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Job Applicant Frequently Asked Questions

The City of Chico is a great place to work. Our dedicated, well-trained employees are always looking for new ways to serve the public and involve them in City programs, services and decisions. Applicants for City positions often ask the following questions. The answers below should assist you in the Application process with the City of Chico.

What types of jobs are available through the City of Chico?

The City has about 148 different job titles and over 500 employees. Employees work in various locations throughout the City. The City accepts Applications for specific job classifications and then establishes Employment Eligibility Lists through a series of testing processes. The Employment Eligibility Lists are used to fill jobs throughout the City. All departments select applicants from the Employment Eligibility Lists.

What can I do if the City of Chico is not currently recruiting for the position that I am interested in?

The City of Chico has a notification system through our on-line application provider, www.calopps.org. Just click on 'Create a personal profile'. Here's your opportunity to build a one-on-one relationship with any or all members of CalOpps. The benefits of doing so are many, including the ability to receive updates on jobs available that may fit your search criteria. You can also receive information on updates and enhancements to the CalOpps.org website, as well as any information that may help you in your search for the ideal public employment opportunity.

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I'm not sure if I'm qualified. What can I do?

Each recruitment announcement states the desired qualifications for each position. Read the requirements and qualifications carefully to match your education and/or experience and your knowledge and abilities to the position requirements. The position may require college course work or graduation, an amount of experience, a special license or trade certificate, and a California Driver License. Based on your qualifications, you should be able to determine whether you meet the requirements of the position. If you are still unsure, submit your Application and the Human Resources & Risk Management Office will determine whether or not you meet the requirements.

How does the Human Resources & Risk Management Office determine if I qualify for the position?

The Human Resources & Risk Management Office will review your Application using the criteria set forth on the recruitment announcement. It is very important to include all requested information. List all paid work experience, licenses, professional affiliations, classes you have taken, training you have received and any other special qualifications you possess which relate to the position for which you are applying. The Human Resources & Risk Management Office will review all of the information you provide; however, your qualifications must be clearly stated on the Application for Employment form. Failure to complete the Application for Employment form (including writing "see resume" on the Application in the area of experience) or failure to supply a resume will result in rejection of your Application. Without accurate and complete information, we will not be able to determine whether or not you meet the required qualifications for the job class.

Must I live within the city boundaries to apply for a job with the City of Chico?

It is not necessary to live in the City of Chico to work for the City.

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How will I know if a job is open for recruitment?

The City has a Job Line, (530) 879-7999. This 24-hour recording lists all jobs currently being recruited for and is updated as necessary. The Job Line allows you to leave your name and address if you would like to have an recruitment flyer and Application for Employment form mailed to you. Job Opportunities are also listed on the City of Chico website, and on our online application provider website at www.calopps.org. The City’s Application for Employment form is also on the website located in the Job Opportunities section. Recruitment announcements are advertised in the classified section of the Enterprise Record and on their website; the State unemployment office posts our Job Opportunities on their website, CALJOBS; and finally, announcements are also posted in the Human Resources & Risk Management Office at 411 Main Street.

How frequent is the recruiting for City positions?

Recruitments are conducted when there is a vacancy and the Employment Eligibility List previously established for the position has expired. In some cases, recruitments are conducted so that an Employment Eligibility List is available for an expected vacancy.

For some positions with limited turnover and one-person positions, recruitments may only be conducted every few years. For others, recruitment every six months or more may be necessary.

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What do I do with my Application?

Applications are only accepted for positions that are open for recruitment. When a position that you are interested in opens, to apply:

  • Go to http://www.calopps.org/profile_agency.cfm?id=75 should and apply on-line.
  • 2. Obtain an Application for Employment form from the Human Resources & Risk Management Office, or on-line from the website: www.ci.chico.ca.us, or by calling the Job Hotline at (530) 879-7999.

