Cambridge's financially beleaguered department of public works has lost its commissioner.

Conrad Fagone last week announced his acceptance of a position with the Boston Housing Authority's construction management division.

"They came looking for me and made me a good offer," Fagone said yesterday.

Fagone, who informed city manager Robert Healy of his decision prior to Christmas, will leave his current post at the end of January. He served as public works commissioner in Cambridge for more than eight years.

The city will advertise for a new commissioner in national trade journals and local newspapers, Healy said yesterday.

"I wouldn't want to call it a nationwide search, but we'll certainly do widespread advertising," Healy said.

One of the reasons for his decision to leave the city, Fagone said, was the effects of Proposition 2 1/2 on his department. "But there were a lot of others, too," Fagone added.

Fagone was credited in the fall of 1980 with carrying the public works department through a successful municipal 350th birthday celebration despite the walkout of public works employees.