The recruitment process for county manager has begun. At its Jan. 15 meeting, the County Council selected the Prothman Co. of Issaquah as its recruitment consultant, in coordination with the county Human Resources Department.

The Council directed Prothman and county staff to make a special effort to find local candidates for the job.

The Council is seeking community input at its Jan. 29 meeting to define the qualities needed, to refine the job description for the position, and to develop a community profile for use during the recruitment process.

Recruitment and review of candidates will be led by the current council, but final interviews and selection of a county manager are expected to await the new three-member council, which will be sworn in May 13. The council is encouraging candidates running for election to the council and representatives of the community and county staff to be involved.

Since the departure of former administrator Pete Rose in June, Bob Jean has served as administrator pro teem and, after voters approved charter amendments last November, as interim county manager.