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Human Resources

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1. What job opportunities are currently available at the City of La Mesa?

For a list of current job opportunities, access the link below. Please follow the application instructions on the "Job Opportunities" page.
Job Opportunities

2. How do I apply for a position?

Applications will only be accepted for jobs that are currently open for recruitment. A City on-line application is the easiest and preferred way to apply for a position with the City; however, we will accept paper applications. To apply for an open position on-line access the following link: La Mesa, CA - Official Website - Human Resources

3. Can I submit a printed application?

A City on-line application is the easiest and preferred way to apply for a position with the City; however, we will accept paper applications. Contact Human Resources at 619-667-1175 to obtain a paper copy.

4. Can I submit a resume in lieu of an application and/or supplemental application?

No. You may not submit a resume in lieu of a City application and/or supplemental application. You may attach a resume and cover letter to your online application.

5. Will a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check be required?

All candidates offered a position with the City of La Mesa must submit to a pre-employment medical evaluation and a criminal background check. For some positions, an alcohol/drug screen is also required. Certain positions in the Police and Fire Departments may require a comprehensive background investigation and a psychological examination. All Police Department positions require a polygraph examination. Complete examination information for each position is contained in the recruitment announcement.

6. When will the test and interview take place?

After applications have been reviewed, testing and interview dates will be determined and communicated to qualified candidates as soon as possible. All candidates will receive email and/or paper notification of their application status in each recruitment they apply for.

7. How do I sign-up to be notified of future job openings?

You may select a Job Interest Card for each job category that you are interested in (for example, “Accounting and Finance” or “Law Enforcement”). Or you may also select a Class Specification if you are interested in a specific job title (for example, “Director of Finance” or “Police Officer”).

8. How current must my DMV Report be?

Some positions require applicants to submit DMV reports. DMV reports must be dated within the past six months.

9. How do I obtain a DMV report? Must I provide an original?

You may obtain a DMV report at your local DMV office. There is a $5.00 fee. The nearest office is located at 1450 Graves Avenue, El Cajon, 92021. You may either submit an original or a copy of the DMV report.

10. How current must my Typing Certificate be?

Some positions require applicants to submit Typing Certificates. Typing Certificates must be dated within the past year. No on-line typing certificates will be accepted.

11. I recently tested for a position and was not hired. When may I reapply?

You may reapply for another open position immediately. See below for additional information regarding Police Officer applicants.

12. POLICE POSITIONS ONLY: When are the Entry-Level Police Officer Test Dates?

For a list of current Police Officer job opportunities and/or test dates, access the link below. Job Opportunities

13. POLICE POSITIONS ONLY: How long does the La Mesa Police Department background process take?

Two to three months is typical, however, some backgrounds can take up to six months.

14. POLICE POSITIONS ONLY: What does the La Mesa Police Department physical abilities test consist of?

The La Mesa Police Department’s Physical Abilities Test is a timed test which simulates a suspect chase. The total distance of the course is approximately 500 yards and includes several obstacles. The obstacles include climbing up and down horizontal bars, moving up and down stairs, and going over a three foot, four foot, and six foot wall. The candidate will also be required to lift a 155 pound dummy and drag it a moderate distance. The candidate will have three and a half minutes to complete the course. The test is pass/fail. If the candidate does not pass the test the first time, they will be given one additional opportunity when all other applicants are finished with the testing. Candidates must pass the physical abilities test before beginning the background process. The candidate must sign a liability waiver prior to participating in the Physical Abilities Test. Candidates are encouraged to arrive early and warm up prior to testing.

15. POLICE POSITIONS ONLY: How do I prepare for the POST written exam?

Please review the "Applicant Preparation Guide for the POST Entry-Level Test Battery" at http://www.post.ca.gov/selection/poWrittenPracticeTest.pdf

16. POLICE POSITIONS ONLY: I was recently disqualified for a Police Department position. When may I reapply?

If you were permanently disqualified, you may never reapply for a Police Department position with the City of La Mesa. If you failed any portion of the examination (written test, physical abilities test, oral interview) you may not re-apply until 12 months after the date of the failure notice. If you pass all phases of the examination process but fail the background check, you may not re-apply until 24 months after the date of the disqualification notice. If you received a non-select letter, you may reapply any time there is another recruitment open.

17. POLICE POSITIONS ONLY: What is the minimum age to apply for a Police Officer position?

Applicants must be 21 years of age at the time of application.