HR&CS FAQs

Q: How do I apply for jobs with the City of Pittsburgh?

A: Applications must be submitted online. Visit pghjobs.net to view and apply for our open positions. Applications are mobile-friendly and can be submitted on a smartphone or tablet.

Q: Where can I obtain assistance completing my application? 

A: Computers are available for public use on the 4th floor of the City County Building, 414 Grant Street, 4th floor (Ross Street side of the building), Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

You can also utilize your local libraries and/or Neighborhood Employment Centers.

Q: What happens after I submit my application? 

A: Your application is reviewed to make sure you meet the general and qualifying requirements for the position.

• General requirements may include attaching a résumé, living within City limits, clearances you must obtain before hire, or having a valid driver’s license (if required).  
• Qualifying requirements refer to the necessary education, training, or work experience.

After your application is reviewed, you’ll receive an email through NEOGOV (pghjobs.net) letting you know whether you qualify to move forward.

Q: Why are some positions posted "continuous"?

A: Some positions are posted continuously because we are always hiring for critical roles such as Police Officer and Co-Driver. Other times, the department may be growing or restructuring, and they are seeking to fill multiple positions. 

If a position has a closing date listed, your application must be submitted before that date and time to be considered for the role.

Q: What is an “equivalency”?

A: Most positions accept an “equivalency,” which means positions will accept experience in the place of formal education or education in the place of experience.

For example, if a job asks for four years of college, but you have four years of full-time work doing similar duties, that experience may count instead. Each application should clearly show the required number of years to meet the Total Qualifying Requirement for the position (which is the number of years of acceptable education and/or work experience combined). 

Q: How can I get notified when a job opens?

A: You may subscribe to a job title or category of employment by visiting pghjobs.net > Menu > Job Categories or Job Descriptions. Selecting “job descriptions” allows you to subscribe to a specific job title (e.g., Firefighter Recruit, Truck Driver, Accountant), while selecting “job categories” allows you to subscribe to job alerts from within a broad category (e.g., drivers, engineering, community development). 

Q: How frequently should I update my profile at pghjobs.net?

A: With each application you submit. You should also tailor your resume to show the top skills you possess for each position you are applying for.  

Q: What is the Civil Service? 

A: Civil Service is a merit-based system for jobs within government. This system focuses on recruiting and employing qualified applicants and retaining and promoting employees.

The Commission is made up of three members appointed by the mayor. To keep political balance, no more than two members can belong to the same political party.

Q: What is a Civil Service Exam?

A: A Civil Service exam may be a written, medical, or performance examination used to help ensure fair and equal hiring for City of Pittsburgh jobs and ensure that the candidate can perform the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for a specific position.

Everyone who meets the minimum qualifications may take the exam, and if the position has an exam, you must pass the exam to move forward in the hiring process. 

Q: Does every position require a Civil Service Exam?

A: Not all positions require a Civil Service exam. If an exam is required, the job announcement will identify the type of exam required, which may include written, medical, or performance-based assessments. 

When an exam is required, it will be scheduled and paid for by the City.

Q: Can I take one Civil Service Exam for all the positions I have applied for? 

A: No. Each Civil Service Examination is based on a job analysis and the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by the applicant at the time of hire for that specific position. 

Q: How can I prepare for a written or performance Civil Service exam? 

A: Preparation materials are provided for Civil Service written and performance exams. All exams include a prep guide; some may also have a prep video on the City’s YouTube channel. If the exam includes a physical component, the required physical standards will be listed in the prep materials, so you know exactly what to expect.

Q: What happens after I take a Civil Service Exam? 

A: What happens next depends on the type of exam you take. Performance exams (such as hands-on or skills tests) are usually scored as pass or fail on the day of the exam. Written exams take time to score. When results are ready, they are emailed through NEOGOV (pghjobs.net), so please make sure your contact information is current in your account. If a medical or physical exam is required later in the process, you’ll be notified and scheduled after your written or performance results are reviewed. 

Q: What if I don’t pass the Civil Service Exam?

A: You may reapply and retest during a future recruitment cycle. Most positions do not have a set waiting period between exams. However, for the Police Officer position, candidates who do not pass the written exam must wait three months before reapplying.

Q: When can I reapply if I fail an exam?

A: If the position is still accepting applications, you may reapply between 30-90 days after your exam, depending on the position. If the application period has ended, you may apply the next time the recruitment cycle opens. Refer to “How can I get notified when a job opens?” under “Application Process” above. 

