A new addition at city hall will try to literally bring more energy to Auburn.

Christina Selvek started her tenure Monday as the city's new director of capital projects and grants. Selvek is replacing Michael Long, who left long-time city hall employment in June to pursue an administrator job in Poughkeepsie.

Selvek will be responsible for finding and securing state and federal grants for various city projects.

And she said Monday that she's especially excited to continue Auburn's focus on green energy.

“I'm thrilled about the energy projects the city is looking to do, and what it has going on at the moment,” said Selvek, who mentioned the digester and methane recovery proposals. “I have a real connection to the environment, especially in upstate New York.”

Selvek, 28, earned her bachelor's degree in landscape architecture and forestry in 2003 from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. A year later, she earned her master's in the same subjects.

Selvek has worked for the National Park Service, and she most recently worked as the heritage area coordinator at the village of Seneca Falls.

She has also worked as a small business education and team coordinator with the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Her previous positions gave her plenty of experience in grant administration, Selvek said. And while she has a lot of interest in environmental projects, she said she is looking forward to working with heads of all city departments to find funds for capital improvements.

That includes Director of Planning and Economic Development Jennifer Haines, who heads the department where Selvek's husband, Stephen, is a city planner.

“I love the interdepartmental approach to looking at your capital improvement plan,” Selvek said. “That's how it should be.”

As the director of capital projects and grants, Selvek will work as part of the city manager's office. According to the 2008-2009 budget, the position pays $77,766 a year.

City Manager Mark Palesh said Selvek faces a challenging job in coming years. With the state and federal governments looking at tight economic times, there is not likely to be as much grant money to go around as there has been in the past.

But Palesh said her experience and interest in green energy projects will be an asset to the city, even in trying fiscal times.

“I think there will always be energy grants, and we will be in a good position to go after those,” he said.

Selvek said Monday that she is up for the challenge.

“Local municipalities will need to be on the ball more than ever.”

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.