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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa Transit Department is in the process of looking for a new permanent transit director.

The previous director was discharged last year, and an interim director has been in place since June 2011. The department is allowed a certain amount of time to hold an interium director before they must advertise for a permanent position.

"[The director is] responsible for the operation of the transit system in Ottumwa, as well as the 10-15 agency, which is 11 counties in Southern Iowa," Human Resource Manager Joni Keith said.

The new director will be responsible for over 50 employees, as well as have financial and budgeting experience, so the board is looking for a person with the right qualifications.

"It'd be nice if they had some transit experience and supervisory experience," Keith said.

The city has received several applications already, including from places as far away as Alaska and Texas. Keith said they are taking applications through the end of the week, and anyone with proper qualifications is encouraged to apply.