Whether or not you choose not to apply on-line at www.calopps.org all application materials must be submitted to the Human Resources & Risk Management Office (P O Box 3420, Chico CA 95927 or 411 Main Street, Chico CA 95928) no later than 5 p.m. on the closing date (postmarks are not accepted). The closing date is listed on all recruitment announcements. Faxed applications and e-mailed applications are not accepted. However, suplemental materials (including resumes) may be faxed, emailed, mailed or turned in to our office.

For some positions, i.e. Firefighter, only a limited number of Applications will be accepted. If a limit has been set, this limit will be listed on the announcement and on the Job Line.

Since many positions close quickly, it is to your advantage to submit your application early in the recruitment period.

It is suggested you keep a copy of the Application materials that you submit and the recruitment announcement to assist you in preparing for any written test, practical test and/or interview process that may be required.

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If I want to apply for more than one position do I have to file more than one Application?

Yes, you must submit a separate Application and resume for each position. There is no limit to the number of positions for which you can apply.

How often can I apply for the same position?

You may reapply as often as the job opportunity is announced.

How do I find out about the job duties, requirements, and type(s) of examination?

For jobs that are open for recruitment, a copy of the recruitment announcement may be obtained at the Office of Human Resources & Risk Management at 411 Main Street, or on-line or by calling the Job Line. The Announcement will state the salary, the job duties, the requirements to qualify, the type of examination(s) to be given, and very importantly, the date by which the Application must be submitted.

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What kind of examinations will I have to take?

The type of examinations for each position recruited will be stated on the recruitment announcement. Examinations are based on actual job duties. Depending on the knowledge, skills and abilities the position requires, the testing process may consist of one or more of the following:

  • Evaluation of training and
  • experience on your Application /
  • questionnaires,
  • Written tests,
  • Oral board interviews,
  • Performance examinations,
  • Physical agility examinations,
  • Assessment centers

How do I qualify to participate in the testing process?

Read the recruitment announcement. Information will be included that explains the examination process. If there is no written test, Applications may be screened to determine those most qualified to proceed to the oral interview. If there is a written test, those meeting the minimum requirements of the job will be scheduled to take the exam. You will be notified by e-mail, mail or phone approximately 2- 3 weeks after the closing date of the recruitment as to the date, time and location of the examination(s). You will also be notified should your application not be accepted.

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How do I prepare for the testing process? What do I study?

All tests are job-related and test the knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the job. To prepare, read the job description on the recruitment announcement; then study material, which you feel, would directly or indirectly relate to the necessary knowledge, skills or abilities of the position. For example, if the requirements for a position are performing mathematical calculations and interpreting regulations, some of the exam questions may cover basic math skills and reading comprehension.

What happens after I take the examination?

You will be notified (by e-mail or mail approximately 2-3 weeks after the date of the exam) of the examination results. If you pass all components of the recruitment process, you will be placed on an Employment Eligibility List in the order of your final score.

When there is a vacancy in a City Department, the Department Head receives the names of the top 20 candidates on the Employment Eligibility List. The Department Head can consider any candidate from among the top 20 and is not required to interview or select candidates in List order.

The City of Chico has an examination appeal procedure. Information about this procedure will be provided at the examination site or in the Application materials.

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What should I do if I am in the top twenty and am called for an interview?

You will be notified of the time and place you should appear for the interview and to whom you should report to for the interview.

Since an Employment Eligibility List may be used by more than one department, the Human Resources & Risk Management Office may not know who contacted you. It is important that you get the above information when the interviewing department contacts you.

Before the interview, review your copy of your Application materials. These materials may include your Application for Employment form and/or Resume as well as the Employment Opportunity Announcement. Be prepared to discuss how your training and/or work experience relate to the position for which you are interviewing. Information regarding the position can be obtained by contacting the Human Resources & Risk Management Office.

How long is the Employment Eligibility List in effect?

