Port of Coupeville commissioners approved a job description for an “executive assistant,” a position that will replace the current administrative assistant.

The port’s executive director, Chris Michalopoulos, said he wants to create a position that requires a higher skill set and can aid the port in projects like grant writing.

Essentially the position would be part project manager, part executive director.

The need for this high skill set, Michalopoulos said, is because there’s a constant back-and-forth on how to prioritize the needs of the port and he basically needs a “second him.”

“In five years if I get hit by a bus, this person would be able to do my job,” he said.

The new position is included in the port’s draft 2018 preliminary budget for just under $22,000.

The current year-end estimate for the administrative assistant for 2017 is $15,000.

The position would pay $20 an hour for 20 hours week initially, with the potential to grow.

A qualified candidate would have three years’ prior experience working with the public or in project management. They must be able to problem solve independently and create solutions to difficult problems.

The candidate must be able to communicate and manage delicate issues and receive public opinion and/or challenging situations and have website and software experience.

A high school diploma or GED is required, but a college degree or some college is preferred.

And while the position will be posted for the public to review and apply, Michalopoulos told commissioners he’s already out “networking” and meeting with people who could potentially fill the position and already has one person in mind.