FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Civil Service?

The New York State Constitution and New York State Civil Service Law mandate that public employees must be hired for jobs on the basis of their merit and fitness.  In practical terms, “merit and fitness” means finding people who are best suited to perform a particular job. Civil Service jobs can be divided into two areas: positions that require participants to compete in an examination, and positions that do not require competitive examination.

How do I find out what jobs/examinations are available?

We recommend you check the lists of UPCOMING CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS, CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS and IMMEDIATE OPENINGS every week so that you do not miss the opportunity to apply.

How do I apply for jobs/examinations?

 Whether you are interested in a tested or non-tested position, the same application form must be completed.  This form is available at the County of Chautauqua Department of Human Resources Office in Mayville, New York and on this website.  If you apply for more than one position, you must complete one application for each title.

If you are applying for an examination please include the $10.00 application fee.  Only checks or money orders are accepted made payable to the Director of Finance.  Please include the examination title, exam number and your social security number on the check/money order.

What happens after I apply for a job listed in immediate openings?

Applications for immediate job openings are evaluated by the Human Resources Department to ensure the candidate meets the qualifications to be eligible for appointment.  Approved candidates will receive an Eligibility Determination letter acknowledging the approval.  Approved applications will be forwarded to the agency where the vacancy exists for review and consideration.  Applicants disapproved because they do not meet minimum qualifications will be notified by mail. 

What happens after I apply for an examination?

Applications for scheduled exams are evaluated to ensure the candidate meets the qualifications to take the exam.  Approved candidates will receive an Eligibility Determination letter acknowledging the approval.  Approved applicants will receive an admission notice at least one week prior to the test date with information about test location, time, and other instructions.  Applicants disapproved because they do not meet minimum qualifications will be notified by mail. 

 Where are the exams held?

 Unless otherwise stated on the exam announcement, the exams are held at the Chautauqua County Government office campus in Mayville, New York.

 What will be on the exam(s)?

You can find out what areas each exam will cover from the exam announcement under the heading “Subject of Examination”.

Are there study materials available?

New York State Department of Civil Service publishes study guides for specific categories of examinations.  You may review the current list contained on this website.  Examination announcements will indicate if there is an appropriate State published study guide available.

When will I receive my exam results?

We receive and process the exam results from the State Civil Service Commission approximately two to three months after the examination date.  You will be notified by mail of your score and place on the list.  Those who score 70% or above are included on the eligible list for job openings.  Jobs are filled from these lists by the employer choosing one of the three highest ranked applicants willing to accept the job. 

Where are the eligible lists used?

All Chautauqua County departments, all towns, villages, school districts, special districts, City of Dunkirk, City of Jamestown and BOCES Second Supervisory District, Erie-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Counties. 

What are provisional appointments?

A provisional appointment is a temporary appointment to a competitive class position (a position that requires a civil service test) when there is no existing civil service list or the list contains fewer than three candidates willing to accept the position being offered.  In order to become permanent, the provisionally appointed employee must take the next examination for the position.  The permanent appointment to the position will be made among the three highest scoring candidates who indicate their willingness to accept the position.  The provisional candidate must be among the top three interested candidates to be appointed permanent.