Continuous Recruitment Examinations are those for which applications are accepted on a continuous basis, there is no last filing date. Some are administered on a computer, others are held on a training and experience basis, and others are written exams. The scores for these exams are inter-filed in rank order with existing candidate scores to form a constantly changing eligible list. A passing candidate's name remains on the list for one year.
A provisional appointment is a temporary appointment to a competitive class position (a position that requires a civil service test) when there is no existing civil service list or the list contains fewer than three candidates willing to accept the position being offered. In order to become permanent, the provisionally appointed employee must take the next examination for the position. The permanent appointment to the position will be made among the three highest scoring candidates who indicate their willingness to accept the position.
All Chautauqua County departments, all towns, villages, school districts, special districts, City of Dunkirk, City of Jamestown and BOCES Second Supervisory District, Erie-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Counties use the eligible lists.
We receive and process the exam results from the State Civil Service Commission approximately two to three months after the examination date. You will be notified by mail of your score and place on the eligible list. Those who score 70% or above are included on the eligible list for job openings. Jobs are filled from these lists by the employer choosing one of the three highest ranked applicants willing to accept the job.
It is very rare for an exam to be cancelled. If we do cancel an exam, there will be a recorded message on the Chautauqua County Human Resources telephone at 716-753-4237.
New York State Department of Civil Service publishes study guides for specific categories of examinations. You may review the current list contained on this website. Examination announcements will indicate if there is an appropriate State published study guide available.
You can find out what areas each exam will cover from the exam announcement under the heading “Subject of Examination.”
Unless otherwise stated on the exam announcement, the exams are held at the Chautauqua County Government Office Campus in Mayville, New York.
Applications for scheduled exams are evaluated to ensure the candidate meets the qualifications to take the exam. Approved candidates will receive an Eligibility Determination Letter acknowledging the approval. Approved applicants will receive an admission notice at least one week prior to the test date with information about test location, time, and other instructions. Applicants disapproved because they do not meet minimum qualifications will be notified by mail.
Applications for immediate job openings are evaluated by the Human Resources Department to ensure the candidate meets the qualifications to be eligible for appointment. Approved candidates will receive an Eligibility Determination Letter acknowledging the approval. Approved applications will be forwarded to the agency where the vacancy exists for review and consideration. Applicants disapproved because they do not meet minimum qualifications will be notified by mail.