The City of Unalaska is advertising for a new ports director. 

Alvin Osterback held the position for five years, through several major projects, including construction of the Carl E. Moses Small Boat Harbor.  His departure comes at a moment when more big projects are being considered.  

In a memo to Council earlier this month City Manager Chris Hladick outlined six major ports goals for the next year.  Those included securing $1.75 million in funding for renovation of the Bobby Storrs harbor, seeking $40 million in funding for replacing Position 3 at City Dock and getting the legislative go-ahead for a study examining the feasibility of dredging the entrance bar to Dutch Harbor.  Hladick also pointed out that Shell could bring up 80 vessels to Unalaska if they drill in the Arctic this summer.

With Osterback gone, Public Safety Director Jamie Sunderland is the acting ports director.  He says he’s mostly overseeing operations, not working on projects.

Osterback could not be reached for comment on his departure.  Hladick says the City never comments on personnel matters.

He did say though that the City is looking to hire someone with knowledge of both commercial fishing and the oil industry to fill the directorship.

The position has been vacant since mid-December.