Civil Service Specialist

Civil Service Specialist

Salary

$69,035.20 - $97,115.20 Annually

Location

City of Reno, NV

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

113326

Department

Civil Service

Opening Date

07/24/2026

Closing Date

8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Join the City of Reno and become part of an amazing team that strives every day to make our community a place we are all proud to call home.

The Civil Service Specialist is much more than an administrative support position. This role serves as the operational backbone of the Civil Service Department, supporting recruitments, examinations, Commission meetings, and the merit-based hiring processes that help every City department attract and select qualified employees.

The ideal candidate enjoys variety, takes pride in exceptional customer service, and thrives in an environment where no two days are the same. They are organized, curious, dependable, and enjoy balancing administrative responsibilities with analytical work. Success in this position requires initiative, sound judgment, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to fairness and public service.

As a member of a small, collaborative team, youll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that impacts every City department while developing a broad range of human resources, recruitment, and Civil Service experience.

We currently have one vacancy in the Civil Service Department in which hiring will begin immediately following the close of this recruitment. This recruitment will also establish a list for future vacancies, which will be filled as they occur.

This is an open competitive opportunity for all qualified applicants.

The City of Reno is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone. This commitment is an integral part of our efforts to ensure that we have a diverse and representative workforce that serves the community of Reno.

Examples of Essential Functions

• Performs a variety of technical, programmatic, administrative, advanced clerical, and routine staff and analytical duties requiring the application of specific program knowledge and administrative abilities in support of Civil Service programs, operations, and functions.
• Schedules applicants for testing or notifies of failure to qualify; generates letters through the tracking system; administers and scores written tests; trains subject matter experts in using rating guidelines.
• Prepares certification lists and databases to be used in a variety of correspondence and reports; accesses databases to prepare informational materials and correspondence; reviews finished materials for completeness, accuracy, and proper format.
• Prepares recruitment packets; conducts and reviews job analysis data regarding entry-level and promotional test designs and minimum qualifications.
• Coordinates the preparation of new test materials; reviews, organizes, and prepares tests, questionnaires, and physical conditioning exam forms.
• Participates in job analysis preparation, data collection, and final analysis for exam design; assists the Chief Examiner in administering applicant tracking and examination analysis databases; creates exam plans and moves applicants through the exam plan steps.
• Creates and sends notice templates and makes adjustments to administrative settings in the applicant tracking system; trains other employees in database usage.
• Coordinates logistics for assessment centers and assembled examinations.
• Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of clerical support staff; ensures accuracy and efficiency of work performed.
• Receives and responds to requests from employees and the public; resolves complaints and takes necessary corrective action as required; provides information on rules, regulations, policies, and procedures within the area of assignment
• Coordinates Civil Service Commission services and program/project activities with those of other City programs, functions, departments and staff, boards, committees, and task forces as well as external agencies, groups, and the general public.
• Coordinates data, resources, and work products as necessary and upon request in support of a productive and positive working environment.
• Conducts research; prepares, revises, and implements various administrative policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in accordance with organizational practices.
• Establishes a procedural manual for clerical and administrative support services for assigned areas; develops and revises office forms and report formats.
• Conducts the more routine surveys, research, and statistical analysis on administrative, fiscal, and operational issues.
• Writes reports to present and interpret data, identify alternatives, and make recommendations.
• Provides staff assistance to the Chief Examiner; provides staff support to a variety of committees and boards as assigned; participates in representing the Civil Service Commission to public and private groups, organizations, and other City groups.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

The following minimum qualifications are required to be met at the time of application.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by college-level coursework in human resources management or a related field.

Additional relevant work experience beyond the three-year requirement will be substituted for the required college-level coursework.

Experience:

Three years of increasingly responsible technical, administrative, and advanced-level clerical experience in a human resources program area.

At least 60 semester or 90 quarter-hour credits with coursework in human resources, business/public administration, or a closely related field will substitute for two years of the required experience.

To be considered qualifying, your experience must include responsibilities in each of the following areas:

• Technical: Applying human resources policies, procedures, laws, regulations, or collective bargaining agreements to process personnel actions, determine eligibility, research and resolve HR-related issues, or provide guidance on HR processes.
• Administrative: Coordinating and supporting human resources operations by maintaining personnel records, preparing reports and correspondence, tracking personnel actions, ensuring compliance with established procedures, and providing administrative support for HR programs.
• Advanced-level clerical: Performing complex clerical duties in support of HR programs that require knowledge of human resources processes, independent judgment, attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to handle confidential information. This is more than routine data entry, filing, or other basic clerical tasks.

