| CLASSIFIED | UNCLASSIFIED |
| Recruitment & Selection | |
| Covered by the provisions of the Civil Service Rules specifying the manner that recruitment and hiring is carried out. | Not covered by the Civil Service Rules. Department heads are encouraged to follow the normal processes used for classified positions. |
| Layoff | |
| Layoffs are governed by the Civil Service Rules and are generally done in reverse order of seniority. | Employees serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and can be removed at any time for any non-discriminatory reason. Seniority does not control the order of staff reductions. |
| Union Representation | |
| Can be represented. If represented, can file grievances on any provision of the labor contract. | Can be represented. If represented, can file grievances on any provision of the labor contract except disciplinary actions. |
| Civil Service Coverage | |
| Covered by the provisions of the Civil Service Rules. | Are not covered by the rules of the Commission. |
| Probation Period | |
| The probation period is set for each classification. The probation period ranges from six months to eighteen months. | There is no formal probation period. |
| Leave Accruals | |
| Sick leave, vacation, overtime and holiday time are the same for both classified and unclassified employees. Leaves of absence are also the same. | |
| Benefits | |
| Health, dental, vision, long term disability, life insurance, short term disability, retirement, the Employee Assistance Program and other benefits are the same for classified and unclassified employees. | |
| Salary and Salary Increases | |
| Base salary, salary step increases, differentials (i.e., shift pay) and other forms of compensation are the same for classified and unclassified employees. | |
| Termination | |
| Covered by the provisions of the Civil Service Rules, thus termination must be for cause. Employees are entitled to Skelly rights, and may appeal the termination to the Civil Service Commission or grieve the decision. | Not covered by the Civil Service Rules. Employees serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and can be removed at any time for any non-discriminatory reason. |