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Portland’s regional government Metro is looking to fill its vacant Metro Council role by the end of February.

Former District 6 councilor, Robert Liberty, announced Jan. 15 that he was resigning. Liberty resigned to take a job at the University of Oregon leading the Sustainable Cities Initiative, a think tank that tackles challenges in creating sustainable cities.

Qualified applicants must have proof they are a registered voter within District 6 boundaries, which include portions of Southwest, Southeast and Northeast Portland, for at least one year. To be considered for the job, candidates must file an application with Metro by Wednesday, Feb. 9 at the latest. Applications can be found either online through Metro’s website, or by visiting the Metro Regional Center, located at 600 NE Grand Ave.

Once the most qualified applicants are selected, they will be interviewed by the Metro Council at a public meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. at the David Douglas School District headquarters, 1500 SE 130^th Ave. At that time the council can determine whether they have enough information to make a selection, or if they would like to bring finalists in for a public debate.

If a public debate is necessary it will be held at the Metro Regional Center on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. Metro will then appoint the new councilor at its regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

The individual selected for the position will be allowed to serve out the remainder of Liberty’s tern which expires in January of 2013.