COEUR d'ALENE — Skye Mercer has resigned as Kootenai County's human resources director effective Dec. 3, citing "purely personal reasons."

Mercer, who has been at the county for five years, said she plans to move to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is seeking a human resources position there.

"My experience at the county has been both challenging and rewarding," she said. "I appreciate the opportunity."

Kootenai County has about 800 employees and receives 5,000 to 6,000 employment applications annually.

Mercer said her most rewarding projects included working on implementing the county's online employment application program and assisting the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office with recruiting for staffing the recent jail expansion.

"It was no easy task," she said.

The HR director reports to Prosecutor Barry McHugh and oversees recruiting, benefits and compensation, employee relations and risk management.

"Skye has done an incredible job for us and will be tough to replace," Commissioner Chris Fillios said.

McHugh, who invited other county elected officials to be a part of the selection committee, said the search for Mercer's replacement is underway. The salary range for the position is $61,429 to $88,594.

"Skye is going to be really hard to replace, so I want to make sure that we do a good job (with the search)," McHugh said during Wednesday's meeting of elected officials. "The HR director has to establish trust with the elected officials."