The life of the Employment Eligibility List varies from 6 months to 24 months, depending on the position. If you recently submitted an application or have been placed on the Employment Eligibility List and have a name or address or phone number change, please contact the Human Resources & Risk Management Office at (530) 879-7900 so we can update your information.

Does the City award Veterans Preference?

The City does provide preference in placement on the Employment Eligibility List to qualified veterans who have provided verification of their veteran status prior to the establishment of the Eligibility List. The preference process results in veterans being placed at a numerical position on the Employment Eligibility List above those non-veteran candidates who have the same final score following the completion of the examination process.

If you are a Veteran and would like to apply for preference, you must complete the "Veterans Preference Request" portion of the Employment Questionnaire Form and attach a copy of your DD214 (Report of Separation) with your Application.

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Why does the City department with the vacancy conduct the selection interview instead of the Human Resources & Risk Management Office?

When the Human Resources & Risk Management Office recruits and tests for vacant positions, the requirements are typically based on all the positions with the same title and general duties. However, individual vacancies may differ depending on the specific department workload. The selection interview permits departments to evaluate individual’s qualifications and how they will fit organizationally into the needs of their department.

What happens if I am selected?

Conditional job offers are made pending a drug test and physical examination. Some positions require a polygraph exam and psychological evaluation. If you are employed when selected for City employment, DO NOT quit your job until you have been informed that you have passed all of the pre-employment processes.

When all pre-employment processes have been completed, the Human Resources & Risk Management Office will contact new employees before their first day of employment for processing. The processing takes approximately one hour.

The City of Chico complies with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986. If offered a position you will be required to present identification and/or work authorization paperwork. The most common way to meet this requirement is by presenting your Social Security Card (also required under state law) AND your driver license or identification card. Other acceptable documents identified in law or regulation are acceptable. All new employees are required to complete and sign a U.S. Department of Justice Employment Eligibility form.

After you have been offered and have accepted a position with the City, a start date will be agreed upon. You will be informed where and to whom you will report on your first day.

When you are selected your name will be removed from the Employment Eligibility List for that position. Your name will remain on any other Employment Eligibility Lists you are on for the specified life of the list.

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Are City employees represented by a union?

Most Non-management City employees are represented by a union. Employees placed in certain positions are required to join a union, which represents their position, or pay a service fee as a condition of employment. The Employment Opportunity Announcement will include information regarding required union participation.

How does the City treat smoking by employees?

The City has prohibited smoking in all City buildings, offices and facilities. Smoking is also prohibited in all City vehicles. Individuals that belong to the CPSA union are required to be non-smokers while on duty and are required to sign a "City of Chico - Human Resources & Risk Management Office – Tobacco & Smokeless Tobacco Use Prohibition Agreement" form as a condition of their employment.

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What if I am not selected or interviewed?

The City’s objective is to hire the best person for the job so competition is often keen. If you are not immediately successful in obtaining a position, your name will remain on the Employment Eligibility List for consideration. You may be considered for other vacancies, within the same job classification, that occur during the life of the List. If you do not receive a job offer during the life of the List you must wait for another recruitment and may reapply.

The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. This means the City does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, religious affiliation or belief and will seek to accommodate qualified persons with disabilities.

All individuals are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Chico. Women, minorities and the disabled are encouraged to apply. Please contact the Human Resources & Risk Management Office at least five working days before a scheduled interview/examination if you require accommodation in the test process. Medical disability verification may be required before the city grants the accommodation.

To assist the City in accommodating persons with disabilities, materials will be made available in alternative formats upon request. Requests for accommodation can be made by calling (530) 879-7900, via fax at (530) 895-4733, or by coming into the Human Resources & Risk Management Office located at 411 Main Street, Chico CA 95928.

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One Final Word

Do not be discouraged if you do not get hired your first attempt. Try again. A City of Chico position may be waiting for you!

If you have additional questions or comments, please contact the City of Chico Human Resources & Risk Management Office at 530-879-7900, or e-mail hrrm@ci.chico.ca.us.

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