AUBURN — John Storer, superintendent for the Auburn Water and Sewer Districts, will move to New Hampshire next month as the city of Rochester’s director of Public Works.

“I’m a water and sewer guy,” Storer said. “It’s what I do and what I love. But over in Rochester, Public Works does everything — highway, water and sewer. So it’s a step up for me in responsibility and budgets, and I’m hoping the challenge will make me rise to the occasion.”

He’s scheduled to begin June 15.

Storer said he’s recommended district engineer Sid Hazelton to take over as superintendent and have water treatment manager Mike Broadbent take over as operations manager. Broadbent guides water treatment operations at Lake Auburn for the Lewiston Water Department and the Auburn Water District.

“Their skill sets will complement each other well,” Storer said. “I hope that’s what the trustees decide to do.”

Storer has been involved at the district since 2002, working as an engineer under then-Superintendent Norm Lamie. When Lamie retired in 2010, Storer took his position.

He said Tuesday that it’s going to be tough to leave. He considers Auburn his home, but is looking forward to new challenges.

“I’ve told people that I kind of feel like I’m jumping out of an airplane, waiting to see if my parachute will open,” he said. “It’s a new challenge ahead and it’s tough leaving behind such a great situation. But I’m excited about the new opportunities, to see if I can take it on and run with it.”

staylor@sunjournal.com