Get to know the City's hiring process
The City of Long Beach is committed to hiring talented and innovative individuals to join our diverse and growing workforce. The Department of Human Resources administers all employment opportunities. The City has two types of service and varying position types.
Classified Service
Classified positions with the City are governed by the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. The positions are recruited through a merit-based process that asks candidates if they possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities for that job. The merit-based system may include a combination of any of the following: written exam(s), writing exam(s), performance exams or appraisal interviews. Successfully qualified candidates are placed on an eligible list that are either banded or ranked, then referred to the hiring departments to fill their vacancies.
Unclassified Service
Unclassified positions are jobs with the City that are not governed by the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. These positions include elected appointed officials, management positions, temporary/seasonal or part-time employees and certain positions in the Mayor’s Office or City Managers’ Office. These positions are typically at-will employment. However, Unclassified employees are still subject to other City policies, labor agreements (if applicable), and relevant laws. Successfully qualified candidates that meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position are placed on an eligible list and then referred to the hiring departments to fill their vacancies.
Understand different position types
The City of Long Beach offers various position types within the Classified and Unclassified Service. Below you can learn more about the various types. When applying for opportunities please be mindful of limitations and/or provisions that may exist with each position type.
| Classified – Permanent | This makes up approximately 60% of the City’s workforce. These positions are governed by the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. These positions require competition in a competitive examination process. Employees in this status accrue status in the classification(s) in which they serve. |
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| Unclassified – Seasonal | Non-Career, at-will employment opportunities that are intended for a limited duration, often to address seasonal workloads or special projects. Are generally not eligible for benefits but may qualify for certain benefits like sick leave, depending on applicable federal and state provisions. |
| Classified – Provisional | Provisional appointments are valid for up to 150 days, unless extended and approved by the Human Resources Department. These appointments enable departments to meet immediate staffing needs without waiting for the completion of the competitive examination process. To be considered for permanent employment, individuals must successfully complete the Civil Service examination process and be placed on the eligible list for the classification(s). City employees holding permanent status in another classification may be reinstated to their previous position if their provisional appointment ends. |
| Classified – Temporary | These appointments are typically established for a specific period, often to address temporary staffing needs such as seasonal workloads, project-based work, or to cover for employees on leave. Applicants must participate in and pass a civil service examination to be considered for these positions. Successful candidates are placed on an eligible list, from which hiring departments can select individuals to fill temporary vacancies. While these positions are filled through the classified system, they are temporary and do not lead to permanent civil service status. |
| Classified – Reassigned for Training | Appointment refers to a temporary assignment where a current classified employee is reassigned to a different position within the same classification. This reassignment is typically made to provide the employee with additional training or experience in a different department or division. The employee remains in the same classification and continues to receive the same salary and benefits. The reassignment provides the employee with the opportunity to gain experience in a different area, which can be beneficial for future career advancement. |
| Unclassified |
This makes up approximately 40% of the City's workforce. At-will employment opportunity. They are not part of the Civil Service system and do not lead to permanent civil service status. Typically, these positions are vacated by management, appointed and or elected officials and offices. Full-time unclassified permanent employees are eligible for a benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions. This position may include non-career opportunities as well. |
| Unclassified – Temporary | Non-Career, at-will employment opportunity that allows departments to fill short-term staffing needs without going through the Civil Service examination process. These positions are typically used for roles that require specialized skills for a limited duration. Employees in these positions serve at the discretion of the hiring department and can be terminated at any time without the protections afforded to classified employees. Non-Career employees are allowed a maximum of 1,600 work hours available over a 12-month period, who are not typically eligible for benefits. However, Non-Career employees may qualify for health coverage and sick leave accruals subject to applicable federal and state provisions. |
For more information regarding any of the types of service or position types please refer to the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. For any inquires please contact our Talent Acquisition Help Desk by calling (562) 570-7008 or emailing HR-TalentAcquisition@longbeach.gov.
Contact Us
Talent Acquisition Help Desk
562-570-7008
HR-TalentAcquisition@longbeach.gov
