Civil service departments administer merit-based government employment systems, ensuring that public sector jobs are filled through competitive processes based on qualifications and ability rather than political connections, protecting both job seekers and the quality of government services.
There are 52 states with Civil Service Department locations across the United States. The federal civil service employs approximately 2.9 million civilian workers across all agencies, and state and local governments collectively employ over 20 million additional civil service workers who deliver essential public services every day.
Civil Service Department in the United States
Browsing by state helps job seekers, current government employees, and human resources professionals find civil service commission offices, access current job announcements, learn about examination schedules, and understand the classification and appeal processes that govern public employment in each jurisdiction.
Common Services
- Government job vacancy announcements and application processing
- Civil service examination scheduling, administration, and score reporting
- Employee position classification, pay grade, and compensation information
- Personnel appeals, grievance procedures, and civil service commission hearings
Candidates interested in government employment should monitor civil service exam announcements regularly, as many positions require passing a competitive examination before an application can be considered. Register for exam notifications through your state or local civil service website to avoid missing application windows.
For official information, visit U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
About Civil Service Department
Civil service and government employment offices manage the hiring, classification, and personnel administration of public sector workers at the federal, state, and local levels. These offices administer competitive examinations, maintain eligible hiring lists, and ensure that government employment is based on merit rather than political affiliation. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management oversees the federal civil service, while state and local agencies manage their own merit-based personnel systems.
Common Services
- Government job postings, applications, and hiring announcements
- Civil service examination scheduling and score reporting
- Employee classification, pay scale, and benefits information
- Appeals and grievance processes for government employees
If you are interested in a government job, visit the relevant civil service or human resources website for your jurisdiction to browse current openings and learn about examination requirements. Federal positions are listed on USAJOBS.gov, while state and local positions are typically posted on individual government websites.
For official information, visit U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).