ROCKLAND – A longtime state jail inspector has accepted the top administrative post at Knox County Jail.

Sheriff Daniel Davey said Tuesday that John Hinkley of West Gardiner would begin as jail administrator on Sept. 20, earning $38,970 during the first six months.

Knox County commissioners unanimously approved the hiring on Tuesday.

Hinkley, who has worked for the state Department of Corrections since 1979, was the top choice from a pool of 10 candidates, three of whom were interviewed by a review committee.

Hinkley, who has been state jail inspector since 1987, is retiring from his state job. He earns $37,481 as a state correctional compliance monitor, according to a Corrections Department spokeswoman.

Davey praised Hinkley’s knowledge of the jail system and his expertise in not only structural standards, but jail policies and procedures. Hinkley has always wanted to be a jail administrator, Davey said.

The Knox County Jail houses up to 55 inmates and has a staff of more than 40, including a varying number of part-timers.

“It’s a challenge to him and he looks forward to meeting that challenge,” the sheriff said Tuesday, shortly before commissioners confirmed the appointment.