The Human Resources Committee of the Candlewood Lake Authority gave an update this week in its search for a director of ecology and environmental education.

The authority began searching for the position after hiring new Executive Director Mark Howarth in March, previously the authority’s director of education and outreach.

Howarth was hired for about $20,000 less than former Executive Director Larry Marsicano so the authority could create a new director of ecology and environmental education position to focus on the scientific component of its work. Howarth, who holds a degree in business management, will focus on the management and outreach portion of the job.

Mark Toussaint, chairman of the Human Resources Committee, told authority delegates this week that the committee has received resumes from 26 candidates for the position. The deadline for applicants was Wednesday, Toussaint said.

aquinn@newstimes.com