Q: Who should I contact with questions about my Civil Service exam?

A: Please contact the HR Business Partner Team at HR-Business.Partners@pittsburghpa.gov for assistance with any Civil Service exam inquiries.

Q: Do you hire people with a criminal background?

A: The City of Pittsburgh considers all qualified applicants, including those with prior criminal history. Candidates may be removed from consideration based on the results of their background check, depending on how the findings relate to the job.

Q: Are there internship opportunities available for students?

A: Yes. The City of Pittsburgh offers internship opportunities in a variety of departments throughout the year. Some internships require applicants to be current college students or recent graduates, while others are open to individuals with related skills or experience. Each internship posting lists the specific requirements and duration for that opportunity.

All available internships are posted at pghjobs.net > Menu > Internship and AmeriCorps VISTA Opportunities.

Q: Does the City hire international students?

A: Yes. We welcome international applicants who are authorized to work in the United States. 

Q: What is a Civil Service Eligibility List?

A: A Civil Service Eligibility List includes all applicants who meet the minimum qualifying requirements and, if applicable, have successfully passed the required exam for the position.

Q: How long does it take to get on an eligibility list? 

A: The time it takes can vary by position. For some jobs, once an applicant meets the minimum qualifying requirements, their name is placed on the eligibility list. For positions that require a Civil Service Exam, applicants must first take and pass the exam before being added to the list. 

Q: How long is an eligibility list valid for?

A: Eligibility lists remain valid for one to three years, depending on the position, if it requires a civil service examination, and hiring needs. Other factors impacting the length of a list may include a Civil Service request to extend, cancel, or repost a position.

When a job posting includes the word “Repost” in the title, it means the position is being recruited for again. 

Q: What happens after my name is placed on the eligibility list?

A: Depending on the position, vacancies are filled in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and/or civil service rules. If your name is placed on an eligibility list, it means you are qualified for consideration, but placement on a list does not guarantee employment. Hiring departments may contact candidates from the list at any time while the list remains active as vacancies arise.

Q: Do I have to live in the city (in “city limits”)?

A: Yes. Most City of Pittsburgh employees are required to live within the city limits.

Exceptions apply to certain union-represented Police and Fire positions. Employees represented by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) must live within 25 air miles of the City-County Building. Employees represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) must live within 60 minutes of the City-County Building within Pennsylvania.

The City of Pittsburgh is comprised of 90 unique neighborhoods that represent the culture and vibrancy of the Pittsburgh region. To determine if your domicile is within city limits click here.

Q: Do I have time to move if offered a job with the City?

A: Residency requirements vary by position. Review the General Requirements section of the job posting for position-specific requirements. You may use the linked map to verify the address is within the City of Pittsburgh.

Q: What support does the City provide for employees relocating to Pittsburgh?

A: The City does not offer relocation or moving expense assistance at this time.

Q: Are COVID vaccinations required to work for the City?

A: No. All Covid vaccination requirements have been lifted at this time.

Q: What core benefits does the City offer?

A: Full-time City employees receive a comprehensive benefit package, including: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Pension (partially vested after 8 years of service)
• Life Insurance (provided at no cost with the option to “buy-up”)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Short and long-term disability 
• Paid Parental Leave 

Benefits vary depending on the terms of the employee group for the position.

Q: When will my benefits begin if I accept a position? 

A: Typically, medical benefits take effect the first day of the month following your date of hire. (Ex: Hire date November 1-30 = medical benefits start date December 1.)

Typically, dental and vision benefits take effect 90 days after your medical benefits eligibility date. (Ex: Hire date November 1-30 = dental and vision benefits start March 1.) 

Q: What optional or elective benefits are available to employees?

A: Full-time City employees are offered a number of optional or elective benefits, including:

• Deferred Compensation (457B)
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Allstate Identity Protection Pro+ Cyber, including digital safety tools, fraud protection, and elder fraud support
• MetLife Legal Plans 
• AAA Discount: A special offer for new AAA members
• Discounted PRT Bus passes and Parking Discounts

Enrollment, rates, and additional details are provided at the time of hire. 

Q: How does the City support employees pursuing further education?

A: The City offers several forms of educational support to help employees continue developing their skills, including:

• The City offers eligible employees up to 50% tuition reimbursement per credit for successful completion of pre-approved job-related coursework 
• The City covers the cost of mandatory job-related clearances and some certifications
• Employees—and in many cases their families or dependents—can access reduced tuition rates through the City's education partners
• The City provides a variety of in-house training and development programs