Employment FAQ
PLEASE NOTE: by clicking on the question’s link, you will be taken directly to that answer.
General Employment Questions:
- How do I change my personal information such as address or phone number?
- Is the Civil Service Exam the same for all positions?
- Where do I take the typing test?
- What times do you offer the typing test?
- What are your hours of operation?
- Does the City of Omaha offer internships?
General Application Questions:
- Can I submit a resume in place of an application?
- Do you keep full-time applications on file?
- Do you accept part-time and seasonal applications? If so, when?
- I don’t have internet access at my home, how do I apply for an open position?
- I am having trouble adding information to my application once it has been submitted online?
- If I start my application, can I save it and come back to it later?
- Will I be contacted after I submit my application?
- How long should it take before I hear back regarding my application?
Examination Questions:
- Can I just show up to an examination?
- I cannot find my admit card – what do I do?
- How long does it take to receive my testing score?
- I cannot make the testing date – what are my options?
- Are there study materials for the Civil Service Examinations?
- I need to make an ADA accommodation for the examination – what do I do?
- I am coming in for an examination or interview – where should I park?
- What is an eligibility list?
Police Officer/Firefighter Questions:
- How often do you accept applications for Police Officer?
- How often do you accept applications for Firefighter?
- How long is the testing process for Police Officer?
- How long is the testing process for Firefighter?
- What should I expect during the testing process work for Police Officer?
- What should I expect during the testing process work for Firefighter?
- How does the testing process work for Police Officer and Firefighter if I live outside of Omaha?
- I am ranked on the Police Officer eligibility list – now what?
- I am ranked on the Firefighter eligibility list – now what?
- I am on the current eligibility list for Police and/or Fire and you currently taking applications – do I have to reapply and retest?
- What is the age requirement for Police Officer?
- What is the age requirement for Firefighter?
- What are the requirements to become a Police Officer?
- What are the requirements for Firefighter?
- What can I do to prepare myself for the Police Officer application process?
- What can I do to prepare myself for the Firefighter application process?
- Is the training academy for Police Officer and/or Firefighter out of state?
- Is the training academy for Police Officer and/or Firefighter paid?
- Do you have a lateral transfer program for Police and/or Fire?
General Employment Questions:
To change your personal information:
- Log in to the Careers site
- Edit profile
This will allow you to review and make changes to your profile. If you do not have internet access, you can call the Human Resources Department at 402.444.5300.
No. Examinations are different for each position. They are based on the knowledge, skills, and abilities of each position. The examinations are only offered as stated on the job posting.
The typing test is offered at the City of Omaha – Human Resources Department (1819 Farnam Street, Room 506).
If we are not accepting applications for positions that require a typing test – you must schedule an appointment. To schedule an appointment, please call 402.444.5300.
If we are accepting applications for a position that does require a typing test: the typing test is offered between the hours of 8 AM and 3 PM (Monday - Friday). The typing test will be offered until 4:30 PM on the position closing date. We accept appointments and walk-ins during these hours. If you choose to walk-in – be prepared for a wait. To schedule and appointment, please call 402.444.5300.
The Human Resources Department is open Monday – Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM. We are not open on the following days: New Years day, Martin Luther King Jr. day, President’s day, Memorial day, Independence day, Labor day, Columbus day, Veteran’s day, Thanksgiving day, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas day.
The City of Omaha does not have an internship program. If you are interested in an internship, you can contact each department to see if they have any internship opportunities available.
General Application Questions:
- Can I submit a resume in place of an application?
No. It is a requirement to complete a City of Omaha application (in full) when applying for employment with the City.
- Do you keep full-time applications on file?
No. It is a requirement to complete a new application for each position that you are apply for.
- Do you accept part-time and seasonal applications? If so, when?
Yes, part-time and seasonal applications are accepted only when a vacancy exists and the position is posted on the City of Omaha's website
If you do not have internet access from your home, you have several options. Applications can be completed from a computer anywhere. City libraries offer free internet access, and the City Human Resources Department also has computers you can use here. We also accept hard applications.
- I am having trouble adding information to my application once it has been submitted online?
