HOBART | A replacement for City Planner Sergio Mendoza won't likely be hired until sometime after the first of the year, Clerk-Treasurer Deborah Longer said Wednesday.

The city already is advertising for Mendoza's replacement through both regional, state and national publications, she said.

Mendoza, 34, has accepted a position with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as a resource planner for Lake Michigan coastal communities.

His last day as Hobart's city planner is Friday. Mendoza has served as city planner for close to five years.

Advertisements for Mendoza's replacement have been placed through the American Planning Association, the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns and a regional publication that includes most of the Midwest states, Longer said.

"As resumes come in we'll be setting up interviews with City Engineer Steve Truchan and Mayor Brian Snedecor," she said.

Because Mendoza is leaving his position so close to year's end, the city won't have sufficient time to hire a replacement until after early January, she said.

The individual the city is hoping to hire will have an urban planning or related degree, three to five years experience and Global Information Systems skills.

The applicant will be in charge of updating the comprehensive master plan, amending subdivision and zoning ordinances and performing related planning duties, Longer said.

Applicants are asked to submit a resume and cover letter to Snedecor by Dec. 31.

Mendoza, who grew up in the Whiting/Hammond area, graduated from Bishop Noll Institute and Ball State University.

His degree from Ball State is in urban planning from the College of Architecture and Planning.