License:

Must possess a valid drivers license or otherwise demonstrate the ability to independently get to and from multiple work locations as required.

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Supplemental Information

To Apply:

Submit your completed application and all additional information/documentation requested through our job board at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/reno by August 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. If a computer or mobile device is not available to you, suggested locations to submit an online application include: Reno City Hall 2nd floor computer kiosk or Civil Service Office, any Nevada Job Connect location, local libraries, or educational facilities.

If you are having difficulty logging into your governmentjobs.com profile, please call the applicant support line at 855-524-5627.

Application Preparation:

A complete application is required, including detailed work experience and education. Résumés may be submitted as supplemental information but will not be reviewed when determining minimum qualifications.

Examination Process:

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire. The examination will consist of online assessments which include a Microsoft Excel/Word simulation, Customer Service skills test, Data Summarization skills test, Data Analytics skills test, and an Employee Personality Profile, along with a Training and Experience evaluation (T&E) weighted as follows:

Training & Experience Evaluation (T&E) = 40%

Microsoft Excel/Word simulation = 20%

Customer Service skills test = 15%

Data Summarization skills test = 15%

Data Analytics skills test = 10%

Employee Personality Profile = Informational purposes only

Online Assessment Details:

Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the online assessments once the recruitment has closed. These tests will be self-administered with no proctor, which means candidates will be able to complete them online at their convenience during the designated testing window.

The instructions and guidelines will be emailed to qualified applicants after the recruitment closes on August 9, 2026. Please make sure to check for emails around this time, including your spam folder so that you do not miss this testing opportunity. All assessments must be completed within the designated testing window to move forward in the hiring process.

Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) Details:

The T&E examination consists of a Supplemental Questionnaire. The questions may be viewed online under the tab marked "QUESTIONS" on the job announcement page. The T&E must be submitted online at the time of application.

• Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details. Answers are subject to verification.
• Failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question.
• In order to receive credit for education or training, you must attach copies of your transcripts, diploma, or relevant certificates to your online application.
• Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments to the application will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
• "See Resume" or "See above," etc., are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.
• Changes or corrections to your responses cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
• TIP: It may be more efficient to develop your responses in a word processing document and then paste them into the online questionnaire to be submitted.

Notification:

Applicants are notified by email of their examination results. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will also be notified within two weeks of the job posting closing.

We highly recommend opting in to receive text message notifications. Follow-up text messages may include updates about your application, next steps, and interviews. If you haven't opted in before, the option will appear before you submit your application. If you've previously opted in or out, you can update your choice anytime in account settings in your governmentjobs.com profile.

Testing Accommodation:

We strive to ensure equal access for all individuals. If you require an accommodation due to a disability, you must inform the Chief Examiner by completing the Accommodation Request Form by the closing date of this announcement. All requests will be handled with confidentiality and respect.

Contact Information:

Reports (Rule XV, Section 2)

Applicants are responsible for keeping the Reno Civil Service Commission informed of their current contact information including phone number, email, and mailing address

Employee/Veteran Preference in the Event of Tie Scores:

Open Competitive Examination (Rule VII, Section 7):

In the event of tie scores, candidates will be provided a rank preference in the following order:

• City of Reno classified employees who are veterans
• City of Reno classified employees who are not veterans
• City of Reno non-classified employees and external candidates who are veterans

This preference is only used to break ties. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application.

Seniority Points:

Seniority Credit (Rule VIII, Section 9):

Classified employees of the City of Reno shall receive seniority credit computed by adding to a passing score as follows:

The final ranking will include the applicable seniority points added to the overall grade of the examination process. For each full year of continuous service completed, 0.2 points will be added up to a maximum of ten (10) years... 2 points will be the maximum.

Appointment and Certification:

Appointments to positions in the Citys Civil Service system are made on the basis of examination. Scores resulting from a competitive examination are used in determining a persons rank on an eligible register. The department may hire any of the persons referred. The names of those persons not hired may be considered when the next vacancy occurs, for as long as that register is viable.

Probationary Period:

Certification of Eligibles, Appointments, and Probation (Rule VII, Section 12)

Classified employees who are newly hired, promoted, reclassified, transferred, or who voluntarily demote to a lower position are subject to a probation period.

