Job Selection Process Information
The City of Duluth hires employees through a civil service system. Applications are only accepted when a job is posted. Some non-bargaining unit positions are not part of this system. Applicants can apply while a job is open.
Civil service job selections are posted as follows:
- Open - Open to all qualified applicants.
- Internal - Open only to qualified current City employees who have passed probation.
- Promotional - Open only to qualified Police or Fire Department employees who have passed probation.
- Internal and Open - Open to all qualified applicants, but current City employees who have passed probation receive hiring preference.
After a job posting closes, applications are reviewed to determine if they meet the minimum requirements for the job classification. When the determination is made: applications are reviewed for Education & Experience; candidates are notified of next steps in the exam process; or candidates are notified that they do not qualify for the job.
The City of Duluth uses several exam types to assess candidates, such as:
- Education & Experience Review
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Performance Exam
- Seniority Points (mostly used for promotional selections)
- Typing Test (pass/fail)
Any combination of these can be used to determine the total exam score. Applicants who pass all exams will be placed on an eligible list for the job classification and will receive notification of their score.
Oral Exam vs. Interview
Oral Exam
An Oral Exam is a scored exam that contributes to a candidate’s total score on the eligible list. A panel of subject matter experts conducts the exam, asking all candidates the same structured questions in the same order. Responses are scored based on set criteria. Candidates should assume that the panel has not reviewed their application materials. They should provide clear and complete responses, ensuring all relevant experience is fully explained. If a candidate receives a passing score, it will be included in their total eligible list score.
Interview
If a job opening occurs and an eligible list is active, candidates are certified in rank order as eligible for appointment. In most cases, certified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Open Job Selection: The top seven candidates on the eligible list are certified. If multiple vacancies exist, two additional candidates are certified for each extra vacancy.
Promotional or Internal-Only Job Selection: The top three candidates from the promotional or internal eligible list are certified. If multiple vacancies exist, twice the number of openings are certified.
Internal and Open Job Selection: Internal candidates receive hiring preference. The top three candidates on the internal list are certified. If fewer than three internal candidates are available, additional names may be certified from the open eligible list in rank order.
If candidates have the same rank on the eligible list, all individuals in that rank are certified.
The City of Duluth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from diverse individuals are welcomed.
Notice: The City of Duluth cannot accept any responsibility for the delivery of information or material by any means; through the US Postal Service, by internet, private courier/delivery service, or any other means. You are responsible for making sure your communication reaches the proper destination (either you or us) regardless of the means of transmission. In other words, you are responsible for activities such as communicating frequently through various means and for making sure your contact information is accurate and up-to-date.