Career Opportunity

Personnel Clerk (1202) - Citywide (C00463)

Recruitment: REF60614X

Published: June 26, 2026

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.

About:

This is a Citywide Exam posting. Your application to this posting is an application to take a citywide exam.

If you pass the exam, you will be emailed your score and ranking on the eligible candidate list. When a department has an open position with this job classification they will use this eligible list to hire for that position. Departments will contact candidates from this list to gauge interest in their specific roles. Learn more about the City’s hiring process here: https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/process/

Application Opening: Friday, June 26, 2026

Application Deadline: Apply Immediately. Application filing will be open at least through Friday, July 10, 2026 and will close any time thereafter. 

Salary Range: $74,542 – $90,506

How to Apply

1. Click the "APPLY NOW" button at the bottom of the page to submit your application.
2. Check your email for a confirmation message from notification@careers.sf.gov.
3. Complete the Required Questionnaire using this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/w8Z3pfMRjC

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.

Role description

Under supervision, the Personnel Clerk performs a variety of specialized clerical duties in connection with personnel related matters. The essential functions of this job include: processing personnel transactions by gathering information, filling out and/or distributing forms and/or documents; processing personnel requisitions and modifications either manually and/or electronically; compiling and generating data for reports; creating and updating personnel files; responding to inquiries made by phone or in person; filing personnel documents; entering and maintaining records and databases; processing and scheduling appointments. The Personnel Clerk works directly with the public, departments and employees concerning various personnel matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Processes personnel transactions by gathering information for new hires, certifications, separations, reassignments, referrals, leaves of absence and other personnel matters; and by filling out forms and distributing copies to appropriate departments and individuals to ensure that all personnel actions are initiated and that correct personnel records are posted and maintained.

2. Processes personnel requisitions and modifications either manually and/or electronically by filling out forms and/or entering information into the system; maintaining log by vice and assignment number, and locating budget information for requisitions and position control.

3. Compiles data and generates reports concerning employee status, probationary list, payroll activities; and verify information manually and/or by computer to ensure its accuracy.

4. Creates and updates personnel files, manually and/or electronically, regarding appointment data, verification of employment, and other relevant information to ensure that accurate information is kept on employee status; updates records to show changes in employee status, tax code and personal addresses.

5. Responds to phone and personnel inquiries from employees, applicants, and other interested individuals concerning various personnel matters, such as employee benefits, leaves of absence; and makes referrals as necessary.

6. Files personnel documents according to established departmental procedures by using chronological, and alphabetical filing systems; accepts subpoenas, summons and other legal documents to ensure that documentation/information is properly maintained and posted in a timely manner.

7. Maintains computerized records and database information by using word processing, spreadsheets and other applications to ensure accuracy of data and process personnel transactions.

8. Processes and schedules appointments for medicals, fingerprinting, drug testing, employment verifications, and driver's license renewals to ensure that employee's records are completed and updated.

9. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

How to qualify

Experience: One (1) year (equivalent of 2,000 hours) of verifiable experience maintaining personnel records and generating reports.

Substitution: Possession of a certificate of completion from the San Francisco Human Services Agency’s Career Pathway Clerical Administrative Program will substitute for the minimum qualifications listed above.

Verification of completion from the San Francisco Human Services Agency’s Career Pathway Clerical Administrative Program must be verified by copy of the certificate of completion stating that 1202 Personnel Clerk is included in the list of City classes.  Please upload the certificate in Smart Recruiters when you apply to this position.

**ACTION REQUIRED: As part of the application process, you must complete the Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ) https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/w8Z3pfMRjC

Verification of Education and Experience:

Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications.  

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/. 

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County San Francisco

Selection Procedure:
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ): Candidates will be required to complete an MQSQ as part of the employment application. This MQSQ is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the Minimum Qualifications (MQ) for this position. The MQSQ will be used to evaluate if the applicant possesses the required minimum qualifications.

