Civil Service FAQs

Most jobs in local government fall under the Civil Service System. A "Civil Service" employee can be anyone from a secretary to a nurse, a mechanic, or a department head. Different jobs have different requirements. Some positions require that you take a test to be considered for a permanent job. These are called competitive positions. When there is no list of tested applicants, a person may be appointed "provisionally" (temporarily) until the results of the next test are known. The provisional employee must score high enough to be permanently appointed. The following are three types of positions which have no test requirements:

• Exempt positions are those where the employer decides the qualifications of applicant and chooses the person they want to hire.

• Non-Competitive positions have specific education and experience requirements but have been determined to be impractical to test for. Employers choose from qualified people who apply. Included in this class can be a competitive position that is reclassified for a disabled applicant (Section 55a of CSL).

• Labor positions usually have no requirements. Employers choose anyone they feel is best qualified.

The civil service system is required by New York State law for the purpose of filling and maintaining positions in the local government on the basis of merit and fitness. 

Applicants are encouraged to visit our Civil Service Exam page for a list of current exams for both the general public as well as current employees.

We recommend you check the list of scheduled exams or Current Open Positions every month so you do not miss the opportunity to apply. Positions which are posted and not subject to a test are generally posted for ten days. Most positions/tests have a two-month Genesee County residency requirement. 

Whether you are interested in a tested or non-tested position, the same civil service application form must be completed. The applications can be found on the County website as well as at the Genesee County Human Resources office. If you apply for more than one tested position, you must complete one application for each test. Exam fees are being waived for the time period of January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025.

The application must be submitted by the Last Filing Date. Incomplete information on an application may result in your disqualification for the exam. Attaching a resume is usually not an acceptable alternative to completing an application.

If you require additional information, please ask one of the staff members in the Human Resources Office. Someone will be happy to assist you when you email. 

If you are interested in a job (untested) in local government, apply directly to that town, village, school district, or County department. 

No. When applying for exams, take note of the last filing date. Applications must be postmarked or in the possession of the Human Resources Department by the last filing date for the exams. No exceptions will be made.

Applications for scheduled exams are processed as they are received. Those that meet the qualifications are notified by mail no later than one week prior to the examination date regarding the date of exam, location, and other instructions. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications are also notified by mail.

You can find out what areas each exam will cover from the exam announcement by reviewing the list of currently offered exams and clicking on the exam you are interested in.

Exam results are received from the State Civil Service Commission approximately two months after an exam. You will be notified by mail of your score and ranking on the Eligible List. Only those with a score of 70% or above are included on Eligible Lists for job openings. Jobs are filled from these Eligible List by the employer appointing one of the three highest scoring applicants willing to accept the job. 

Where Are These Eligible Lists Used?

All Genesee County departments, all towns, villages, school districts, City of Batavia, and Genesee Community College use the Eligible Lists to fill Competitive positions. 

No, the State and Federal governments administer their own tests and establish their own Eligible Lists.