FAQ on Civil Service

WHAT IS CIVIL SERVICE?
All jobs in government fall under the Civil Service System. A "Civil Service" employee can be anyone from a secretary to a nurse, a mechanic, a laboratory technician, a truck driver, a building inspector, an electrician, or a teacher aide. However, different Civil Service jobs have different requirements.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE A TEST?
Some positions require that you do well on an examination, as compared to others who have taken the same test, to be considered for a permanent job. These positions are called competitive positions.

WHAT POSITIONS DO NOT REQUIRE A TEST?
There are three (3) types of positions which have no examination requirements:

• EXEMPT positions are those where the hiring agency decides the qualifications of applicants and chooses the person they want to hire. The process is similar to that found in private industry.
• NON-COMPETITIVE positions have specific education and experience requirements which you must meet. Employers choose from among the qualified people who apply.
• LABOR positions have no education or experience requirements. Employers may choose anyone for these jobs. However, they frequently select individuals with the best work record.
  

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT JOBS ARE AVAILABLE?
You are welcome to apply for any examination announced to the public for which you can meet the qualifications or any currently available opening not requiring an examination.

The examination title and a description of the position is provided for you on examination notices. This information, as well as applications are available from the Regional Civil Service Commission Website. Other jurisdictions on our mailing list; such as towns, villages, school districts, and libraries may also have this information. We recommend you check the current exam notices every month, so you do not miss the opportunity to apply for upcoming examinations.

We will also accept job applications for general consideration. However, these applications would be used by Chemung County Departments only to fill positions where there are no lists or in instances where there are no employees qualified for promotion.

Some examinations have a one (1) month Chemung County residency requirement.

HOW DO I APPLY?
Whether you are interested in a tested or a non-tested position, you complete the same application, available from the Regional Civil Service Commission office. Some points to check in making application are:

• Submit an application for each examination you wish to take.
• The correct examination title and examination number are on the application.
• You meet the minimum qualifications of the examination for which you are applying.
• All applications are complete and accurate. Applications with incomplete or incorrect information may result in your being disqualified from the job or examination for which you are applying. Attaching a resume is usually not an acceptable alternative to completing an application.
  
• If you require additional information, someone will be available to assist you.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I APPLY FOR THE TEST(S)?
Applications for already scheduled (announced) examinations are processed as they are received. Those that meet the qualifications are notified by mail about one week prior to the examination date of the location for testing and other instructions. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications are notified of this fact within several weeks of applying.

WHAT WILL BE ON THE TEST(S)?
You can find out what areas each test will cover by looking at the examination announcement. Announcements are distributed two to four weeks prior to the closing date for filing an application. Announcements are available in the Regional Civil Service Commission office and are frequently posted by government jurisdictions and agencies on our mailing list.

WHEN WILL I FIND OUT HOW I DID ON THE EXAMINATION?
Examination results are received from the State Civil Service Commission approximately three (3) to six (6) months after an examination. You will be notified by mail of your score and placed on the eligible list.

WHERE ARE THESE EXAMINATION LISTS USED?
Chemung County and City of Elmira departments, towns, villages, school districts, SCT-BOCES, Elmira Water Board and special districts use the lists resulting from these examinations to fill testable (competitive) positions.


The City of Elmira does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or marital status.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
The City of Elmira is an Equal Opportunity Employer