PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island is seeking a new state poet after the current state poet accepted a job in California.

Rick Benjamin was appointed in 2012 to a five-year term in the post, which carries with it a $1,000-a-year honoraria. He’s stepping down in January after accepting a job at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Rhode Island has had five state poets since the position was created in 1989.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts says the state poet serves as the principal advocate for poetry in Rhode Island. It says it’s looking for a poet with deep connections to the cultural life of Rhode Island. The person must be a Rhode Island resident.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 15.