There are a number of federal, state, and local rules and regulations that cover employment with a government organization like the City of Oakland. Most job announcements use terms and concepts that are very important but may be confusing to applicants. As a service to our customers, the Office of Personnel has prepared this brochure to help explain and simplify the process. Anyone who applies for a position with the City is required to read and understand this pamphlet before they submit their application for employment. Specific information about a particular recruitment is included in the formal job announcement.

Civil Service Classified v. Unclassified Job. Most people who work for City are in the classified service. Such jobs are governed by the Civil Service Rules which require that they be filled through a competitive examination process and according to specific guidelines. One who works in the classified service has special benefits and protections such as seniority and appeal rights.

At the end of a classified testing process, the names of the successful candidates are placed on an eligible list which is usually active for one year and may be extended. When a department has a vacancy, they notify the Office of Personnel which provides the names of the top candidates on the list for follow-up interviews with the department. It is important to remember that placement on an eligible list is not a guarantee of a job.

A few jobs in the City are unclassified, or exempt from the Civil Service Rules. While people in unclassified positions may work for the City for many years, they are "at will" employees and may be released at any time. Unclassified jobs include part-time positions such as Student Intern and many executive positions such as Agency Director.

Open Recruitment. All individuals who meet the minimum qualifications may apply, whether or not they currently work for the City or Port.

Promotional Recruitment. Only current City of Oakland or Port of Oakland employees in specific jobs or job families may apply for these openings.

Open/Promotional Recruitment. With a combined recruitment there are two announcements, one for non-employees and one for current City or Port employees. Both groups may participate, but promotional candidates whose names appear on the eligible list will be given first consideration to fill vacancies. Only when all individuals on the promotional list have been considered, or the list is exhausted, will individuals on the open eligible list be considered.

Restricted Recruitment. An examination effort may be restricted to City and Port employees or individuals in certain organizations or job classifications. No seniority credit is awarded.

Residency. Applicants who are residents of the City of Oakland at the time that an eligible list is posted may receive an additional 5% added to their final score. One is eligible for this credit only after passing all stages of the examination process.

Residency must be verifiable through presentation of a California Driver's License or Identification, voter's registration, billing from a public utility, or other acceptable documents prior to the posting of the eligible list. (See CSB Rule 4, Section 4.04.)

Veteran’s Credit. Under the City of Oakland Civil Service rules, qualifying veterans may receive an additional 5% added to their final score. One is eligible for this credit only after passing all stages of the examination process. To qualify, one must have served on a full-time basis (not reserve or auxillary) in the armed forces and been discharged in the last five years. Individuals who received a dishonorable discharge are not eligible. An official DD214 must be presented prior to the posting of the eligible list to verify veteran’s status and receive this credit. Veteran’s Credit may be awarded in concert with other credits. (See CSB Rule 4, Section 4.18 and 4.19.)

Seniority Credit. In promotional examinations, current employees may receive up to a maximum of five points added to their final score prorated in accordance with the number of years of service. One is eligible for this credit only after passing all stages of the examination process.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual. In compliance with ADA, the City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the hiring process and on the job to individuals with qualifying disabilities. If an applicant needs accommodations during the testing process, he or she must contact the Examinations Supervisor, OPRM, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612 or call (510) 238-3112 or TDD (510) 238-6930. In most cases, the applicant will be asked to write a letter explaining what accommodation is required and to attach documentation from a physician or other professional who diagnosed the disability. Information about the ADA is available from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 1-800-669-4000 or TDD 1-800-669-6820.

Immigration and Reform Control Act. In compliance with the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986 the City of Oakland only hires individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification is required at the time of hire.

Driver’s License. Depending on job duties, some positions require individuals to maintain a valid California Driver's License (Class B or C depending on the position) while employed. Obviously, jobs such as Police Officer and Truck Driver have this requirement. Other jobs may require little or no travel, and in these cases, public transportation may be a good alternative, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

Medical Examination and Background Check. Many sworn and civilian positions at the Police Department and Fire Services Agency require the candidate to participate in a background investigation and take a medical examination before final employment.

Emergency Response Zone. In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, some employees must be able to respond quickly to provide essential services. For this reason, employees in certain jobs are required to live within a geographic zone when hired and verify under penalty of perjury and termination their knowledge of and compliance with this City policy. The geographic emergency zone area includes the following zip codes and cities: 94501, 94502 (Alameda); 94706 (Albany); 94702 to 94710, 94720 (Berkeley); 94546, 94552 (Castro Valley); 94530 (El Cerrito); 94803 (El Sobrante); 94608 (Emeryville); 94540 to 94545, 94557 (Hayward); 94547 (Hercules); 94549 (Lafayette); 94556 (Moraga); 94601 to 94613 (except 94604), 94618, 94619, 94621 (Oakland); 94563 (Orinda); 94611 (Piedmont); 94564 (Pinole); 94801, 94802, 94804, 94805, 94807, 94808 (Richmond); 94577, 94578, 94579 (San Leandro); 94580 (San Lorenzo); 94806 (San Pablo). Individuals using post office boxes or general delivery addresses must show additional proof of actual residency in the zone. Check the job announcement to determine if a particular position requires residence in the zone.

Benefits. For employees in the classified service, the City currently offers excellent benefits. These typically include, PERS retirement (the City pays your contribution to the plan); health, dental and vision plans; and orthodontics for employee and dependents; vacation leave, sick leave and holidays; education tuition reimbursement; life insurance; employee assistance program; deferred compensation plan and credit union services. Benefits may vary considerably for employees depending upon their bargaining unit and whether or not they are exempt (unclassified) under the Civil Service Rules.

Web Site www.oaklandnet.com

24-hr. Hotline (recording) 510-238-3111

Employment Information 510-238-3526

Public Safety (recording) 510-238-6465

AC Transit Employment 510-891-4782

Alta Bates Medical 510-204-1305/1300

American President 510-272-8082

Bay Area Rapid Trans. 510-464-6736

California State 415-557-7871

Caltrans Transportation 510-286-6354

City Of Alameda 510-748-4635

City Of Berkeley 510-644-6122

City Of Emeryville 510-596-4390

City Of Fremont 510-494-4669

City Of Hayward 510-583-4555

City Of San Leandro 510-577-3397

Clorox Corporation 510-271-7615

Contra Costa County 925-335-1700

County Of Alameda 510-272-6433

Diversified Personnel 510-451-4175

East Bay Regional Parks 510-562-7275

EBMUD 510-287-0742

Federal Civil Service 415-744-5627

First Source Employment 510-238-3636/3637

Kaiser Permanente 510-987-2967

Kelly Services 510-746-1430

Mayor's Youth* 510-451-4473/208-7357

Oakland Unified Schools 510-879-8008

Parks & Rec Dept.* 510-238-3191

Private Industry Council 510-891-9393

Port Of Oakland 510-272-1142

Public Library* 510-238-3283

Public Works* 510-238-3110/3998

(* Part-time hires only)