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Employment, Compensation and Affirmative Action

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1. How can I find out about available jobs?

Job announcements describing the position and requirements are posted outside the Office of Human Resources on the second floor of the City Hall Annex, and at most City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County libraries. You may also obtain job information from the 24-hour jobline (651-266-6502) or Employment.

2. Can we fill out an application or send a resume for City of St. Paul job openings at anytime?

We do not accept applications and resumes unless the job announcement has been posted. You may access job postings and submit your application online.

3. How do we verify employment?

The Office of Human Resources or a department payroll staff can verify employment including the position title, employment starting and ending dates, and salary.

4. Do City employees receive preference?

Current City employees with two years of employment, 2080 work hours, and satisfactory performance evaluations, are eligible for promotion rights to higher paying positions. Promotion candidates may apply for promotion-only opportunities, or for opportunities open to the public.

5. How many women and people of color does the City employ?

For all departments, the Office of Human Resources publishes Workforce Utilization Reports.

6. What are the most common examinations?

Detailed information about the exam process will be outlined in the job posting for each job opening. Some of the most common types of exams are listed below:

Qualifications Rating: This exam typically involves an evaluation of your training and experience as it relates to the duties of the position. It is usually an assessment of an examination (Supplemental Questionnaire) and your application.

Training and Experience Exam: This exam is typically an essay test that asks questions about your education, training and experience as it relates to the duties of the position. It is usually more detailed and comprehensive than the qualifications rating. The exam may be the supplemental questionnaire attached to the job posting, or may be administered as a sit-down exam.

Interview: An oral interview typically involves a panel of interviewers who ask structured questions about past experiences in handling specific situations. The questions are usually designed to measure broad categories of competencies, such as your ability to solve problems or to assess your communication skills. The interview may be an examination subject, and/or can be a hiring interview conducted by the department hiring authority.

Practical Exam: This exam typically requires you to perform functions similar to those routinely performed in the job. It is usually used for physically demanding or task-specific jobs.

Written Exam: These exams measure job-related knowledge. They are usually based on announced references or knowledge areas. Typical written exams are multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank and are usually used for job which require very specific knowledge.

7. What happens after I take the exam?

You will be notified of your test results by e-mail. All qualified candidates who pass the test are placed on the eligible list. Depending on the position, the results may be ranked or pass/fail. Eligible lists are valid for one year and can be extended an additional year. The current opening and any future hiring will be made from the eligible list. As openings arise throughout the year, you may be contacted for a job interview.

8. Is the City an Equal Opportunity Employer?

Yes. The City of Saint Paul is an Affirmative Action employer and has a commitment to diversity in its work force. In that spirit, we encourage applications from all individuals, including women, people of color, and people with disabilities.

9. What if I need a testing accommodation?

If you have a disability and would like to request a testing accommodation, please call the Human Resources Consultant listed on the official job posting or call 651-266-6500.

10. Do military veterans get a preference?

Eligible veterans who wish to claim veterans' preference may receive additional points on your final exam score if you pass all portions of the selection process. You must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing years of service and type of discharge in order to be considered for veterans' preference.

11. How do I determine what the salary is for various positions in the City?

The job descriptions contain a link to the appropriate salary schedule within the Supplemental Information section. Job Descriptions

12. What type of job evaluation system does the City of Saint Paul use?

The City of Saint Paul system is called a Quantitative Evaluation System (QES). This is a point-factor system developed specifically for classifying positions in the City of Saint Paul.

13. What is the City's internal procedure for requesting a job study?

An employee, manager, or the HR Director can request that a job study be done and can evaluate filled or vacant positions.
For all other users, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 651-266-6500 for the instructions and forms.
If you are a City Employee and have access to the City's Intranet, go to the Human Resources Intranet forms page.

14. What training, development, and recognition programs are offered to City of Saint Paul employees?

The City offers a wide variety of Citywide training and development opportunities, which include New Employee Orientation, First Line Supervisors Academy, Advanced Manager Academy, Mayor's Leadership Academy, numerous skills-based training, e.g., project management, communication, and diversity training. HR Consulting Services also offers customized training and development opportunities for the City.

15. Where do I get a copy of the City job descriptions for all active City positions?

Job descriptions are organized alphabetically by title. Class specifications are also known as Job Descriptions.