Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
On the next page you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the County of Kaua‘i’s definition of our commonly used terms, applying for a job, examination steps, eligibility and referral process; and other miscellaneous topics.
What is a “Recruitment”?
A recruitment is a process for locating applicants for employment.
What is a "Recruitment Number"?
A "Recruitment Number" is a number that identifies a recruitment.
For example: 2021-001; 89-DAY-2021-001; or EXEMPT-2021-001.
What is a "Recruitment Period"?
A recruitment period is a time period indicated on the job announcement during which applications are accepted. The recruitment period is usually 10 calendar days. On the 10th calendar day the recruitment closes at 4:30 p.m. HST.
What does "Continuous Recruitment Until Needs are Met" mean?
The recruitment will be open continuously until there is no longer a need for eligible applicants. A Continuous Recruitment may close at any time; the notice of the last day to file applications will be posted on the Job Opportunities Listing page on the County’s website.
What is a "County of Kaua‘i Job Announcement"?
A County of Kaua‘i Job Announcement describes a job that the Department of Human Resources, is currently recruiting for. It is the best source of information about a job as it includes the time period for which applications will be accepted, the title of the job, recruitment number, geographic location, pay, job duties, minimum qualification requirements, what type of examination (if any) must be taken to qualify for the job, and instructions on how to apply.
What is an "Intra Departmental, Inter Departmental and Open Competitive" recruitment?
- Intra Departmental: Recruitment opportunity that is limited to a County of Kaua‘i civil service employees employed by the department that has the vacancy.
- Inter Departmental: Recruitment opportunity that is limited to County of Kaua‘i civil service employees employed by any County of Kaua‘i department.
- Open Competitive: Recruitment opportunity that is open to the public.
Who is considered a member of the County of Kaua‘i "civil service"?
An employee who successfully completes an initial probation period and demonstrates continued fitness and ability by meeting all performance requirements of the employee’s position.
How are vacancies filled?
Jobs can be filled from an "eligible list" established for a recruitment that the Department of Human Resources has announced. The Department of Human Resources publishes Job Announcements for jobs open to the public. These announcements contain important information about the duties and responsibilities of the job, minimum qualifications required, and the examination process for placement on the eligible lists. Review the Job Announcements prior to completing the application form.
What kind of jobs does the Department of Human Resources recruit for?
A very large range of jobs including both civil service and exempt positions. The Department of Human Resources administers the civil service system for the County of Kaua‘i government. The civil service employment system is based upon hiring, retaining and promoting employees based on their qualifications and ability to do the work. There are over 500 different job titles.
Where can I find out about County of Kaua‘i jobs that are currently being recruited for?
Information about jobs are available on the County of Kaua‘i Department of Human Resources website, County of Kaua‘i Facebook page, and other designated distribution centers. In some instances, the department that has the vacancy may be delegated to conduct their own recruitment. If this occurs, the department will be responsible for advertising the vacancy.
How do I apply for a County job?
To apply online, go to the Job Opportunities Listing page of our website to view current job openings. From the job search results, click on the job title to view the job announcement. There are step-by-step instructions in the “How to Apply” section and a link to create an online application for the specific job. Applications are available for current job openings only.
Where can I obtain a job application?
Job applications for the County of Kaua‘i positions must be completed on line. Visit the County Job Opportunities for more information.
How do I know what jobs I qualify for?
An applicant first meets the minimum qualification requirements of the job. These requirements can be found on each Job Opportunity Announcement. Review each announcement carefully, noting the location of the job opening, minimum qualification requirements, description of job duties, and any other special requirements. Taking the time to thoroughly review each announcement will help to ensure that only jobs that are of interest or whereby minimum qualifications can be met are applied for.
Can I submit a resume instead of an application?
Unless stated on the job announcement, all County positions require an application to be submitted.
Can I use the same application to apply for several different jobs?
After setting up a user account, the saved master application completed can be used for any other County of Kaua‘i civil service position you wish to apply for. Answer the specific questions attached to each of the different Job Opportunity Announcements and follow the instructions.
What is considered a "complete application"?
A "complete application" consists of the online application and "other" materials asked for in the job announcement. Examples of "other" materials, if required or applicable, include the Applicant Data Survey, college transcripts, documentation of veteran status, a copy of professional licensures, etc. An application is considered incomplete until all information is received so please read the Required Forms and Documentation section of the Job Opportunity Announcement carefully.
Can I submit an application for a recruitment that has closed?
NO. You will not be able to submit an application if the recruitment period has ended.
How do I notify you of a change to my name, address, phone number or availability for employment?
Please complete the Change of Information Form(PDF, 209KB) and return the completed/signed form to: hrrecruitment@kauai.gov and the appropriate changes to your record will be made.
What is an "unassembled" examination?
An examination in which applicants are not required to take a written examination at a designated date, time, and place. An applicant's rating (score) is based on the education and experience information provided on the application form.
Can I apply for a job requiring a college degree, if I have not graduated?
Yes. All education classes are reviewed and used to meet minimum qualifications even without a degree.
Do you have study guides to help me prepare for a written exam?
The department does not have specific study guides for the various positions. Written tests are designed to reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to be brought to the job. The tests are not designed to show what you have learned from books, but instead will measure an applicant's job-related KSAs. Applicants possessing the necessary KSAs for a particular position should do well on the test.
What kind of test will be administered?
The Job Announcement will provide this information under the section titled "Examination.”
How often is a written exam administered?
Exams for recruitments that are open on a continuous basis will be administered several times a year. This can vary depending on the number of applicants, the type of exam, and the needs of the hiring department. If the recruitment has a closing date, the exam will only be administered once after the closing date.
