The District’s hiring process is a civil service system of employment and is governed by Illinois state statute (70 ILCS 2605/4.7). Each step in the process including the meeting of qualifications, the filing of applications, the administration of the examination, Veterans’ Preference, and the issuance and use of eligible lists, are in accordance with this statute.

Civil Service Examinations

The statute requires that all applicants seeking employment with the District pass a civil service examination with limited exceptions. There are two types of examinations: Original Entrance and Promotional. Original Entrance examinations are offered to all candidates, both internal and external, meeting the minimum requirements for that job classification. Promotional examinations are offered only to current District employees who meet the promotional requirements for that job classification. Examinations can be offered to both Original Entrance and Promotional candidates.

Civil Service examinations can consist of one or more tests designed to evaluate whether a candidate possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be successful in that particular job. For more information regarding the types of tests used in civil service examinations click here.

On the Day of the Test

Candidates are to appear promptly at the time listed on the admission letter. Candidates who are late may not be admitted. Allow sufficient time for travel and parking at the test site. Candidates will need to bring their admission letter and a photo ID to the test. A quiet, cordless calculator may also be allowed in accordance with the job announcement.

Candidates are normally given between two and four hours to complete a written test. The oral test process typically takes between four and five hours. Candidates should park their car where it can be left for the duration of the test. Leaving the test to move a vehicle or to feed a parking meter is not permitted. If glasses or a hearing aid are required, be certain to bring them to the examination. Bring any specialized equipment or materials which may be specified in the job announcement.

Textbooks, reference materials, tablets, laptops, PDA's or cell phones will not be allowed in the test room unless they are specifically permitted by a statement in the job announcement.

Job Openings and the Application Process

Job openings are job classifications for which the District has a civil service examination scheduled to fill a current or potential future vacancy. Individuals interested in participating in the civil service examination for a particular job classification must submit an employment application. Applications are accepted only during the designated filing period for that examination. General applications and/or resumes are not accepted. A job announcement is published detailing the dates which applications will be accepted, the method(s) for submitting the application, the test date and location, the minimum requirement(s) for admission to the examination and other important information related to the examination.

A separate application must be submitted for each examination. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application form is completed and submitted in a timely manner. Descriptions and dates of education and experience should be very clear so that it is understood exactly how the applicant meets the minimum requirements. All statements and information on an application, including education and employment history, are subject to verification at the time a candidate’s name is placed on an eligible list.`

Applications are reviewed to determine if the candidate meets the minimum requirements for the classification as listed on the job announcement. Applicants meeting the minimum requirements are invited to participate in the examination. These candidates receive an admission letter which must be presented on the day of the test.

Placement on the Eligible List

Candidates participating in and passing each step in the examination process will have their names placed on the eligible list for that job classification. Any appointments made to that job classification will be made from this list. Eligible lists are divided into three categories A (Exceptionally Well Qualified), B (Well Qualified) and C (Qualified). Candidates in the A category are given first consideration for appointment. In cases where there is an Original Entrance and Promotional eligible list for a job classification, candidates on the Promotional eligible list will be given first consideration for appointment. Eligible lists are valid for three years, unless otherwise noted on the job announcement.

Hiring managers often conduct personal interviews with candidates on the eligible list prior to making a recommendation for appointment. These interviews are conducted by members of the operating department(s) in which the position resides.

At the time of appointment, candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment physical which includes a drug test. Job offers are contingent upon passing this physical and a background check.