Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Margarita Lake as seen from Rocky's Trail

We’ve gathered answers to common questions to help guide you through this process. Whether you're looking for information about benefits, timelines, or next steps, you'll find helpful details below. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out to Human Resources for additional support.

FAQs

There is no set timeframe.  Recruitments are typically initiated depending on the needs and vacancies of the departments.  If you do not see a job posted that you are interested in, you can complete a job interest notification to be notified when the recruitment opens. 
We only accept applications for open recruitments.

At the County, an online application is required.  If you don’t have a computer, but are interested in applying for a County job, you may apply on your tablet or smartphone, visit County Human Resources, or another location where public computers are available.  Listed below are some resources available for these services (Note that a cost may be associated): 

  • County of San Luis Obispo Human Resources Lobby: 
    1055 Monterey St, Suite D250 
    San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 

Yes.  There are multiple ways that a candidate might meet the minimum qualifications for a position.  Even if you don’t have the exact experience described, your unique combination of education and experience may qualify you.  If you have questions about how you may qualify for a position, you can reach out to Human Resources. 
Applicants are required to provide full and complete responses to each supplemental question.  Often, supplemental questions are used as part of the examination process and may be rated and scored.  Failure to provide complete and thorough responses may result in a lower score or disqualification.  Additionally, providing the information in the responses for the supplemental questions makes it easier to locate the information for those evaluating applications for a recruitment.
The County of San Luis Obispo is committed to accessibility for all candidates under the American’s with Disabilities Act.  If you require accommodation under this act, please contact our Human Resources Department at [email protected] or by phone at 805-781-5959 to obtain assistance. 
Yes, however, you must be able to meet the Department of Homeland Security I9 requirements at the time an offer is extended.
Yes, a separate application is required for each position you are interested in applying for.
Unfortunately, once the deadline has passed, applications are no longer accepted. However, you may want to complete an interest card notification in case the posting is re-opened or to be notified when the next recruitment for that classification is opened.
Yes, on occasion we will re-open a posting or extend the deadline if we do not receive a sufficient number of applications for consideration.
A continuous recruitment is a recruitment that does not have a closing date.  Applications are collected and reviewed on a periodic basis and exams may be conducted repeatedly throughout the life of the recruitment.  A continuous recruitment may be closed at any time without notice, so prompt application is encouraged.  Applications submitted after the first consideration will be supplemented on a list as needed.  We encourage you to apply for a continuous recruitment, even after the first consideration deadline, as we will continue to review and process all applications while the application period is open.
If you did not compete in a recruitment process, you will need to apply and go through a competitive process in order to be considered for a permanent position.

If you have already competed in a recruitment process and were hired from an eligibility list, you may be considered for permanent positions in the same classification without re-applying. 
Per Civil Service Rules former employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are eligible for reinstatement into any position the employee held on a permanent or probationary basis prior to separation or to any other position to which the transfer, reassignment, or voluntary reduction from their prior position would be authorized.  The reinstatement must occur within one year from separation. Reinstatement is not guaranteed and must be approved by the Department Head. 

A hybrid work environment refers to a flexible workplace model that combines both remote and in-office work.  Employees in a hybrid work environment have the option to split their time between working from home (or another remote location), and working in a physical office.  The availability and flexibility of a hybrid work environment is highly dependent on the role of the position, the nature of the work, and department operations.  Additionally, successful hybrid work environments are dependent on employees having access to needed technology, equipment, and digital tools to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and productivity. 

Classification Specifications are job descriptions.  Job descriptions help to provide a structured system to categorize positions based on their responsibilities and skill levels. This structure helps to ensure fair compensation, consistent career progression, and equitable treatment for employees across different departments. Jobs do not always have a current open recruitment; however, candidates can always explore these detailed job descriptions to identify roles they may be interested in for future opportunities. Candidates can also fill out a job interest notification to be notified when a recruitment opens for a certain job they may have an interest in applying for.