FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is the Human Resources office
located?
The Human Resources office
is located at 330 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667 across the street
from the El Dorado County Main Library.
What are your office hours?
The Human Resources office
is open from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday.
How do I get information about
job openings?
All current job openings
are listed on this web site. Click on the button labeled "Employment
Opportunities." The first listing shows the vacancies, the
final filing date and the salary. If you click on any job title,
the job announcement for that job will appear. The announcement
will include in depth information about the position, including
essential functions, knowledge and skills used in the position,
and required education and experience. You can also call our 24-hour
job line at 530-621-5579. The job line lists all jobs currently
open, including final filing date. Detailed information about the
position in NOT included on the job line. All job announcements
are posted in the Human Resources Department at 330 Fair Lane, Placerville.
A summary listing of the current openings is posted weekly at various
work sites throughout the County including all County library locations.
The listing is also mailed to a large number of community groups.
If you would like a job announcement for a particular position,
you may download it from the web site, stop by the Human Resources
Department, or call and one will be mailed to you.
What kinds of jobs are available
with the County of El Dorado?
The County has over 1800
employees working in over 500 job titles. Employees work in locations
all over the County. There are jobs in every major professional
group and in all trades. Education and experience requirements for
positions vary from "demonstrating sufficient knowledge and
skill to perform the duties" to "equivalent to a Master's
degree with State licensure."
The job announcement refers to
an "eligibility list", what is that?
After all the tests and examinations
are completed, the candidates who passed all the steps are placed
on an eligibility list. The candidates are notified of their rank
on the list. The top ranks are sent to the department that has the
opening for a hiring interview. The eligibility list remains available
for use for a period of time (normally six months to a year, but
it can be as long as eighteen months), as long as there are at least
five viable candidates on the list. As people are hired, they are
removed from the list, thus allowing individuals farther down on
the list to be sent for department interviews.
If you want to be employed
by the County of El Dorado it is to your advantage to be on as many
eligibility lists as possible. This will maximize your opportunities.
May I fill out one application
and leave the "Job For Which Applying" section blank
and have you put me in all the jobs I qualify for?
While there is no limit to
the number of positions for which you can apply, you must identify
the job title for which you are applying on each application. Applications
stay with the individual recruitment file; therefore, a separate
job application is required for each position. El Dorado County
does accept photocopies applications; however, original signatures
and current dates are required. Please note that our application
requests ALL experience in the last ten years, PLUS all experience
relevant to the position for which you are applying, no matter how
long ago. You may also include relevant volunteer experience. You
may attach as many additional pages as necessary to list all requested
experience.
If you intend to apply for
multiple positions with the County, we recommend that you complete
all personal information sections, all prior employment information
(dates and contacts) and leave the job title, signature and signature
date spaces black. Then make several copies of the application.
When you find a job that interests you, take a copy, complete the
job title, and itemize the duties in your past jobs that most directly
relate to the position for which you are applying before you sign
and date the form. That will save you time, yet provide us with
the most relevant information and original signature/date.
I filled out an application for
a position with the County a couple of months ago. Can I get a
copy of that one from you and change the job title for the new
recruitment?
The Human Resources Department
does not provide copies of previously submitted applications or
attached materials. We recommend that you keep a copy of the material
you submit for future reference. Applications are not available
for copying.
My resume includes all the information
you should need. Can I just submit my resume and a cover letter
to apply for a job?
You must submit a completed
County of El Dorado Employment Application for each position you
desire. You must also complete and submit any additional information
listed on the job announcement. This may include a Supplemental
Questionnaire, samples of your work, or copies of licenses/degrees/transcripts.
You may attach a resume and cover letter; however the information
on the resume cannot substitute for the completed application.
Will I have to submit my college
transcripts or copies of my degrees/licenses?
Each job announcement lists
the requirement qualifications. Read the requirements carefully
to see how they match up to your education and/or experience. If
the requirements list a specific type of college coursework, you
must show that you have completed that work. You must attach copies
of transcripts, or of your degree - if it shows a specific field
of study. If the requirements allow substitution of experience for
education, please be sure to clearly show the required amount of
experience to meet both the educational substitute AND the stated
experience requirement. If the position requires specific licensure
or certification, you must attach copies of your license/certificate.
Applicants will not be certified
to the hiring department unless required documentation is received
by the Human Resources Department.
I saw a job announcement and think
I'm qualified, but I'm not sure. What should I do?
Each job announcement lists
the requirement qualifications. Read the requirements carefully
to see how they match up to your education and/or experience. The
position may require college course work, a specific amount of experience,
a license or certificate or a set of knowledge and abilities in
a specific area. Based on your knowledge and experience, you should
be able to determine whether you meet the requirements of the position.
If in doubt, submit your application and the Human Resources Dept.
will determine whether or not you meet the requirements.
How does the Human Resources Dept.
determine if I qualify for the position?
