The South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District is currently seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on its Board of Commissioners.

Because the position is for an interim commissioner, the process requires an application and an interview process rather than an election. The interim commissioner will be chosen by the existing board of commissioners. At the end of the term, the appointed commissioner will be eligible to run for election.

Commissioner Position 2, a four-year term, runs until Dec. 31, 2021. The position was originally held by Mark Helpenstell, who moved out of the district midway through his term in August 2019. The board appointed Jennifer Cox to serve the remainder of the term, but she won election for Position 4, which began Jan. 1.

Board members meet at least one time each month to discuss general business, usually at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday. They may meet additionally if the board is discussing developing issues in subcommittees, such as grants, trails or park programming.

“It’s like any other elected official, they wield their power in an official meeting,” Doug Coutts, executive director for South Whidbey Parks and Recreation, said.

The board’s job is to set policy and hire the director, similar to a port authority or school district board, Coutts said. The positions are unpaid.

Applications are available at the district offices or online at the district website.

Applications must be submitted to 5475 Maxwelton Road by noon on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

• For more information, contact Doug Coutts by calling 360-221-6488 or emailing dirswprd@whidbey.com.