Employment with the City of Eureka

Situated along the spectacular Northern California coastline 280 miles north of San Francisco, the City of Eureka is one of California's best-kept secrets. The City is bordered on one side by beautiful and functional Humboldt Bay, and on the other by mountains lush with giant redwoods, both of which offer a reminder of the area's rich logging and fishing heritage. A variety of cultural opportunities are available in Eureka, including public art, an active theater, music, and artisan venues.

Eureka has all of the amenities of a larger town with a small-town atmosphere, including a nearby state university and community college, short commutes, and abundant community events. The City's scenic beauty is enhanced by famous Victorian architecture. Residents enjoy moderate weather throughout the year which allows for an abundance of outdoor recreational activities such as boating, sports fishing, kayaking, hunting, birding, hiking, and backpacking.

City Government

Eureka was incorporated as a Charter City in 1874 and serves as the Humboldt County seat. The City has more than 200 full-time employees who deliver quality municipal services to its approximately 27,000 citizens, many of whom are active in the community. Eureka's annual operating budget of about $64.9 million supports a full service city including Police, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Marina, Development Services, and a public Zoo. The City has a cooperative and supportive executive team, all working under the leadership of a City Manager.

Why Work for The City of Eureka? (PDF)

Employment Information

How to Apply

You can apply online by visiting the City of Eureka Jobs page, clicking on the job title you are interested in, and then selecting the Apply link. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account through governmentjobs.com and select a Username and Password. After you have an active applicant account, you will be able to complete an application with us by clicking on the Build Job Application link.

You are required to provide a valid email address as you will receive an email confirming that your application was received by the City of Eureka. You should receive a confirmation email shortly after clicking the Send button. When you are finished applying for a job, we strongly recommend you print the job announcement for future reference.

Please note the following important information:

  • All applicants must submit a City of Eureka employment application, along with any other required documents listed on the job announcement in order to be considered in the selection process.
  • Your online application can be saved and used to apply for more than one job opening. Resumes are only accepted when attached to an online application completed for an open recruitment.
  • Applications and attachments must be received in the Human Resources Department by 4:59 pm (Pacific Time) on the final filing date.
  • Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring supervisors have access to information submitted.

Salary

The wage or salary range is shown on the announcement. Advancement within the range is in accordance with wage and salary resolutions approved by City Council.

Selection Procedure

All completed applications and supplemental questions will be reviewed. Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phases of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written exam, practical exam, oral interview or any combination of these. Backgrounds are carefully checked.

Hiring Procedures

Employment eligibility lists are established by ranking candidates according to their overall score by examination (written and/or oral). The candidates must be successful in each part of the examination to be put on an eligible list. To fill each vacancy, the hiring department will request applicants from the eligibility list and will make a selection from that list. Eligibility lists remain in effect for up to one year from the testing date or until the list has been exhausted.

Medical Requirements

For certain positions, a medical examination must be completed satisfactorily after an offer of employment and before a starting date is established to ensure that essential functions of a position can be performed; some positions may also require psychological testing.

Substance Use Testing

The City of Eureka promotes a drug-free workplace. Substance use testing will be conducted prior to reporting for work for all Eureka Police Department positions.

Loyalty Oath

All City employees are required to take and sign an Oath of Office.

Probationary Period

Employees serve a probationary period ranging from six months to one and a half years depending upon the classification of the position. An employee may be terminated without cause and recourse during the probationary period.