The Human Resources Dept.
will review your application using the criteria set forth on the
job opportunity announcement. It is very important to include all
requested information. Please list all paid work experience, licenses,
professional affiliations, classes you have taken, training you
have received, applicable volunteer work and any other special qualifications
you possess which relate to the position for which you are
applying. The Human Resources Dept. will review
all of the information you provide; however, your minimum qualifications
must be clearly stated on the application form. Failure to include
requested information (including writing "see resume"
on the application in the area of experience) will result in rejection
of your application. Without accurate and complete information,
we will not be able to determine whether or not you meet the minimum
qualifications for the job.
I've been waiting for the County
to recruit for the position I want, and it never seems to be posted,
while other jobs seem to be posted over and over. What determines
how often a recruitment is held?
Recruitment schedules are
based on a number of things including:
-
availability of a current eligibility
list;
-
number of individuals on the list who
are still interested in the position;
-
number of anticipated openings;
-
total number of positions with the same
title as the position for which you are applying.
For some jobs with limited
turnover and a small number of positions, recruitment every two
years or as needed may be sufficient. For others, recruitment every
six months or more may be necessary.
What do I do with my Application?
Applications for any permanent
full or part-time position only accepted for positions that are
open for recruitment. Extra-help applications are accepted at any
time. When you have a completed application (and any other required
documents), you must return it to the Human Resources Department.
Completed application materials must be returned to the Human Resources
Dept. no later than 5 p.m. on the final filing date (postmarks are
not accepted). The final filing date is listed on all job announcements.
If you come in to look at
the job postings in Human Resources you will notice that some recruitments
are "County Promotional" which means that only permanent
County of El Dorado employees may apply for the position. Others
are "Department Promotional" which means that only permanent
employees of the Department with the opening may apply for the position.
The "promotional" recruitments will not be included on
the job line or web site, but they are posted in Human Resources.
You should keep a copy of
the application materials you submitted and job opportunity announcement
to assist you in preparing for any test and/or interview process
that may be required.
You may download an official
County of El Dorado Employment Application by using the Application
link on the bottom of each web site page.
If I want to apply for more than
one position do I have to file more than one application?
You must submit a separate
job application for each position. There is no limit to the number
of positions for which you can apply. Once application materials
are received, they become the property of the County of El Dorado
and are not returned. You should keep a copy of any application
you have submitted. Remember, an original signature is required
on each application.
Many times, El Dorado County
will recruit for a position that has openings in both the Placerville
area, and in South Lake Tahoe. Due to the distance and terrain separating
the two areas, separate recruitments are normally conducted and
separate applications are required. Separate eligibility lists are
established by geographic area.
How often can I apply for the same
position?
You may reapply as often
as the job opportunity is announced.
How do I find out about the job
duties, requirements, and type(s) of examination?
For jobs that are open for
recruitment, a copy of the job announcement may be obtained by printing
it from the web site, or by calling/visiting the Human Resources
Dept., 330 Fair Lane, Placerville. The announcement lists the salary,
job duties, requirements you must fulfill to qualify for examination,
the type of examination(s) which may be given, and very importantly,
the date by which applications must be submitted.
What kind of examinations will
I have to take?
Depending on the knowledge,
skills, and abilities the position requires, an examination may
consist of one or more of the following:
-
evaluation of training
and experience on the application and on a Supplemental Questionnaire
(if required)
-
written examinations
-
oral board examinations
(before a multiple person interview panel)
-
performance examinations
-
assessment centers
-
physical agility
tests (for some safety positions)
The County makes every attempt
to include information about written tests in the job announcement.
However, we may determine that a test will be required after we
have already posted the announcement. Notification of each examination
will be by mail. It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure
that the County of El Dorado is notified of any address changes.
How do I prepare for the test?
What do I study?
All tests are job-related
and test the knowledge, skills and abilities required on the job.
To prepare, read the job description on the job announcement, then
study the material you feel would directly or indirectly relate
to the necessary knowledge, skills, or abilities. For example, if
two of the requirements for a position are performing mathematical
calculations and interpreting regulations, some of the exam questions
will probably cover math and reading comprehension.
What happens after I take the examination?
You will be notified by mail
of the examination results. If you pass all phases of the recruitment
process you will be placed on an eligibility list in order of your
final score. The top ranks on the eligibility list will be certified
to the department.
The department will review
application materials of the top candidates and will set up selection
interviews. The department can hire any eligible candidate referred
to them. Departments also have the option of asking for the entire
eligibility list if they desire. Departments are required to offer
an interview to all candidates appearing on the certification list
sent to the department.
There are examination appeal
procedures outlined in the Civil Service Rules and Personnel Rules
for the County of El Dorado. If you have any questions about the
possible appeal procedures available at any step of the examination
process, please contact Human Resources.
How long is the eligibility list
in effect?
The life span of the list
normally varies from six months to eighteen months, depending on
the position. Lists may be cancelled earlier than six months if
there are less than five candidates remaining. Lists may be extended
from the initial expiration date of six months at the request of
any department who may be utilizing the list.
