Oak Bluffs town administrator Robert Whritenour will leave to take a job in Yarmouth, it was announced Wednesday.

In a press release that went out mid-day, Oak Bluffs selectmen said Mr. Whritenour has been offered the job of town administrator in Yarmouth.

Pending the outcome of contract negotiations for his new position, he will leave in about two months, the release said.

“Bob has made a great and consistent contribution to our town and he will be sorely missed”, selectman and board chairman Jason Balboni said in the announcement.

Mr. Whritenour began work in September 2011 as interim town administrator during a period of prolonged staff turnover and financial stress in Oak Bluffs. A year later he was named to the permanent post. During his tenure he has helped steer the town onto stable financial footing and improve its bond rating.

He lives on the Cape and commutes to the Island for work.

“I love this town very much, and this has been the most enjoyable job I’ve ever had. We have made so much positive progress, and I have been so blessed to work with great selectmen, caring and committed department heads and staff and very caring town residents,” Mr. Whritenour said in the statement

“I’ve never been more comfortable in a close-knit and supportive professional environment. It is difficult commuting every day on the boat, and I think my family may appreciate having me closer by to assist in all the daily details of our lives.”

Mr. Whritenour’s announced departure comes as the town begins a search for a new fire chief, a key top position in town that has been vacant for more than a year.