AUGUSTA — Gov.-elect Paul LePage plans to announce an expansion of his transition team today as applications for jobs in his administration pour in by the hundreds.

LePage, who will become Maine’s first Republican governor in 16 years when he’s sworn into office in January, will announce that his transition team will grow by nearly 40 people, said Dan Demeritt, communications director for the transition effort.

A big part of the appointees’ jobs will be to sort through applications that have been filed by people who are interested in serving in the new administration.

The transition team members, who will work on a voluntary basis, will also “provide input into policy proposals for the incoming governor and help identify the skill sets and characteristics needed to fill key positions in the LePage administration,” Demeritt said.

Demeritt said the number of applications for administration jobs is approaching 1,000. He said the applicants offer a wide range of skills, from highly qualified to some just entering the work force.

LePage has invited anyone who is interested in serving to apply through his website, www.lepagetransition.com.

The transition team has three co-chairs and a small staff. The governor-elect has also appointed a bipartisan team of 10 advisers who are helping to shape a new two-year budget.

As he succeeds Democratic two-term Gov. John Baldacci, LePage will appoint new Cabinet members to head state departments and fill scores of other executive branch positions.

About 150 appointees’ jobs are to be filled as Baldacci officials are replaced by LePage appointees.

Newly elected legislators, who will be sworn in Dec. 1, will elect three high-profile state officials: attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer.

Republicans have the majorities to elect Rep. Robert Nutting of Oakland as House speaker and Sen. Kevin Raye of Perry as Senate president. Both are Republicans.

Republicans have already made key staff and support appointments that traditionally go to the ruling party.

Alison Sucy, who has been chief of staff in the House Republican Office since 2001, will be chief of staff for the new House speaker.

Diane Johanson, a 17-year veteran of legislative service, will be chief of staff in the House Majority Office. Johanson’s sixth-great-grandfather, Col. Isaac G. Reed, was a member of Maine’s Constitutional Convention in 1819-20, served in the Legislature and designed the Maine State Seal, according to the House GOP office.

Heather Priest, who has worked on the legislative staff for 16 years, has been nominated by the Republicans to be the new clerk of the House. The clerk formally reads matters before the House and advises the speaker on parliamentary procedure.

The Senate secretary’s post will be filled by Republican Joseph Carleton, a lawyer who also served in the House.