MATTAPOISETT — As the search for the town’s new top administrator continues, it reveals not only what the town wants and needs in a Town Administrator, but also a portrait of the town as a whole.

Current Town Administrator Michael Gagne announced in February that he would retire in October, but has continued to work past that date, as a first round of candidates did not result in a hire for the position.

The town formed a search committee to look for Gagne’s replacement, and members of the committee reached out to various town departments and interest groups, such as business owners to see what they would look for in a Town Administrator.

Information given to Bernard Lynch, the consultant with Community Paradigm Associates who is helping the town, revealed the town is older than the state average age of 40 by ten years, and has 22.4% of the population in the senior category as compare to the state average of 16.5%.

Housing costs for the town are also about 10% above the state average.

The town is highly educated, with 97.4% of residents over the age of 25 that have a high school diploma, and 46.8% with at least a bachelor’s degree.

Mattapoisett has a budget of $28.8 million, with some 59.3% of that going toward education. Still, the town was commended in the report for its “strong financial management.”

Town residents seem pretty content with things the way they are. The report to its consultants referenced the Master Plan’s goal to do “everything possible to retain the town’s character and manage growth.”

Lynch described Mattapoisett as “more hands-on than some larger communities,” and said it faces unique challenges due to a small staff, and coastal location.

There are also other big projects that the Town Administrator will have to tackle. These include a 10-year capital plan, increasing affordable and senior housing, a short-term and long-term review of the schools, developing a new master plan, fixing the wharves and exploring other sources for revenue, beyond the tax base.

The town doesn’t yet know who will take on those projects, but it has a list of things it is looking for in a candidate.

The search committee will prioritize someone with experience in complex municipal roles, an innovator and good listener who looks to understand Mattapoisett’s values, and someone who is comfortable working with staff and volunteers.

Much of the role’s description also focuses on teamwork, something that Gagne agrees with.

“It’s people, that’s what it comes down to,” he said adding that working with a variety of department heads, and knowing who to use for what job was important.

Advertising for the job began Dec. 6. Resumes are due by Jan. 3.

Lynch expects about 30 applications. He will rank them into different tiers, then the search committee will select 6 to 7 candidates and begin talks with them on Jan. 13 at 9 a.m.

The final two candidates will be presented to the selectmen by Jan. 21. Since Tyler Macallister resigned to pursue the Town Administrator role and there are only two Selectmen, they must unanimously pick the new Town Administrator.