I have a disability. How do I request for a reasonable accommodation to take a County of Kaua‘i exam?
Applicants must be able to physically and mentally perform efficiently the duties of the position. Qualified applicants with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the advertised position are encouraged to apply. The County of Kaua‘i is committed to making reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Applicants seeking reasonable accommodations should contact our office during business hours at (808) 241-4956 at the time of application but no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the examination date and be ready to discuss the accommodation sought so that a determination can be made that such accommodation is reasonable and would not cause the County undue hardship.
How are scores calculated?
Scores are calculated based on the type of examination procedures administered. Written exams are scores based on the number of questions answered correctly with no penalty for wrong answers. The passing score on a written exam is 70%.
Are original transcripts required? Can I or the school submit a copy?
If an applicant will be using education to qualify, or if there are mandatory course requirements for the job, the applicant may submit a legible photo copy of his/her official college transcripts. Copies of official transcripts must have the the registrar’s signature. Transcripts obtained through the internet are not accepted. Please note that education obtained outside of the United States must be comparable to a degree earned at an accredited school in the United States. The Department of Human Resources reserves the right to request evidence of comparability and/or an official copy on an applicant's transcript.
Your colleges can submit an official copy to our office.
Our mailing address is:
Department of Human Resources
4444 Rice Street, Suite 140
Līhu‘e, HI 96766
Email: hrrecruitment@kauai.gov
I was placed on an eligible list 3 months ago, and have since obtained an advanced degree that could improve my score. Can I ask to amend my score?
An applicant's newly acquired education or work experience cannot be considered if the recruitment has closed. However, if the recruitment is still open, an applicant may re-apply and submit any additional education and experience on a new application.
Why was my application rejected or not processed?
An application can be rejected or not processed for several reasons such as:
- Missing forms or other supplemental information;
- Insufficient detail in the description of job duties and responsibilities;
- Performing work in more than one specialty area and not providing the average hours per week spent in each task;
- Unable to verify an applicant's education (diploma, coursework), education, licensure, etc. needed for a particular job.
What is an Eligible List?
A list of names of persons who have successfully met the minimum qualifications of a job classification.
How long will it take until I am placed on an eligible list?
The department tries to place qualified applicants on the eligible list as timely as possible. The actual time frame depends on a variety of factors, including the number of persons applying for a job, and the type of exam used for the job.
How long will I remain on the eligible list?
Typically eligibility is for six (6) months. Upon completion of the examination process, you will receive an eligibility letter notifying you that you have met the minimum requirements and the following information as applicable.
- eligibility expiration date;
- score of examination; and
- placement into the pool of eligibles.
How long does it take to be referred for a Job Interview?
It depends:
- After an applicant is placed on an eligible list, referrals to vacancies are based on one's examination score and the employment conditions/geographic locations that was specified on the application form.
- Factors that increase your chances of being referred include how high your score is, your availability, and the number of vacancies.
After I am placed on the eligible list, what happens if I decline or fail to respond to an employment inquiry?
If an applicant has been deemed eligible for a particular class of work, failing to respond or declining a job interview for a particular position will disqualify the applicant from being selected for that position. However, the applicant will still be on the eligible list until the expiration of eligibility for the class of work for other possible positions that may arise.
If my eligibility is suspended, can my name be put back on the eligible list for future referrals?
YES. If the list is still active and an applicant's eligibility has not expired, the applicant's eligibility may be reinstated under the following conditions:
- The applicant is now available for employment;
- The applicant now meet the physical standards of the job; OR
- The applicant terminated without delinquency or misconduct during the probationary period after being appointed to a permanent position from the eligible list.
The request for reinstatement must be in writing and include your name, job title, and recruitment number.
Can I find out my ranking on the eligible list?
Yes, as applicable. However, an applicant's ranking may change from day to day for several reasons such as names being added and/or removed due to, availability changes, and hiring into vacancies.
Where is your office located? Is parking available?
Our office is located in the Moikeha Building. CLICK HERE for a map.
Address:
Department of Human Resources
4444 Rice Street, Suite 140
Līhu‘e, HI 96766
YES. Parking is available.
What type of benefits does the County of Kaua‘i offer?
The County of Kaua‘i offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. These benefits are subject to change whenever applicable collective bargaining agreements, laws, rules, policies or plan documents are changed. Please CLICK HERE for more detailed information.
How do I contact the County of Kaua‘i Department of Human Resources during normal business hours?
The Department of Human Resources office is open from 7:45 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. (HST) Monday through Friday except for state observed holidays. Applicants can come in or call (808) 241-4956.
What should I do if I am experiencing technical difficulties submitting my application online AFTER normal business hours?
After Hours Online Technical Difficulties:
After normal business hours, call (808) 241-4956 and leave a voice mail message OR email hrrecruitment@kauai.gov and include ALL of the following information:
- Full legal name.
- Daytime phone number.
- The job title of the position being applied for.
- A BRIEF description of the online difficulties being encountered.
- The date and time when the difficulty was experienced.
The department will return your call on the next business day to assist you. Please be assured that an exception to the deadline for the submittal of an application may be granted once it is verified with the department's systems administrator that there were technical problems with the system.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: The above five items must be included in the voicemail or email message in order to be given consideration for an exception.
Does the County accept applications from out-of-state applicants who are not residents of Hawai‘i?
YES. Initially, applicants can be a non-resident of Hawai‘i. however, all applicants need to show proof of unrestricted authorization to work in the United States and if hired, become a resident of the state of Hawai‘i within 30 days of hire dates.