NATCHEZ — Since Building Inspector Paul Dawes retired June 30, the City of Natchez has received five applications for the job of building official.

Applications are currently available at Natchez City Hall.

Mayor Jake Middleton said no interviews have been set yet. Middleton said the position may lose its department head status, becoming a part of an existing department.

“I’d like to see (the position) under engineering or planning,” Middleton said. “It’s not supposed to be a department head job.”

According to the city’s position description, the building official is responsible for issuing licenses to electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors, issuing building permits for new construction and enforcing the International Code Council’s family of codes.

Applicants should have a minimum of 10 years experience as an architect, engineer, inspector, contractor, superintendent of construction or any combination of these. Applicants should also be certified as a building official through a recognized certification program.

The position also requires specific physical demands. Applicants should have the ability to lift more than 50 pounds on occasion, climb ladders and work in high places such as rooftops and rafters.

Middleton and city employees celebrated Dawes’ retirement Friday at City Hall. Middleton said Dawes’ replacement will likely be discussed during the Natchez Board of Aldermen work session next week.