If you have a change of address,
phone number, or name, please call the Human Resources Dept. at
530-621-5565 so we can update the eligibility list to enable us
to reach you when there is an opening.
Do I get extra points if I am a
veteran?
Yes. The County of El Dorado
gives veterans preference points in open recruitments. You must
provide a copy of your DD214 and a copy of your disability award
letter showing additional points for disabilities if applicable.
It is best to attach a copy of the appropriate paperwork to your
application. This paperwork must be received no later than the oral
board examination date in order to receive preference points.
What should I do if I am in the
top five ranks and am called for a departmental selection interview?
Be sure that you know the
time and place you should appear for the interview, to whom you
should report for the interview, how long the interview is scheduled
to last, and the job for which you are being considered.
Eligibility lists may be
used by more than one department; therefore, the Human Resources
Dept. may not know who contacted you. It is important to get all
necessary information when you are contacted for interview.
Before the interview review
your application material. These materials may include your application
or resume as well as the job announcement. Be prepared to discuss
how your training and/or work experience relate to the position
for which you are interviewing.
During the interview, listen
carefully to the questions. Your answer should cover everything
you feel your interviewer needs to know to evaluate you fairly.
What happens if I am selected?
Conditional job offers are
made "pending" a physical examination/questionnaire, background
check and possible urine drug screening. If you are working when
you receive a conditional job offer from the County of El Dorado,
DO NOT quit your job until you have been instructed to do so.
The County of El Dorado complies
with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986. If offered
a position, you will be required to present identification and/or
work authorization paperwork. Only documents identified in law or
regulation are acceptable.
After you have been offered
and have accepted a position, be sure that you understand when you
will begin, where and to whom you will report on the first day,
and whether there are any other steps the hiring department would
like you to take before starting work. Be sure to get the telephone
number of the person who contacts you for hire in case you have
further questions.
When you are selected your
name will be removed from the eligibility list for that position.
Your name will remain on any other eligibility list you may be on
for the specified life of the list. If you would like to be removed
from the other eligibility lists, please notify Human Resources.
What if I am not selected or interviewed?
Our objective is to hire
the best person for the job, so competition is keen. If you are
not immediately successful in getting a position, your name will
remain on the eligibility list for consideration. You may be considered
for other vacancies that occur during the life of the list. If you
do not receive a job offer during the life of the list you must
wait for another recruitment and reapply. It is a good idea to keep
your final rank notice(s). This way you will know what eligibility
lists you are on.
If you are unable to attend
an interview, contact the interviewing department. You may decline
to interview with a particular department for a position and still
remain on the eligibility list for that classification.
All individuals are encouraged
to apply for employment with the County of El Dorado. The County
is an equal opportunity/ reasonable accommodation employer. This
means that we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion,
sex, age, handicap or national origin. The County is also an equal
opportunity employer. Women, minorities and the disabled are encouraged
to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Dept. at least five
working days before a scheduled interview/examination if you require
accommodation in the test process.
I had my oral board interview and
got a letter telling me I am in Rank # ___? What does that mean?
Candidates are assigned a
rank on the eligibility list based on their performance in the examination
phase of the recruitment process. The top candidates are forwarded
to the department for final interview. In most cases the top five
ranks are certified, with additional ranks being certified based
on the number of vacancies in the department. The department can
hire any eligible candidate referred to them. Departments also have
the option of asking for the entire eligibility list if they so
desire.
I had my oral board interview and
got a letter telling me I am in one of the top ranks. When will
the Department contact me for an interview?
Once the eligibility list
is certified to the department for final interview/selection, the
Human Resources Department is unaware of the scheduling. While most
departments contact candidates within a matter of days, there are
occasionally circumstances where it may be weeks between certification
and department interviews. You will be contacted for an interview
when the department sets the schedule. Of course, if you have moved
since the beginning of the recruitment process, or you have had
a change of phone number, you should notify Human Resources immediately
when the change takes place. Otherwise, notifications to you may
be lost.
I went through the recruitment
process and had my interview with the department. Can you tell
me if the position is still available/if they filled the position/when
they will notify me?
Once the eligibility list
is certified to the department for final interview/selection, the
Human Resources Department is unaware of the scheduling of interviews,
the selection, or the notification of remaining candidates until
we receive the certification list back from the department with
the application material from the candidates who were not chosen.
The notices to candidates advising that the position has been filled
will come to you directly from the department involved, not from
Human Resources.
One final thing . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
Try not to be discouraged
by the length of time taken in the recruitment, or if you do not
get hired the first time around. Sometimes it may be a month or
longer between steps in a process (application - to - test notice
or test - to - final notice). We know this seems like a long time;
however, we want sufficient time to evaluate everyone fairly and
find the best person for the job. The time and effort are worth
it. If you are not chosen in your first attempt, try again. Candidate
pools are different for each recruitment and as you become more
familiar with the process, you will be more at ease with successive
efforts. Don't give up! |
Online
Employment Center 
