NATCHEZ — The son of the former Natchez Public Works supervisor has been hired to take his father’s position.

Natchez City Engineer David Gardner said Justin Dollar, the son of Robbie Dollar, started his job as public works supervisor Monday.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors voted Jan. 9 to hire Robbie as county road manager, leaving his position open as the head of public works

The Natchez Board of Aldermen gave Gardner permission to seek a supervisor of public works shortly after Robbie was hired by the county. As the head of the engineering department, Gardner hires the department’s supervisors and other employees.

Natchez City Clerk Donnie Holloway said an advertisement for the job was posted at City Hall and Natchez Public Works for one week, and 10 applications were submitted. Mayor Jake Middleton said some of the applicants withdrew because they were making more than the $35,000 salary for the job at their current jobs.

Gardner said he interviewed several applicants for the position, but he said he ultimately chose Justin because of his education and experience.

Justin has a degree in construction management from Mississippi State University, Gardner said, and previously worked and as a member of the Natchez Water Works maintenance crew prior and for R.W. Delaney Construction Company.

Gardner said although Justin does not have much management experience, he believes he will be a tremendous asset to public works.

“(Justin) has really impressed me,” Gardner said. “With his education and experience, I think he is going to bring a lot to the table.”

Justin will be working closely with Natchez Assistant City Engineer David Atkins for training, Gardner said.

Middleton said questions may be raised about the fact that Justin was chosen to fill the position left open by his father.

“But I trust my department heads, and if David Gardner and David Atkins are confident in him and believe he can get the job done, then so do I,” he said.

Gardner said he chose Justin based solely on the fact that he was the best candidate and is exactly what the department was looking for in a supervisor.

“Once he gets trained, I think he will be as good, if not better, than (Robbie),” Gardner said. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”