PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Commissioner of Public Services David Turocy is retiring after a 30-year career.

 

Turocy joined the city in 2015 as commissioner of public services, filling a job that had been created four years earlier but never filled. He came to Pittsfield after serving 11 years as commissioner in Newton. In 2017 his role expanded to take on the role of commissioner of public utilities as well.

 

The commissioner said on Thursday that he will retire in October and will remain in the area. 

 

"My wife retired two years ago, so it's a good time to go out and relax," Turocy said.

 

Turocy began his career in Lexington in March 1989 as highway and drains superintendent, overseeing 17 employees and a budget of a $1 million. In 1996, he took a job in Concord as the highway and grounds superintendent, and the employee number grew to 23 and a budget of $2 million. In 2004, he went to Newton to oversee the highway, engineering, fleet management, and trash collection, overseeing more than 200 employees and a budget of $80 million.

 

In Pittsfield, he oversaw road work, parks maintenance, vehicles, engineering, and the water and wastewater systems. There were some 90 employees working under him and $20 million worth of operating budget, plus numerous capital repairs.

 

The city is now looking for his replacement. The city's job posting seeks somebody with at least a bachelor's degree with a specialization in public or business administration, engineering, construction management, or related field. The candidate should have 10 years or more of experience with at least five in a supervisory role. The position pays about $100,000 per year.