Christy Lattin
Churchill County is once again recruiting for an Assistant County Manager/Human Resources Director, following the recent promotion of Chris Spross, who vacated the position on Jul. 7, 2025, upon assuming the role of County Manager.
The job, which combines assistant manager duties with oversight of the Human Resources Department, is currently posted on national hiring websites, with a starting salary of $130,228.80, and is set to close on Aug. 13.
The job description underwent an overhaul in November 2023 when Human Resources Director Geoff Stark and County Manager Jim Barbee began reviewing county staffing structures in anticipation of Stark's retirement. After evaluating comparable positions, Barbee and Stark proposed combining the roles of Assistant County Manager and Human Resources Director into a single position. The commissioners approved the position at Paygrade 86, Step 1, and the county began recruiting.
Stark reported that 40 applications were received, though only a few candidates were qualified to move forward to interviews. Among those interviewed was Public Works Director Chris Spross, who Stark said stood out among the other applicants.
"Mr. Spross has worked for the county for three and a half years, having stepped into the Public Works Director position in September of 2020. His qualifications and ability are exemplary, and he comes in with working knowledge of several of the county departments and staff." Furthermore, Stark stated that he believed Spross's knowledge of the county and his ability to adapt and grow are crucial to the success of this new position.
At its meeting on Jan. 17, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners approved Spross's promotion from Public Works Director to Assistant County Manager/Human Resources Director. According to the Title 3 guidelines in Churchill County Code, a standard advancement from his prior position would have placed him at Grade 85 Step 5. Commissioners approved Spross at Paygrade 86, Step 7, and a $600 monthly car allowance. The total fiscal impact for the year was $17,231. The board approved a salary of $148,116, citing what commissioners referred to as a difficult recruitment environment.
Four months after accepting the position, Spross told commissioners that his time was split between the HR department and county manager functions, and that the need for a full-time position to oversee the county's 254 employees remained. Stark, who formerly managed the day-to-day human resources operations, retired shortly after recommending Spross for his new role. At their Jun. 20, 2024, meeting, commissioners approved the job description and pay grade for a Human Resources Manager.
An organizational chart presented during this year's budget hearings shows the Assistant County Manager/Human Resources Director will oversee both an HR Manager and an HR Specialist. Any hired candidate must obtain a certificate in human resources (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) within one year of accepting employment.
Any applicant hired for the Human Resources Manager position must hold a four-year degree in human resources and have a minimum of four years of experience in HR.
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