Kitsap County will likely announce the name of its new parks director next week, naming a new candidate to replace Chip Faver, who resigned in June.

The selection process, which narrowed a field of 53 applicants to three finalists, was a learning process for the county, according to South Kitsap Commissioner Charlotte Garrido.

“It was a good exercise for the commissioners to ask these tough questions,” she said. “It helped us to define the job and determine the direction we want to take.”

The commissioners have requested additional information which had not yet arrived by Wednesday, deferring the decision until at least next week.

Unlike some previous personnel searches, the process was conducted by county staff. The original applicants were narrowed down to 12, and then to five. Some had received other offers during the time it took to decide, so three candidates were called in.

The three candidates participated in staff interviews on Sept. 1 and a visit to the existing county parks on the following day.

On Sept. 3, each candidate had a 90-minute interview with the three county commissioners.

The commissioners asked each candidate for more information and could make an announcement as early as next week, Garrido said. She said they have agreed on a preference and will announce that choice once additional information is received.

The salary range for the job is $79,164 to $101,025 per year.

The job supervises 35 employees and controls 78 different parks. It also provides direction over the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede.

Garrido said the job has become more difficult in light of recent budget cuts, especially because park services are not required by law but are perceived as one of the aspects that attracts residents and businesses to the county.

“Parks are critical,” Garrido said. “Even though they are not mandated.”