Arlington officials are seeking public suggestions on the development of a new town manager job description, which will be used in the search to replace retiring Town Manager Brian Sullivan.

Sullivan, who has worked as Arlington’s top administrator for eight years, announced last month he will retire in February 2012.

There will be a public hearing on Thursday, Oct. 13, to gather ideas on how to format the job description for the town's new manager. The hearing begins at 7 p..m at the Selectmen’s Chamber in Town Hall.

Applications for the new manager will be accepted between Oct. 24 and Dec. 12, with interviews running in January. Final selection is scheduled for Feb. 13.