Classified

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 ofRead More →

There is no difference in retirement benefits or obligations based on classified or unclassified status.Read More →

There is no difference in health, dental, vision, or life insurance benefits based on classified or unclassified status.Read More →

An employee who moves from classified to unclassified service must resign from the classified service. This means that all rights in the classified service are terminated at that point. Sick leave, vacation balances and accruals, retirement benefits, and health benefits are not affected by the resignation from the classified service. These benefits continue to accrue as though there has been no change in employment status. There is also a provision in the County Ordinance Code stating that employees may be granted a leave of absence for a maximum period of four years to accept a position in the unclassified service. Upon termination of employment inRead More →

Persons in unclassified positions, who previously held a classified position and who did not have a break in County service between the classified and unclassified appointments, are eligible to transfer to classified County positions, consistent with the Civil Service Rules governing transfers.Read More →

All persons in unclassified positions can compete for classified positions any time that an Open or Open and Promotional recruitment is conducted. Persons in unclassified positions, who previously held classified status without a break in County service between the classified and unclassified appointments, are eligible to compete in promotional examinations provided they have at least six months total classified and unclassified service prior to the final date to file an application. Persons in unclassified positions in specific departments, who previously held classified status without a break in County service between the classified and unclassified appointments, are eligible to compete for Departmental Promotional Only examinations provided theyRead More →

Section 14 of Civil Service Commission Rule XI states that the County may appoint, without examination, unclassified employees to classified positions under the following conditions: The unclassified position had been grant-funded and the County has elected to continue the program; or the unclassified position had been established for a short-time project and the County has elected to continue the activity; and The employee has held the position for at least one year in a satisfactory capacity; and The employee was hired into the unclassified position from an eligible list; and The Human Resources Department Director has determined the proper classification for the position. If theseRead More →

If a filled classified position is changed to unclassified, it is considered a layoff subject to the provisions in the Civil Service Rules and Memoranda of Understanding.Read More →

Departments may use hiring processes similar to those used for classified positions and may even make appointments to unclassified positions from classified employment lists. Departments are strongly encouraged to do so for positions impacted by the passage of Measure D.Read More →

This occurs when some employees are performing ongoing work and other employees are hired to perform similar work for a limited duration or under a grant. For example, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services has a core of permanent positions but also periodically receives grants for special projects. The employees hired to perform the grant work are commonly in the unclassified service.Read More →

In 2004, San Mateo County voters resoundingly approved Measure D by a 19-point margin. Measure D provides that no employee may serve in an unclassified position for longer than three years. If an employee remains unclassified for over three years, he/she will automatically become part of the classified service and become subject to the standard provisions of the County’s Civil Service Rules.Read More →

Section 502 of the County Charter designates all positions as classified unless they are specifically exempted. The positions that are exempted are: The County Manager and one principal assistant. Department heads. Persons employed to render professional, scientific, technical, or expert services on a temporary basis for a specific project. Resident physicians employed in clinics, institutions, and hospitals. Persons required possessing a license to practice law. Two deputy sheriffs in the office of the Sheriff. Special officers or investigators in the offices of the Sheriff and the District Attorney. One person holding a confidential position to each elected board or commission, including the Board of Supervisors.Read More →

Section 502.b of the County Charter provides that a variety of positions are unclassified to facilitate administration of County functions. Unclassified employees are considered at-will and can be removed from their position at any time and for any non-discriminatory reason that the appointing authority deems appropriate.Read More →

Some of the most commonly asked questions concerning the differences and similarities between classified and unclassified employment are listed below. This information is a guide, and individual situations should be reviewed with your assigned Personnel Analyst.Read More →