Civil Service Specialist

Civil Service Specialist

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, you'll 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.

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.

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 driver's license or otherwise demonstrate the ability to independently get to and from multiple work locations as required.

**Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply**.

To apply: Submit your completed application and all additional information/documentation requested through our job board at 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. Rsums 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