How to Get a State Job
No Exams Required
New York State agencies are hiring for thousands of critical positions open across the state. It is easier than ever to get a state job. To help agencies fill these positions, the Department of Civil Service has developed the NY Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) Program. This program streamlines the appointment process to allow State agencies to hire diverse, qualified permanent employees quickly and without examinations. New State employees hired under the NY HELPS Program will be appointed on a permanent basis.
To apply for an open role, including those listed under the NY HELPS program, view minimum requirements under the "Job Specifics" tab. If you meet these qualifications, apply by following the instructions under the "Contact" tab.
Jobs that Require Exams
For jobs outside of the NY HELPS program, such as for law enforcement titles, correctional services titles, promotions and some others, civil service examinations are regularly scheduled and eligible lists are created and administered by the NYS Department of Civil Service. The Department also administers the civil service exam system for a number of localities (e.g., counties and cities) within the state.
These exams are specific to a job or a class of jobs (for example, there might be a specific test for an air conditioning mechanic, but one clerical test might suit for 10 or 12 different titles), and are scheduled as a previous eligible list expires or diminishes as people are hired from it.
You can find a link to the currently scheduled examinations in the left side navigation of this page.
You may also want to view the "Continuous Recruitment Examination Announcements," as some of these require "Minimum Education or Experience," such as Correction Officers and Transportation Construction Inspectors.
Jobs Outside the Executive Branch of Government
The jobs listed on this site are almost exclusively in the Executive Branch of government. The Executive Branch acts as a single employer, allowing employees the opportunity to advance their careers within their own state agency or to transfer to other State agencies. In many instances, benefits and leave accruals transfer with employees throughout their employment in NYS government.
If you are interested in a job in the New York State Assembly, you can find employment opportunities on the Assembly website.
If you are interested in a job in New York's Unified Court System, you can find current employment opportunities on the Court System website.