The only exception is if an employee chooses to voluntarily demote back to the exact job they previously held within 24 months of being promoted.

Questions and Updates:

Questions about the information on this announcement and updates to application information should be directed to Civil Service at (775) 334-2223 or civilservice@reno.gov.

The City of Reno is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, retention, and disciplinary decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association, or any other protected class status applicable under federal or state law or City Charter.

Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link to learn more about the City of Renos great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.

01

Minimum Qualification Review

The following questions are a required part of your application for this position. Your answers will be used to assist us in evaluating your related work experience and education to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as outlined on the job posting.

Things to consider before you proceed:

• Resumes are not reviewed or considered in the evaluation process.
• All of your relevant experience must be clearly listed in the work experience section of your application.
• Unlike a resume which summarizes duties, your application should include detailed descriptions of your job responsibilities, tasks performed, and scope of work.
• Complete information assists us to accurately evaluate your qualifications, training, and experience.
• List multiple positions with a single employer separately within the work experience section.
• Failure to attach copies of required certifications, licenses, and/or proof of education beyond high school may result in disqualification during the minimum qualifications review. Proof of high school diploma does not need to be submitted.
• Information provided in your application may be verified.

By checking below, you confirm your application contains accurate, complete and truthful information. Any evidence of falsification or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from the recruitment process in accordance with Civil Service Rules.

• I confirm

02

Are you a current classified City of Reno employee?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a valid drivers license or are you able to demonstrate the ability to independently get to and from multiple work locations as required?

• Yes
• No

04

Which of the following best describes your highest level of qualifying education?

• High school diploma or equivalent
• High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by college-level coursework in human resources management, public administration and/or business administration
• 60 semester or 90 quarter-hour college credits with coursework in human resources, business/public administration
• 60 semester or 90 quarter-hour college credits with coursework in a closely related field
• None of the above

05

Only answer this question if your course work is in another field related to this position.

How has your course work prepared you to perform the work of this position?

06

Education Documentation Requirements:

In order for education beyond high school to be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications and/or credited as part of the assessment process, you must attach supporting documentation to your application.

Important Guidance:

• Transcripts (official or unofficial) are highly recommended and preferred as they provide detailed information about coursework and area of study.
• A diploma may be accepted; however, diplomas alone may not provide sufficient detail to determine if your education is directly related to the minimum qualifications (such as not having a major listed, or being in a non-related field).

Applications submitted without documentation will be evaluated without consideration of education. If minimum qualifications cannot be met through work experience alone, the application may be rejected.

Have you attached transcripts or other verifiable education documentation?

• I have attached transcripts and/or diploma(s)
• I have not attached documentation. I understand that my education will not be evaluated or used in determining whether I meet the minimum qualifications

07

Which of the following best describes your qualifying paid work experience?

Note: To be considered qualifying, your experience must include responsibilities in each of the following areas:

• Technical: Applying human resources policies, procedures, laws, regulations, or collective bargaining agreements to process personnel actions, determine eligibility, research and resolve HR-related issues, or provide guidance on HR processes.
• Administrative: Coordinating and supporting human resources operations by maintaining personnel records, preparing reports and correspondence, tracking personnel actions, ensuring compliance with established procedures, and providing administrative support for HR programs.
• Advanced-level clerical: Performing complex clerical duties in support of HR programs that require knowledge of human resources processes, independent judgment, attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to handle confidential information. This is more than routine data entry, filing, or other basic clerical tasks.
• I have less than one year of technical, administrative, and advanced-level clerical experience in a human resources program area
• I have one year but less than two years of technical, administrative, and advanced-level clerical experience in a human resources program area
• I have two years but less than three years of technical, administrative, and advanced-level clerical experience in a human resources program area
• I have three years but less than four years of technical, administrative, and advanced-level clerical experience in a human resources program area
• I have four years or more of technical, administrative, and advanced-level clerical experience in a human resources program area

08

This is your opportunity to provide any additional details about duties you performed that may qualify toward the required experience. Only positions listed in the work experience section of your application will be considered.

For each employer where you gained qualifying experience, provide:

• The employer's name
• Your job title(s)
• Clarifying details about your duties/responsibilities you performed that demonstrate how you meet the required technical, administrative, or advanced-level clerical experience in a human resources program area

If the information you provide in the work experience section and response to this question does not clearly demonstrate that you meet the specific experience requirements, you will not move forward in the recruitment process.

