Frequently Asked Questions


Question What are the different ways I can submit an employment application?
Answer You can complete the Online Application Form, you can Download an Application ".pdf" (portable document format), call our offices to get an application mailed to you (760-602-2440), or visit our offices at 1635 Faraday Avenue. Where is 1635 Faraday Avenue?
Question How are applications assessed?
Answer All applicants are assessed relative to the qualifications listed on the job posting. Applicant information will be reviewed by Human Resources and the hiring manager. You must meet the minimum qualifications of the posting to be eligible for further consideration. However, meeting the minimum qualifications does not automatically mean you will be interviewed.
Question When will I be notified of my status in an application process?
Answer Typically you will receive correspondence within 2 work weeks of the job closing or first review date.
Question How do I update the personal information on my job application if I have moved or changed phone numbers?
Answer To make a change to an application after it has been submitted, please contact Human Resources at (760) 602-2440 or HR@ci.carlsbad.ca.us
Question How can I send you additional information to attach to my application (i.e. a resume or more job history information)?
Answer You can email it to HR@ci.carlsbad.ca.us or FAX it to (760) 602-8554. Please make sure to reference the job you applied for and your full name.
Question Do I have to take any tests to get a job at the City?
Answer

Each job posting contains information about the selection process. Some positions require testing. A combination of one or more of the following may be used to assess applicants:

Application screening, oral interview, written test, performance test, computer skills test, writing exercise, assessment center, physical agility test (safety only), or supplemental questionnaire.
Question What is the supplemental questionnaire and how do I submit it?
Answer A supplemental questionnaire consists of specific job related questions that assist in identifying your qualifications and provide an opportunity for you to elaborate on your experience, skills and abilities. Not all jobs openings have a supplemental questionnaire. See the Job Announcement of the position you are interested in to find out if a supplemental is required. You may complete the supplemental questionnaire as part of the Online Application Form or type it separately and submit it via email at HR@ci.carlsbad.ca.us (please make sure to reference the job you applied for and your full name), or mail it to us with a paper application.
Question What does it mean when a filing deadline is listed as "Open until filled"?
Answer If an application deadline reads "Open until filled", the City is accepting applications until the position is filled, and the vacancy may close without notice. If you have interest in a position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement. If you apply after the specified "first application screening" there is no guarantee that your application will be reviewed.
Question What does it mean when a filing deadline is listed as "Continuous"?
Answer The City of Carlsbad accepts applications for "Continuous" recruitments on an on-going basis. There may or may not be an opening at the time you turn in your application. We will keep your information for a minimum of six months. You will be contacted by Human Resources if a vacancy opens up and/or a selection process is to be conducted.
Question Can I apply for a job that is not listed as open? Or If I am interested in a position, but it is not on the list of openings, what should I do?
Answer Visit our Subscription Service and sign up to receive an email notifying you when there are new job openings.
Question How do I get started in a career in Law Enforcement?
Answer

To become a Police Officer in California you must attend a POST certified basic law enforcement training academy. A list of academies is maintained on the California Post website at http://www.post.ca.gov/training/academies.asp

You can apply and compete for the position of "Police Recruit" when it is open. The City will sponsor (pay to attend) successful candidates through an academy. Alternatively, you can enroll yourself in a Police Academy and apply for the position of "Police Officer Academy Graduate". The City continuously accepts applications for "Police Officer Academy Graduate" and typically opens the "Police Recruit" position once a year.
Question How do I get started in a career in the Fire Service?
Answer See our Fire Department page.
Question How do I know if I qualify for a position?
Answer Look at the qualifications section of the job announcement of the job you are interested in.
Question Where is your employment office located?
Answer 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA. Where is 1635 Faraday Avenue?
Question How can I reach the 24 hour telephone job hotline?
Answer (760) 602-2480
Question Can I fax an application for employment to the city?
Answer Yes. Faxed applications are accepted 24 hours a day. In order for applications received over the fax to be acceptable they must be complete and faxed before the closing date and time noted on the job posting. Applications will only be accepted for currently vacant positions.  FAX (760) 602-8554.
Question Should I turn in a resume with my application?
Answer If you have a resume you may turn it in with your application but it is not required unless the resume required box is checked on the Job Listing page.
Question If I need an accommodation for the interview or testing process, how do I request one?
Answer The City of Carlsbad is committed to the fair and equal employment of qualified persons with disabilities. While many individuals with disabilities can apply and perform jobs without accommodation, it is the policy of the City of Carlsbad to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship. If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact (760) 602-2440.
Question What is an eligibility list?
Answer An "eligibility list" (also referred to as "employment list") is a list of names of persons who have competed in an "open" or" continuous" selection process for a classification and are eligible for employment in that classification because they received a rating of "highly qualified," "qualified," or "satisfactory" during the examination process.  Eligibility lists will remain in effect for one year, unless sooner exhausted. The Human Resources Director may extend the duration of a list for up to one (1) additional year.
Question Can I apply for more than one position with the same application?
Answer Not unless a job announcement specifically indicates that an application will be for more than one position.
Question How do I know what kind of jobs exist at the City?
Answer

See our List of Classifications.
(NOTE: these are not the current openings)