The city's on the hunt for a new chief administrative officer after Jay Green announced his departure for Amtrak by the end of this week.

Green, a self-proclaimed train enthusiast, will take a management position with the federal rail system in Albany, N.Y. He already rides the rails as volunteer conductor for the Berkshire Scenic Railway in Lee and sits on its board of directors.

His post works closely with department heads, and with community development issues, including overseeing permitting and ordinance matters that come before the Planning Board. In some ways, the position is similar to a town administrator or chief of staff since it not only oversees city operations but also acts as a liaison between the mayor and departments.

Green was hired two years ago under the former administration and stayed on after Mayor Richard Alcombright took office. He previously worked in the district attorney's office for three years. Green's predecessor was also an attorney, M. Katherine Eade, who left to work in the attorney general's utilities division.

The mayor has said he doesn't believe a law degree is prerequisite for the post.

In a posting for the job, the description states the "this position works under the direct supervision of the Mayor and provides support and direction to all City administrative functions falling under the authority of the Mayor."

It also includes "preparation of the annual budget, assists in the coordination of special projects for the City, assists the Mayor and Community Development Office with strategic and long-range planning for the City and will have frequent interaction with State and Local Governments and agencies."

The salary is posted at $60,000.

Qualifications include a master's degree in business administration or public policy or equivalent work experience. A background in public administration, law, accounting and engineering and related areas is a plus.