POULSBO — Poulsbo’s next council member could be a school psychologist, the Bremerton City Auditor, a retired defense contractor with advanced degrees or Poulsbo’s former public works director.

As Councilwoman Becky Erickson leaves her seat to take over the mayor’s office, the remaining two years on her term is up for grabs. The council will review applications, due Dec. 30, and make its decision in January on who will round out the seven-member council. The position pays $6,000 a year.

Four candidates had submitted applications by Monday.

• Jeff Bauman, 62, served as the city’s public works director from 2006 to 2008 and has lived in the city for about three-and-a-half years. Since retiring he has stayed busy, visiting family, joining clubs and volunteering around town.

“I knew I would reach the point where I would be ready for another big commitment,” Bauman said.

Bauman received his undergraduate degree in biology from Stanford University and earned two graduate degrees from the University of Washington, in marine ecology and public administration.

• Wil L. Miller, 73, is a retired research specialist and manager for the Lockheed Corporation who left California in 1975 to go go to work on the Trident Program at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. He has lived in Poulsbo since 1988 and served eight years in the Navy Reserve.

Miller wants to join the council because he has been disturbed by some of the city’s actions in the recent past, including the $15.9 million City Hall under construction, calling it a “monolith in the worst possible place.”

“I’d like to see the city take a different direction,” he said.

He has earned an associate degree in architecture, and undergraduate degrees in engineering and business and a master’s of business administration from the University of Santa Clara.

• Nikolaus Hoffman, 30, is a school psychologist at North Kitsap High School and has lived in Poulsbo for about three-and-a-half years.

He said he applied for the open council seat because he wants to be more involved in the community.

And as a younger person who hasn’t spent many years in Poulsbo, he would bring a fresh, outsider’s view on issues.

“I have an idea of what’s going on and have new perspectives,” he said, describing himself as “Somewhat of a progressive-minded person,” “environmentally conscious” and “strongly supportive of local businesses.”

Hoffman received his undergraduate degree in psychology from University of Illinois and specialist degree from Eastern Illinois University.

• Gary W. Nystul of Poulsbo did not return calls seeking comment.

His work voice mail said he is out of town. Nystul is the auditor for the city of Bremerton.