AUBURN — A new assistant manager should be good at handling unique projects and have a background in economic development, according to Clinton Deschene, Auburn city manager.

Deschene said he hopes to begin sorting through resumes this week for the position. Friday was deadline for applications, and Deschene said he heard from more than 50 people interested in the job.

“I think we’ll do a written interview for the whole group,” he said. “If a group stands out above and beyond the rest of the pack, we might go straight to in-person interviews with those people and move things along.”

Deschene said project flexibility and affability are things that will move applicants to the front of the line.

“I’m looking for someone with project management experience and can handle unique and diverse projects,” he said. “Next, I want someone with knowledge and experience or understanding of economic development. And the third piece, which is very important to me, is just the person themselves — their personality and demeanor and ability to fit in with staff and work cohesively with all the departments and the council.”

Auburn began advertising for the assistant’s position late in July. Deschene hopes to have settled on a candidate by October. The job is advertised to pay between $63,000 and $85,000 per year.

Deschene was hired in June to replace Glenn Aho. Councilors ended Aho’s contract in October.

Aho had tried to reshape Auburn’s government, doing away with the assistant city manager’s position after Laurie Smith resigned in June 2010. Instead, he grouped city departments into teams. Department heads from each team met weekly.

Deschene said that structure will change once he and the new assistant manager get settled.

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