09

Training and Experience Evaluation

The following section of the Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the Civil Service test for this position and must be completed online at the time of application. Questionnaires submitted as an attachment to the online application will not be considered. In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. All responses must be verified by the applicant in the work experience section of this application.

Failure to provide adequate responses to the following questions may result in lower scores or disqualification from the selection process.

Do you certify that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true and correct to the best of your knowledge?

• Yes
• No

10

Select all of the following accounts payable, payroll, or administrative accounting tasks that you currently perform or have performed within the past five years as a regular part of your assigned job responsibilities.

Only select a task if you personally performed the work on a recurring basis and were responsible for completing, reviewing, tracking, or resolving the related transactions or records. Do not select tasks for which your experience was limited to occasional assistance, general familiarity, training, or oversight without direct involvement.

• Preparing and processing purchase orders
• Processing invoices for payment
• Reconciling purchase card transactions or expense reports
• Monitoring departmental budgets or expenditures
• Reviewing employee timecards for accuracy and processing payroll for a department and/or division.
• Entering or maintaining financial information in an accounting or payroll system
• Researching and resolving invoice, payment, or payroll discrepancies
• Maintaining financial records or supporting documentation
• None of the above

11

In order to receive credit for your experience in the previous question, please provide the following information for each task you selected:

• Your job title(s) where you performed the work
• The approximate dates and length of time you performed the task
• How frequently you performed the task
• Your specific role and level of responsibility, including whether you completed the work directly, reviewed the work of others, tracked transactions or records, or resolved related issues
• The systems, forms, records, and/or processes you used for this task
• An example that demonstrates the scope or complexity of the work

Your response must provide enough detail for the evaluators to determine the depth, recency, and relevance of your experience. References to your resume or statements such as "see application" will not be accepted as a complete response.

12

Select all of the following board, commission, committee, or formal meeting support tasks that you currently perform or have performed within the past five years as a regular part of your assigned job responsibilities.

Only select a task if you personally performed the work on a recurring basis. Do not select tasks for which your experience was limited to occasional assistance, general familiarity, training, or oversight without direct involvement.

• Preparing agendas, packets, and/or supporting materials
• Coordinating meeting schedules and logistics
• Posting public meeting notices
• Recording official meeting minutes
• Maintaining official meeting records
• Writing staff or any other formal reports
• Coordinating presentations or meeting technology
• Tracking assignments or follow-up items from meetings
• Communicating with board, commission, committee, or council members
• None of the above

13

In order to receive credit for your experience in the previous question, please provide the following information for each task you selected:

• Your job title and department
• The approximate dates and length of time you performed the task
• How frequently you performed the task
• Your specific role and level of responsibility, including whether you completed the work directly, reviewed the work of others, tracked transactions or records, or resolved related issues
• The systems, forms, records, and/or processes you used for this task
• An example that demonstrates the scope or complexity of the work

Your response must provide enough detail for the evaluators to determine the depth, recency, and relevance of your experience. References to your resume or statements such as "see application" will not be accepted as a complete response.

14

Select all of the following customer service tasks that you currently perform or have performed within the past five years as a regular part of your assigned job responsibilities.

Only select a task if you personally performed the work on a recurring basis. Do not select tasks for which your experience was limited to occasional assistance, general familiarity, training, or oversight without direct involvement.

• Answering incoming telephone calls from external customers
• Responding to external customer inquiries by email
• Greeting and assisting external customers in person
• Providing information regarding policies, procedures, or services to external and/or internal customers
• Responding to difficult or upset customers
• Researching customer questions to provide accurate information
• Resolving routine customer concerns independently
• Providing customer service to internal employees via phone, email, or in person
• None of the above

15

In order to receive credit for your experience in the previous question, please provide the following information for each task you selected:

• Your job title and department
• The approximate dates and length of time you performed the task
• How frequently you performed the task
• Your specific role and level of responsibility, including whether you completed the work directly, reviewed the work of others, tracked transactions or records, or resolved related issues
• The systems, forms, records, and/or processes you used for this task
• An example that demonstrates the scope or complexity of the work

Your response must provide enough detail for the evaluators to determine the depth, recency, and relevance of your experience. References to your resume or statements such as "see application" will not be accepted as a complete response.

Required Question

Employer City of Reno

Address PO Box 1900

Reno, Nevada, 89505

Phone (775) 334-2223

Website https://www.reno.gov/government/jobs-recruitment.php