New York State Civil Service Law states that an eligible list must remain in existence for one year from the date of establishment or if there are less than 3 candidates on the list or until there are no candidates left who are willing to accept appointment, whichever occurs first. The Civil Service Commission may extend "the life" of the list beyond one year to a maximum of four years.
A new examination in the title may be requested and held at any time during the life of an existing eligible list. A candidate on the existing list needs to keep informed of the examination schedule and to apply for and participate in the new examination.
The probationary period is a time when new employees must prove themselves capable of doing the job for which they were hired. The probationary term for all non-uniformed employees is not less than eight (8) weeks, nor more than twenty-six (26) weeks. There are some positions, such as Trainees, Police Officers and Firefighters for which the probationary period is not less than twelve weeks nor more than fifty-two (52) weeks.
5 points are added to the written score of a candidate who meets the following definition of veteran:
A United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence who served in the armed forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or the National Guard) of the United States during a designated time of war (dates are listed on the last page of the application) and was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances. Also, for additional examination credit, a candidate must be a New York State resident at the time of application.
10 points are added to the written score of a candidate who meets the above definition of veteran and who is certified by the United States Veterans' Affairs as having a disability rated at 10% or more which was incurred while serving in the United Sates armed forces during time of war. The disability must be in effect and the disabled veteran must be receiving payment for such disability at the time of application.
As the NYS Dept of Civil Service schedules examinations on a statewide basis, it is very rare for an exam to be cancelled for any reason. In case of weather or other emergency, the City of Watertown Civil Service Commission will place a cancellation announcement on WWNY-TV 7, WWTI-TV Newswatch 50, WATN-AM 1240, WFRY-FM 97.
In the event a cancellation does occur, the exam will be rescheduled and another admission letter with the time, date and location will be sent to you.
It is YOUR responsibility to notify this office in writing of any change of address. Please do not assume that your mail would be forwarded in sufficient time to respond to a canvass letter for a position.
The site and scheduled time for your particular examination will be printed on your admission notice. You will also be given a list of what you should bring (ID, pencils, calculator etc) as supplies are not provided.
The New York State Department of Civil Service provides test guides for certain examinations at http://www.cs.state.ny.us/testing/localtestguides.cfm
The NYS Department of Civil Service advises applicants to use the "subject of information" section of the announcement as a guide for studying and that your local library may be able to suggest texts that would be helpful. They neither provide nor recommend study materials. Some materials may be available through public libraries, public employee unions and private publishers. We can make no recommendation on the quality or usefulness of such materials.
Announcements for the City of Watertown civil service examinations are available on the web site. Printed copies are also posted in all municipal buildings. The City of Watertown job application is available at City Hall, 245 Washington St, Watertown NY 13601 on the 2nd floor at the assessment counter or may be downloaded from our web site.
There is a $15 non-refundable examination processing fee due when the application is submitted. The non-refundable examination fee for Police Officers and Firefighters is $25. Checks or money orders should be made payable to: CITY COMPTROLLER
Yes. This is called cross-filing.
All examinations for which you have been approved must be taken on the same day in the same testing center. Be sure to indicate on your application that you are filing for more than one examination
If you are applying for both a State and local government examination, you must make arrangements to take all your examinations at the State site by calling (877)697-5627 (press 2, then press 1) no later than two weeks before the test date.
No, you do not need to be a resident of the City of Watertown, however, it is possible that preference may be given to a city resident.
Also, unless otherwise stated on the examination announcement or job specification, you do not have to be a citizen. You must be legally able to work in the United States.
Selection Process:
The selection process is job-related and competitive in nature and is designed to determine the candidate's potential for successful performance as a police officer.
The complete selection process consists of:
Written examination
Physical agility test
Background investigation
Interview board
Medical examination
Psychological evaluation
All candidates MUST:
have a high school diploma or equivalency diploma
be at least twenty (20) years old and not have reached their thirty-fifth (35th) birthday. (There is an extension for military service. Call civil service (315-785-7733) for information)
possess a valid NYS driver's license
be able to work shifts (overnight, holiday & weekend)
comply with WPD policy which requires all members to present a neat and professional appearance at all times. No beards, tattoos, brands, body piercing or other body art shall be visible while a member is in uniform or other business attire. The uniform includes a short sleeve shirt with open neck (top button) in front.
Other considerations:
Candidates with a history of perpetuating violence (to include elder abuse, child assault, sexual attack, stalking or domestic violence) or who have been named as a respondent in an order of protection will be screened out at this point in the hiring process
A felony conviction automatically disqualifies a candidate
Candidates who do not meet and pass the above listed criteria will not be considered for employment with the Watertown NY Police Department
You will need to pass a Civil Service exam. Civil Service can be reached at (315)785-7733.
Contact Civil Service at (315)785-7733 for full employment details.
The NYS Dept of Civil Service provides a link:
Unless specifically stated otherwise, the number of years of experience in the minimum qualifications is based upon the presumption of full-time employment. No credit is given for volunteer experience.
The New York State Civil Service Commission scores most examinations. Eligible lists are established, on average, within three months after the examination date.
