Job Application Process

A woman completes a City of Los Angeles job application

The City's Job Application Process

The City of Los Angeles uses a civil service system based on merit, fairness, and equal opportunity for hiring and promotions. Most job openings require candidates to take a civil service examination to qualify for placement on an eligibility list. If a job you want is not currently open, you can sign up online to receive email alerts when applications open.

Civil Service Overview

LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) uses the City of Los Angeles civil service system to fill most entry-level and promotional job openings. As jobs open, City departments interview candidates who have completed the civil service application and testing process. The civil service system is built on principles of merit, fairness, and equal employment opportunities.

There are over 1,200 job classifications across the City of Los Angeles. A regular civil service appointment means you are chosen from an eligibility list for a permanent position of half-time or more. This type of appointment allows you to build civil service tenure and employment rights.

How to Apply

To apply for a position, first check if the job is currently open for application filing. You can view all open jobs on the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department website, call the City job hotline at 213-473-9310, or visit Personnel Department offices.

Submit your application form and any required supplemental forms on or before the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Paper applications are only accepted when explicitly noted on the bulletin. If you do not have access to a computer, free public computers are available at City Personnel Department facilities and City of Los Angeles public libraries.

Reading Job Bulletins

Always review job bulletins thoroughly before applying. Job bulletins on the Personnel Department website include key details:

  • Salary: Lists the starting pay rate. Starting salaries are fixed and non-negotiable.
  • Duties: Describes general job responsibilities for the job class.
  • Requirements: Details the qualifications needed. Read these carefully, as positions may have multiple requirements.
  • Where to Apply: Links directly to the online application portal.
  • Application Deadline: States the final date and time to submit your application.
  • Selection Process: Outlines test components (such as written exams, interviews, or physical tests) and subject areas to help you prepare.
  • Notes: Contains extra details about the hiring process and job conditions.
     

Civil Service Exams

Civil service examinations include one or more test parts to evaluate candidate qualifications. Reviewing the Class Specification Information on the job bulletin will give you an idea of what skills and topics will be tested. To ensure fairness for all candidates, LASAN and the Personnel Department cannot provide specific study materials beyond what is listed in the official exam bulletin.

Once you pass the exam, you will be placed on a ranked eligibility list. When job openings occur, LASAN requests a certification list of top-scoring candidates to participate in department interviews to discuss their qualifications for specific positions.

Job Interest Alerts

If the job you want is not currently accepting applications, you can request an email notification. Visit governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity/classspecs, search for the job title, and click "Subscribe." Complete the short online form with a valid email address. If that job opens for applications within one year, you will automatically receive an email alert.