There’s a new face taking charge in the Snoqualmie Public Works Department’s top job.

Alan Lobdell took the reins of the department last Monday, Aug. 25, as interim public works director for the city. Lobdell replaces former public works director Kirk Holmes, who took a job with Kittitas County after about eight years in Snoqualmie.

He plans to run the department for as long as it takes to find a permanent replacement, but for now, he’s not in the running for the permanent gig.

That’s because a lot of qualified candidates won’t apply for the position if they know that an interim director, someone who’s already learning the ropes, is aiming