Council chairman Stephen Woodhead announced the process yesterday, and said under the Local Government Act, it was open for a council to offer a sitting chief executive a two-year extension after an initial five-year term.
Mr Bodeker advised "he does not seek to have the council consider that option", Mr Woodhead said.
Instead, Mr Bodeker wanted to have "the opportunity to be considered for a further five-year term".
Mr Bodeker had also advised the council he would be "an applicant in the competitive appointment process which the legislation requires the council to follow".
Mr Woodhead said the council would be "working through the process over the next three months" with a view to having a chief executive in place from the end of Mr Bodeker’s current term.
The council yesterday also advertised the full-time role, stating it employed more than 150 people and existed to "promote the sustainable development and enhancement of Otago’s natural resources, preserving them for future generations".
Closing date for applications was August 27.
