Dawson County commissioners plan to interview several applicants this week in their search to appoint a new county manager and chief operating officer.

Interviews will be held through Friday, according to a legal notice the board of commissioners posted this week.

Commission chairman Mike Berg said the county received 31 applications through the nationwide search campaign, including three from internal candidates.

From those being interviewed, the commission plans to narrow the pool down to the top three candidates and release those names to the public.

"The plan will be to have the top three make presentations to the full board in a public meeting," Berg said.

The search for a new county manager began in November following the unexpected resignation of Cindy Campbell, who held the position since December 2012.

Minimum qualifications for the $80,000 to $124,000-per year, salaried position include knowledge and a level of competency associated with the completion of a master's degree in a public administration related field.

Experience sufficient to thoroughly understanding the diverse objectives and functions of the county is also sought, according to the county's job listing.

Responsible for managerial authority and overseeing the operations of all county departments within jurisdiction, as well as intergovernmental relations, personnel, finance and budget, capital projects and property control, the county manager reports directly to the board of commissioners.

Berg has been performing the county manager duties until a replacement can be approved.

He is not receiving an additional salary above his pay for serving as chairman of the board.