FAQs • Sterling Heights, MI • CivicEngage

How do I apply for a job with the City of Sterling Heights?: Visit the Hiring Process section below to find out more about how to obtain a job with the City. For additional information, you may also call the Human Resources Office at 586-446-2315.

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Application for Employment

No. Applicants can only apply for open positions by visiting the Application for Employment page.

2. Can I submit a resume so that you will notify me when a position is available?: No. Because the City of Sterling Heights hires for so many different positions, it is not possible to continually accept applications for all of them. Applications are only accepted for current vacancies.

3. Can my application rank ever change?: Your rank may change as others on the eligibility list are hired, find other jobs, or lose interest. As a result, it is important to keep the Human Resources Office informed of any address or telephone number change so you may be reached at any time.

4. How do I apply for a job with the City of Sterling Heights?: Visit the Hiring Process section below to find out more about how to obtain a job with the City. For additional information, you may also call the Human Resources Office at 586-446-2315.

5. How can I find out about available job opportunities?: Position announcements are posted in the Current Job Openings section of the website. In addition, positions are advertised in the Macomb Daily / Source newspapers. When there is a vacancy in a specialized or technical field, every effort is made to reach these applicants through direct mail, various newspapers and trade journals, professional associations, and universities throughout the nation.

6. I did not score high enough on the exam to be considered, now what I can do?: You are encouraged to apply for other positions as they become available. Your status on one examination in no way affects applying for other positions.

7. I have been offered a position, what’s next?: You must complete a pre-employment, post offer physical examination and drug test at City expense. You will also be required to complete employment paperwork such as tax, insurance, retirement forms, etc. In addition, you will need to provide acceptable documentation to verify both identity and eligibility for employment in the U.S. as required by federal immigration law.

8. I passed the examination, now what happens?: After all testing is complete and each successful applicant’s score is calculated, you are placed on an eligibility list in a high to low rank order according to total score. Applicants are notified by mail as to their scores and rank on the list. The eligibility list is generally valid for a 2-year time period. If other vacancies occur before the list expires, the current top 3 applicants again will be considered by the department.

The Department Director has the right to choose from the top 3 applicants on the eligibility list. If you are in the top three, and a vacancy occurs, you will be considered for the opening. You may be required to interview with the department director for final selection.

9. Is there a residency requirement?: Yes, all full-time employees, if not residents of Macomb County and/or 20 miles of the City’s municipal boundaries at the time of appointment, must become residents within 6 months of the appointment and remain as such while employed by the City.

10. Is the City is an Equal Opportunity Employer?: The City practices nondiscrimination and discourages and prohibits discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other aspect of personnel administration because of political opinions, affiliations, or because of race, religion, color, ethnic origin, marital status, height, weight, disability, or other non-merit factors. Discrimination on the basis of age, gender or physical disability is prohibited except where specific age, gender or physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupation qualification necessary to proper and efficient administration, or where state or federal law specify a minimum age requirement.

11. Is there a filing deadline for applications?: All full-time positions have a specific closing date on the announcement. It is important to note this information when applying in order to submit your application before the deadline. Some part-time positions are “open continuous” meaning applications will be accepted until a sufficient number of applications are received and the position is filled. In either case, it is best to return your application materials as soon as possible.

12. What happens to my application once it is submitted?: The information you provided on the application will be reviewed to determine whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as specified on the job announcement. Notices are mailed to all applicants indicating the acceptance or rejection of their application. If accepted, you will be notified of the type of test to be administered and the date, time, and location of the test.

13. What is an examination and why do I have to take one?: In accordance with the City’s Civil Service system, the term “examination” refers to the competitive testing process used to rank the applicants for each position. Depending on the position, the testing process may include any combination of a written exam, oral interview, keyboarding test, practical exam, physical agility, psychological, and a rating of past experience and training. Competitive testing determines each person’s qualification for the job, without regard to race, gender, age, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or religious beliefs. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are generally scheduled to take the test at the same time. However, a large number of applicants may require more than one testing session. You must appear for the test at the appointed date and time or your application will be disqualified from further consideration. You be notified by mail during each step of the testing process advising you of your status.

14. What is the City of Sterling Heights Civil Service System?: The Civil Service system requires that applicants obtain their jobs through a competitive testing process that may include any combination of a written exam, oral interview, keyboarding test, practical exam, physical agility, psychological, and a rating of past experience and training. Competitive testing determines each person’s qualification for the job, without regard to race, gender, age, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or religious beliefs.

15. What types of fringe benefits does the City offer?: The City offers an attractive salary and benefits package and has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Crain’s Detroit Business magazine. The fringe benefits offered include medical, dental, disability and life insurance; pension plan; vacation, sick, and compensatory time; paid holidays, and longevity pay. Specific salary and benefit offerings are dependent on union contract.

16. What types of positions are available?: Positions within the City vary from custodian to librarian to police officer and everything in between. For a complete list of current job openings, look on the right side of this page for current Job Opportunities.