dwayne Chisam left after four years with the city. Fine was selected after an extensive search conducted by executive search firm Teri Black and Company, which screened more than 55 applicants.

Candidates were interviewed by two panels of professional engineers and city managers. As director, Fine oversees the city’s engineering services and leads its Public Works Department, which includes water, wastewater, parks and streets. He’ll earn $119,712 annually, City Manager Kevin M. Rice said

Fine has more than 10 years experience as an engineer and project manager, according to a news release from the city. He is a licensed professional civil engineer with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration from Cal Poly.

Rice said the city will start recruiting for the vacant associate civil engineer position next week, with the recruitment period running through the end of February.

This story was originally published January 30, 2013 at 9:53 AM with the headline "New public works director chosen in Pismo Beach."