FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
SEEKING EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY OF BRISTOL

How Do I Know What Positions Are Open?

Openings are posted on this website, our 24-hour job information line at (860) 584-6126, and in the Personnel Department, on the second floor in City Hall, at 111 N. Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010. Openings ar also typically advertised in a newspaper (such as the Hartford Courant), and listed with the Connecticut Department of Labor as well as other local community organizations.  Additional advtertising sources are used depending on the type of position. 

Generally, positions are open for a specified period of time and have a deadline or closing date. Certain positions may be left open for continuous recruitment, which means that you can apply at any time. Please refer to the Job Opportunities page for complete information on current openings.

'How Do I Apply?

The Personnel Department only accepts online applications for posted or advertised positions.

In order to be considered for employment, a fully completed online application is required stating the position(s) for which you are applying. Resumes may be electronically submitted in addition to, but not in place of an employment application. If licensing or certifications are required for a particular job, the required documents should be electronically submitted as well. Should that not be possible, paper documents should be readily available upon request by the City. To be given proper consideration, please include all of your qualifications, education and experience. It is the responsibility of the applicant to update their online application with any change of e-mail address, physical address, phone number or status affecting eligibility for employment.

What About Hiring for Police or Fire?

Entry-level and certified lateral transfer Police Officers and Entry-level Firefighters are tested positions. Testing includes physical ability testing, a written examination and an oral examination. Once candidates successfully complete these phases, they are placed on an eligibility list to be considered for hire. An eligibility list is valid for a period of two (2) years or until exhausted, whichever occurs first. For more information about testing for police or fire, click on the appropriate link below.

POLICE TESTING               FIRE TESTING

What If I Have Heard Of An Opening But Do Not See It Posted Anywhere?

Opportunities for employment typically occur when new jobs are created or an existing position becomes vacant. Many times, applicants often hear of a position that is vacant but the position is not posted anywhere to apply. The reason for this is that most of the positions within the City of Bristol are unionized. Several of our union contracts require that we post positions internally for existing employees prior to considering outside candidates. Therefore, in many cases, the City must go through an internal selection process. If no internal candidates are interested in the position or they are unsuccessful in the selection process, the position may then go to an external recruitment which would be open to the public.

What Happens After I Submit My Application or Resume?

For advertised positions, review of application materials typically begins after the closing date. Depending on the type of position, the selection process may include written testing, computer testing and an interview. Candidates invited for testing or interview may be contacted either by phone or e-mail. Typically, because many jobs are competitive, not all applicants will be invited for testing or interviews. However, all candidates will receive e-mail notification from the Personnel Department during or at the conclusion of the process regarding their status.  For unsuccessful applicants, there can be a significant length of time from the date of initial application to the date that notification is sent from the Personnel Department.  Applications for advertised vacancies will be considered for that recruitment period only.  Applications for a position desired in the future will be retained until the next vacancy in that position occurs.

Does the City Provide Special Consideration for Applicants with Disabilities?

Yes, qualified individuals with a disability that requires special accommodations under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should list any requested accommodation on their employment application or may contact the Personnel Office at (860) 584-6175. Appropriate documentation will be required.

Does the City Offer Seasonal Employment Opportunities?

Some departments do have summer or seasonal job opportunities. Most seasonal opportunities are in the Park and Recreation Department and Youth Services.  Please contact the Personnel Department for the most current information about seasonal employment.

The City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity Employer