The city of Longview closed the application window for its vacant director of human resources position Friday with 27 applicants to consider.

City spokesman Shawn Hara said at least two of the applicants were currently employed by the city.

He said staff was likely to begin considering the applications next week, after they are compiled by Strategic Government Resources, the firm contracted by the city to conduct the search.

Applications had been accepted since early September. An original Oct. 4 deadline was extended to Friday. The additional time netted an increase of three applications.

The position is vacant due to the early retirement in August of Karri Hyko.

Her replacement will oversee the human resources department for the city, which has about 830 full-time and 45 part-time employees, according to the job posting.

After initial winnowing of the candidates, interviews would be conducted before a final decision is made.

City Manager David Willard has said the hiring of a new assistant city manager, the city’s other vacant upper-level position, may wait until the city has filled the human resources position.