How do I find state & local jobs in civil service near my home?

There is no single database of all local, State and Federal government jobs.

Commercial websites don’t list all open jobs for all agencies and there is no single government website for all open local and State jobs.  Most commercial websites charge for job listings and not all government agencies have the money to list all job openings. 

Find a state & local job in the 20 largest metropoliitan areas in the US. You’ll also discover one of the best sources of government jobs – municipal utilities.

These jobs may pay more, have just as much job security, and similar work, health, and retirement benefits.  Another plus with municipal utilities?  Along with most of the state and local government jobs, municipal utilities with their infrastructure intensive operations offer opportunities for those with heavy industrial manufacturing experience.  There are also opportunities for electrical engineers in power utilities and civil engineers in water utilities.  In some instances, you’ll find that the port or the airport are also operated by local government.  For example, the Port of Los Angeles and Los Angeles International Airport are operated by the City of Los Angeles.  These operations are also excellent opportunities for government employment. 

How are state & local government jobs filled?

Government job openings are typically announced with a job announcement or job bulletin.  With the exception of jobs that have a scarcity of applicants, civil service exams are only given periodically.  The job announcement will specify the time period during which applications will be accepted, where to obtain an application, and how to submit an application. 

Job openings are typically filled by a competitive civil service exam.  Each job title will have its own unique exam.  For example, the exam for a custodian is different from the exam for a traffic enforcement agent.  An exam may consist of one or more tests such as a written test (multiple choice or essay), application review, performance test, or interview.  Each test is competitive.  Written tests, application/resume evaluations, and interviews are all scored competitive tests.  You are competing against the other job applicants.  

Based on the total scores of the applicants, a list is established.  Your total score must be high enough to be placed on a list to be considered for a job.  If you score high enough to be placed on the list, department(s) with job vacancies will conduct a competitive interview from the list to fill vacant positions.  Your chances for a job opportunity significantly increase if you prepare for all tests and the interview.

What do I do if an civil service exam is not being given for the job that I want?  How do I ensure that I have an opportunity? 

Most agencies have a job or exam notification process where you can sign-up on the agency website to be notified for specific job exams.  Use the notification process for all jobs that you’re interested in.  The economy changes and personal circumstances change.  Using the notification process ensures that you will have the decision to pursue a civil service job or not. 

I can’t find the civil service job opportunity that I want.

Jobs may be offered as open or promotional and that most open jobs are entry level (see Find A Job for detail).  Depending on your salary requirements and qualifications, consider applying for a job that is not in your desired profession.  For example, while there may not be an opportunity for equipment mechanics, there may be an opportunity for a clerk.  You may be able to be hired as a clerk and when an opportunity for equipment mechanic opens up, then apply as a promotional candidate for equipment mechanic.  Check with the personnel or Human Resources office of the agency that you’re applying to if their rules allow this.

The big benefit is that while you may not be in the job of your choice with a higher salary, you are taking advantages of the health plan benefits and you’re accruing time towards retirement. 

Is there an application fee to apply for a job?  

For most jobs, the answer is no.  If there is a fee, which might be a testing fee, the fee should be charged directly by the government agency.  If there is a fee, which might be a testing fee, the fee should be charged directly by the government agency.  One of those exceptions is the City of New York.

Where can I get help on the application process? 

Each agency will have their own application process.  You may find tips on completing the application on-line or you can visit or call the human resources department at the agency that you’re interested in.   

When can I take the civil service exam? 

When the job bulletin or announcement is released, the exam information will also be included. 

What do I study for a civil service test? 

The key to your studying is the job announcement or job bulletin.  Our in-depth explanation what is the civil service exam, how to study and what to study.  You’ll learn how to break down the job  bulletin or vacancy announcemtn to show you what to study.  The fastest and easiest way to begin your studying is with a civil service test study guide for the specific job that you’re applying for. 

How can I find the questions for an upcoming civil service test?  

You can’t.  Test questions to for either upcoming written tests and interviews are not available.  Some agencies may make sample questions available.  Check our Civil Service Test Guides for test guides, interview guides, and free sample questions and practice tests from government agencies.