What We Do
The Civil Service Commission oversees a merit-based employment system to ensure that employment is based on an individual's ability to perform the work, and is free from political pressures.
The Civil Service Commission
- Conducts hearings and renders decisions on employee appeals of serious disciplinary actions (demotion, suspension, and termination), and other alleged policy violations within its jurisdiction.
- Investigates allegations that hiring or promotion processes violate Seattle’s merit-based hiring requirements.
- Reviews rules, policies, programs, and legislation related to the City's personnel system, and makes recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council.
- Provides training and outreach to employee groups, department decision makers, HR units, and other audiences. Contact staff to discuss training for your group.
- Meets monthly to conduct business in an open, public setting. Meetings may occur more frequently when needed.
Which employees are members of Seattle's civil service system?
Most regular City employees are members of the civil service and served by the Commission. Some classifications (types of jobs/positions) are exempt from Civil Service, including appointed positions, Assistant City Attorneys, positions in the Executive series, and employees of the Seattle Public Library. A comprehensive list of exempt positions can be found in the Seattle Municipal Code, SMC 4.13- Exemptions from Civil Service. Temporary employees, interns, and job training positions are exempt from the civil service. Employees are encouraged to contact their HR contact or CSC staff to inquire about their civil service status.
More about Appeals to the Civil Service Commission
Find more about filing an appeal with the CSC at Civil Service Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure and the Appeals section of our website. Employees may also contact their HR contacts with questions about the civil service and their rights.
The CSC does not provide legal advice. The information on this site is for informational purposes only.