Clerical Test - Written Examination (Weight: 100%): Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be provided the opportunity to participate in a written multiple-choice exam to determine their relative knowledge, skill and ability level in one or more of the following job-related areas. These areas may include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships and to effectively work with others
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and courteously with others in a clear, concise, and understandable manner
• Ability to enter data accurately into systems
• Ability to prepare, organize and maintain records
• Knowledge of utilizing a filing system to organize information and ability to effectively manage a filing system for record keeping of information and/or documentation
• Ability to use office machines and equipment for office operational needs
• Ability to type information accurately and efficiently
• Ability to communicate written information in a clear, concise and understandable manner
• Ability to understand information to assist in following directions
• Ability to utilize various computer software programs
• Ability to organize time and materials accordingly in order to work more efficiently
• Ability to use mathematical formulas to perform calculations and analysis

This is a standardized multiple-choice examination. In accordance with Civil Service Rule 111.11.4, inspection privileges do not apply to the questions and answers in this examination.

The multiple-choice exam will be administered remotely. This computer-administered exam can be taken at home. Candidates must have access to a computer and reliable internet connection to participate in this exam. Candidates will be scheduled for a specific time and date to complete the examination.

The score you achieve on this examination shall be valid and "banked" for three years, starting from the date of the examination. This means that, during this three-year time period, you will not be required to take this test again should you apply and be found eligible for a future announcement for which this particular test is used. If the test for this future announcement is held within 1 year of the date of this examination, your score will be automatically applied to that announcement. However, after one year, you have the option to either (a) apply your test score to the other announcement or (b) re-take the test. Re-testing is permitted no sooner than one year from the date of the examination and only in association with your eligibility for another announcement for which this test is used. Please note that, should you re-test, your re-test score would become your official score since it is the most recent (even if it turns out to be lower than your original score).

If a significant modification is made to this exam in the future, the application of “banked” scores may no longer be appropriate. In such a rare circumstance, candidates with “banked” scores would be required to re-take the exam sooner than the three year period specified above.

Candidates must achieve a passing score on the examination in order to be placed on the resulting eligible list.

The score you achieve on this examination shall be valid and "banked" for three years, starting from the date of the examination. This means that, during this three-year time period, you will not be required to take this test again should you apply and be found eligible for a future announcement for which this particular test is used. If the test for this future announcement is held within one year of the date of this examination, your score will be automatically applied to that announcement. However, after one year, you have the option to either (a) apply your test score to the other announcement or (b) re-take the test. Re-testing is permitted no sooner than one year from the date of the examination and only in association with your eligibility for another announcement for which this test is used. Please note that, should you re-test, your re-test score would become your official score since it is the most recent (even if it turns out to be lower than your original score).

If a significant modification is made to this exam in the future, the application of “banked” scores may no longer be appropriate. In such a rare circumstance, candidates with “banked” scores would be required to re-take the exam sooner than the three-year period specified above.

Candidate scores on this examination may also be applied to other announcements involving other job titles, when directed by the Human Resources Director.

What else should I know?

Eligible List/Score Report:

A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be of 24 months, and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

To find Departments which use this classification, please see the city’s Position Counts by Job Codes and Departments.

Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights

Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations.  [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.]

The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4.  Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement.  Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at https://sf.gov/departments/civil-service-commission.

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

Information About the Hiring Process
Conviction History
Employee Benefits Overview  
Equal Employment Opportunity 
Disaster Service Worker
ADA Accommodation
Veterans Preference
Right to Work
Copies of Application Documents
Diversity Statement

Where to Apply 

All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process.  

How to Apply

1. Click the "APPLY NOW" button at the bottom of the page to submit your application.
2. Check your email for a confirmation message from notification@careers.sf.gov.
3. Complete the Required Questionnaire using this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/w8Z3pfMRjC

Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110. 

Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues. 

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@smartrecruiters.com that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received. 

If you have any questions, you may contact Anita Nham at Anita.nham@sfgov.org Recruitment ID: REF60615V

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.