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Role types

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Understand different position types

Positions within the City are broadly classified into a handful of, what are known as, role types. The role type of a specific position will be visible on the job's advertisement. The most common are:

  • Permanent Civil Service (PCS)
  • Permanent Exempt (PEX)
  • Temporary Exempt (TEX)
  • Provisional Appointments
  • As needed

Permanent Civil Service

Most City jobs fall under Permanent Civil Service (PCS). PCS positions are governed by Civil Service Rules, which lead to a more formal hiring process designed to ensure the process is fair and equitable.

Relatedly, candidates will be required to complete at least one form of an exam. Due to the political forces that surround government work, PCS roles have certain protections and rights that allow our team to continue to provide citizens services in an unbiased and inclusive way, PCS roles have extra protections and rights.

The merit process is complex, and can take some time. Individuals in consideration for PCS positions are required to compete in an "Exam" process that will result in an eligible list of candidates ranked in order, based on their results. The exam process may consist of several parts, and candidates may be required to complete a combination of the following components (depending on the position type):

  • Online or in-person standardized tests
  • Personal experience or situation-based essays
  • Interviews
  • Hands-on performance demonstrations

Each of these components is carefully crafted to ensure that the City is able to hire the individual that is the best fit for the job.

Three Public Works Employees

Exempt Positions

In some circumstances, positions can be exempt from Civil Service Rules, usually resulting in the removal of requiring an exam for candidates. Exemptions are typically made for a variety of reasons, but usually to supplement the City's workforce in support of a project or initiative. In most cases, appointment to an exempt position is limited to a specific period of time.

Individuals appointed to exempt positions are appointed at the pleasure of their appointing officer and are considered to be "at-will" employees

Permanent and Temporary Exempt Positions

Depending on the way the position is budgeted it will be referred to as Temporary (TEX) or Permanent (PEX). Temporary exempt positions will have a set duration, indicated in the job advertisement whereas the duration of a permanent position is indeterminate.

Provisional Appointments

When there are no eligible candidates available for a PCS position a department can hire a provisional appointment.

These employees temporarily fill the PCS position until an eligible applicant pool is available. These positions do not have the same position protections as PCS roles. Provisional appointees must apply and compete for the PCS position once it is posted.

As needed

"As needed" positions are hired on a variable basis and, once hired, working hours may change week-to-week. These positions are sometimes referred to as "hourly".