To log back into your application:
- Go to the Careers site
- Click the position you are applying
- Click Apply Online
- Click the link that states: Click here to login if you have already created a profile
- Enter your login information
This will allow you to review and make changes to your profile, but also to add your additional information to your application. PLEASE NOTE: In order to qualify for a position, all information must be added to your application on or before the application deadline date.
- If I start my application, can I save it and come back to it later?
No. Once you have started your application, you must finish it. The application will take approximately 30 – 40 minutes to complete. You should allow yourself this amount of time to complete the application in one sitting. Make sure you have all the necessary information with you when completing your application.
If for some reason you cannot finish the application, your application will not be accepted. An applicant would need to log back into the system (on or before the deadline date) to finish the application.
- Will I be contacted after I submit my application?
Yes. If you stated an email address on your application, all correspondence will go through email. It is in your best interest to check your email frequently so that you do not miss any time sensitive materials.
If you did not state an email address on your application, all correspondence will go through postal mail. It is in your best interest to check your mail frequently so that you do not miss any time sensitive materials.
**IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you are applying on the last day of the application deadline, or you have not heard back from the Human Resources Department by the deadline date, it is in your best interest to contact the Human Resources Department at 402.444.5300 immediately.
- How long should it take before I hear back regarding my application?
You should receive notification within three business days regarding your application. If you do not hear back within that time frame, contact Human Resources at 402.444.5300. If you are applying on the last day of the application of the application deadline, or you have not heard back from the Human Resources Department, it is in your best interest to contact the Human Resources Department at 402.444.5300 immediately.
Examination Questions:
- Can I just show up to an examination?
No. It is a requirement to be invited to take the examination. In order to receive an invite, you must complete an application, and meet all the requirements as stated in the job posting. If you do show up for an examination uninvited, you test will not be scored, and you will not be considered for the position.
- I cannot find my admit card – what do I do?
If you do not have your admit card –that is not a problem. You will be asked to sign in at the test.
- How long does it take to receive my testing score?
It can take anywhere from three to six weeks to grade the forms (unless otherwise told by your proctor). If you have not received notification by email or postal mail after it has been six weeks, please contact the Human Resources Department at 402.444.5300.
- I cannot make the testing date – what are my options?
If we have multiple testing times/dates, we can reschedule you. If we do not have several testing dates/times, you will need to contact the Human Resources Department before the examination (for non-emergency situations). If you have an emergency, it is in your best interest to contact the Human Resources Department as soon as possible. Typically, we do not let applicants reschedule testing; however depending on the circumstances, it is up to the project manager if they will reschedule an applicant.
- Are there study materials for the Civil Service Examinations?
At this time, there are a limited number of study guides that the Human Resources Department offers. If the position does have a study guide – or additional study materials, it will be stated on the job posting under the ‘examination’ section. Currently, the only study guides offered to candidates are:
- Structured Interview Study Guide
- Police Officer Study Guide (given to Police Officer candidates after they apply)
- Firefighter Study Guide (given to Firefighter candidates after they apply)
- I need to make an ADA accommodation for the examination – what do I do?
If you have a disability which would require an accommodation in order to take the examination itself or any subsequent part of the selection process, you must indicate that need in writing to the Employment Manager and request an appropriate accommodation. This request must be in writing either on the application ADA form or in a separate written communication and must be received by the Employment Manager at least 48 hours prior to the administration of the examination.
- I am coming in for an examination or interview – where should I park?
There are several parking meters and parking garages located near our building. We do not endorse a certain place to park. It is the applicant’s responsibility to pay for their parking.
- What is an eligibility list?
Once all completed examinations are received, reviewed, and scored according to pre-established benchmarks an eligibility list is formed. The eligibility list is formed by ranking the passing candidates according to their testing score. The highest score is ranked number one, and second highest score is ranked number two, and so on. All applicants will then be notified as to their score, and if applicable, their ranking on the eligibility list. The top scoring candidates from the list are then referred to the hiring department for consideration. The eligibility list is good for one year.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Ranking on the list does not guarantee employment. The list is valid for one year. Any time a class is hired within that timeframe, it will be off of that list.
Police Officer/Firefighter Questions:
- How often do you accept applications for Police Officer?
We accept applications for Police Officer one time a year.
- How often do you accept applications for Firefighter?
We accept applications for Firefighter once every two years.
