Following the departure of longtime public servant Jay Walter, San Luis Obispo has hired a new director of its Public Works Department.

Daryl Grigsby, the former public works director for the city of Pomona, was hired by City Manager Katie Lichtig on Nov. 20.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to serve such a special community as San Luis Obispo,” Grigsby said in a prepared statement. “I am excited to get to know the employees, residents, business people and the issues impacting the City. I can’t wait to continue the tradition of service to the residents and other community members.”

He will kick off his SLO career at the top of the city’s salary range for public works director, at $154,544 per year.

According to a city press release, he holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Chicago State University and a master’s in pastoral studies from Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry.

During his time in public service, Grigsby has been active in the American Public Works Association

On a personal level, Grigsby enjoys bicycling.

Public Works provides maintenance services to city streets, public facilities, parks, trees, traffic operations, flood protection, buildings and capital improvements, and parking, in addition to managing SLO Transit. Grigsby will oversee the department’s current 75 employees and $23 million budget.

Grigsby is currently in the process of relocating, and is scheduled to begin work on Dec. 17.