Human Resources

Washoe County operates under a merit system, pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes. A merit system is a means in which competitive examinations are used in the selection process and the most qualified individuals are selected for hire or promotion. A merit system utilizes fair and unbiased recruitment and selection procedures. At Washoe County, best practices in the industry are used to recruit and select the right people in a changing and diverse labor market. The recruitment and selection process is continually streamlined and enhanced with the use of technology and application of best practices in order to meet the needs of County departments as well as the needs of applicants.

Washoe County offers career opportunities in a variety of occupational areas. For a listing of current jobs, go to our web page for Job Opportunities.

Stage 1 - Online Application Process

A Washoe County online job application must be submitted for each County job opening. A separate application is required for each position. The information you provide about your education and experience will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and whether you will be invited to test.

Your application will be screened to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications listed on the job posting. Be sure to provide complete and detailed information regarding your education, training and work experience. No additional information will be accepted after the deadline date.

If it is determined that you do not meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you have 1 business day after you have been notified to contact Human Resources to file an appeal and request a review of your qualifications. Appeals are limited to clarification on the information which was already listed on your application materials. We are unable to accept new information pertaining to your education, training, and work experience when evaluating an appeal.

Online Application Process

Job seekers can apply online via Washoe County's online application system. Once you're ready to begin, go to our Job Opportunities page, select the position you are interested in and click "Apply." For detailed information on creating an account to submit a job application, please visit: Online Employment Application Guide | Washoe County Job Opportunities (governmentjobs.com)

You are able to save your application and complete it at a later date. However, your application must be submitted before the closing deadline of the recruitment in order to be considered. Please note it is important that the information you provide on your application demonstrates that you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. As a reminder, tailoring your application to the position you are applying for each time you apply for a job opening will increase your chances for success in the recruitment and selection process.

Your application will be reviewed and you will receive an email notification from Human Resources regarding the status of your application approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job posting. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take part in the examination process.

Please note most of the communication throughout the recruitment and selection process will be done via email and phone. Please check your spam/junk folder to make sure you are not missing important communication from Washoe County Human Resources.

Stage 2 - Examination Process

As a merit system, most of our recruitments will include a competitive examination process. The Washoe County Personnel Handbook section 5.160 outlines instances which allow the Department of Human Resources to waive the examination process.

The job announcement will outline the examination process for the recruitment and this information will include a tentative exam date for an in-person exam OR a tentative timeframe to receive an exam link for remote testing. In addition, the areas assessed through the exam will also be listed on the job announcement. The most commonly used exam is either a written or online multiple-choice exam; however, other examination processes such as a performance test may be used.

After the exam is completed, you will receive an additional email notifying you of the results. If you pass the examination, you will receive your score and rank. This rank will be used to determine which candidates will be interviewed by departments trying to fill a vacancy.

Stage 3 - Interview and Selection Process

Our interview and selection process enables both candidates and Washoe County the opportunity to gather the information needed to determine the best fit. We look for individuals who have both the skills required for a position and the commitment to our Vision, Mission and Shared Values.

• Hiring departments schedule interviews from a list of top scoring candidates. If your name is not sent to the hiring department, it will remain on the list for future opportunities as they become available. An eligible list is valid for a minimum of one year and up to three years.
• A candidate invited for a scheduled interview may be asked to participate in a performance demonstration in order to confirm experience in areas required for success on the job.
• Hiring team members will meet to discuss a candidate's qualifications for the open position(s). Interviews are often conducted by a panel of subject matter experts.
• Once the top candidate is identified by the interview panel, the hiring department will extend a job offer to the candidate and provide a formal offer letter. After a candidate has been hired, other candidates are sent an email notification via the email address provided notifying them of their status.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a successful background check. Reference checks and background checks, including fingerprinting, are required for all successful candidates. Positions in some departments have access to criminal justice agency systems including NCIC and CJIS. Felony convictions and certain misdemeanors, including gross misdemeanors, will prohibit candidates from employment in those departments. Additionally, certain criminal convictions will disqualify applicants from other positions within the County.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Washoe County does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law including in employment practices in which it operates, except where specific requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification. Disabled individuals requiring accommodation during the application and/or hiring process should notify the recruiting analyst by the filing deadline.