- How long is the testing process for Police Officer?
The testing process for Police Officer is typically three to four months.
- How long is the testing process for Firefighter?
The testing process for Firefighter is typically seven to eight months.
- What should I expect during the testing process work for Police Officer?
In order to be appointed as a Police Officer with the OPD, a candidate must successfully pass the different steps in the examination process to be ranked on the eligibility list. Those steps include (but are not limited to):
- Written multiple choice examination
- Physical agility examination
- Video-based Human Relations and Judgment Test
- Writing skills test
- What should I expect during the testing process work for Firefighter?
In order to be appointed as a Firefighter with the OFD, a candidate must successfully pass the different steps in the examination process to be ranked on the eligibility list. Those steps include (but are not limited to):
- Written multiple choice examination
- Physical agility examination
- Video-based Human Relations and Judgment Test
- How does the testing process for Police Officer and Firefighter work if I live outside of Omaha?
If a candidate lives within 200 miles of Omaha – we do not offer any testing accommodations. If the candidate lives more than 200 miles away, we have an alternative testing date in which the candidate can take several (but not all) or the testing processes in a few days.
- I am ranked on the Police Officer eligibility list – now what?
Upon successful completion of the Police Officer examinations, candidates will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on this list will be based on a combined statistical weighting of the above mentioned scores. Once the list is established – and the department is ready to hold a training class - an in-depth background investigation will be completed on each candidate who progresses to the final phase of the selection process. Each candidate will be required to complete a detailed background questionnaire (typically given to candidates after they pass the physical agility).
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Ranking on the list does not guarantee employment. The list is valid for one year. Any time a class is hired within that timeframe, it will be off of that list.
- I am ranked on the Firefighter eligibility list – now what?
Upon successful completion of the Firefighter examinations, candidates will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on this list will be based on a combined statistical weighting of the above mentioned scores. Once the list is established – and the department is ready to hold a training class - an in-depth background investigation will be completed on each candidate who progresses to the final phase of the selection process. Each candidate will be required to complete a detailed background questionnaire (typically given to candidates after they pass the physical agility).
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Ranking on the list does not guarantee employment. The list is valid for two years. Any time a class is hired within that timeframe, it will be off of that list.
- If I am on the current eligibility list for Police and/or Fire and you are currently taking applications – do I have to reapply and retest?
Since the testing process is so lengthy, we start accepting applications and testing before the list is expired. If the department hires a class before that list expires – it would be off of that list; however if the list expires and the new list is established, the department would hire from the new list. If you do not reapply and retest – you would not be on the new eligibility and therefore not considered for the position. If you are still interested in the position, it is in your best interest to reapply and retest so that you have a chance of being on the new eligibility list.
- What is the age requirement for Police Officer?
It is a requirement to be at least 20 years of age to apply for Police Officer and at least 21 years of age to start the training academy. There is no maximum age requirement. As long as you can perform the essential functions of the position, you are eligible to become a Police Officer.
- What is the age requirement for Firefighter?
It is a requirement to be at least 17 years of age to apply for Firefighter and at least 18 years of age to start the training academy. There is no maximum age requirement. As long as you can perform the essential functions of the position, you are eligible to become a Firefighter.
- What are the requirements to become a Police Officer?
Please visit Join OPD. This website has all the information such as requirements, training information, physical agility information, and pay scales.
- What are the requirements for Firefighter?
Please visit Fire Department - Career Opportunities. This website has all the requirement information such as requirements, training information, physical agility information, and pay scales.
- What can I do to prepare myself for the Police Officer application process?
For this information, please contact the Police Department – Background Unit by phone at 402.444.4166 or by email.
- What can I do to prepare myself for the Firefighter application process?
For this information, please contact the Fire Department – Public Education/Recruitment Office by phone at 402.444.3560 or email.
- Is the training academy for Police Officer and/or Firefighter out of state?
No. The training facility is located at 11616 Rainwood Road. Training does not last overnight.
- Is the training academy for Police Officer and/or Firefighter paid?
Yes. At this time both the Police Department and the Fire Department have paid training.
- Do you have a lateral transfer program for Police and/or Fire?
No. The City of Omaha does not do lateral transfers; however, if there are a number of candidates on other City/State departments – we may have shortened training programs.