Civil Service

The Civil Service System regulates hiring, promotion and other aspects of employment with the City of New Haven.  The system is governed by local Charter and Ordinances, as well as the Civil Service Rules, which outline Civil Service procedures. The Rules are in place to help ensure that the hiring process is competitive and fair.

Generally, the City uses examinations to measure a potential candidate's "merit" for the particular position.  After each exam, the City establishes an "eligibility" list. This list consists of all candidates who pass the exam by rank order and is available to each City agency with open positions in the corresponding title. Candidates are contacted for interviews as the needs of these agencies require. Current policy requires agencies to review the top three scorers remaining on the list for appointment to a vacant position, a procedure known as the Rule of Three.

Some positions available within the City do not require an examination. See all job opportunities listed on our City Job Postings page.

Civil Service Board
The Civil Service Board is established by the City of New Haven in the City Charter, Article XXX. The Board is an autonomous body of City of New Haven citizens. Duties of the Civil Service Board include creating new positions, revising existing ones, and certifying eligibility lists. To learn more about Boards and Commissions and how to become involved, visit Boards and Commissions

Civil Service Rules
These Civil Service Rules have been adopted by the Civil Service Board in accordance with the authority and responsibility vested in the Board by the Charter of the City of New Haven. These Rules govern appointments, promotions and other matters for the classified service for the City. Read more here

Meeting Schedule
When:            Last Tuesday of each month at 12:30, unless otherwise scheduled.
Where:          HR Conference Room, Rm 102
Hall of Records, 200 Orange Street

Civil Service Commission Meetings & Agendas here