Civil Service Employees
What is a Civil Service employee? Heading link
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a public institution and many of the job positions on our campus are subject to the employment rules established for state universities. These jobs are known as Civil Service positions.
Civil Service employees at UIC occupy many of the professional, paraprofessional, clerical, technical, service, and craft/trade jobs that are essential to campus operations, representing a wide range of skills and experience.
Any citizen or resident of Illinois can apply for a Civil Service position at UIC, so long as they meet minimum qualifications for the job.
For a quick reference to the practical distinctions between Civil Service and Academic Professional employment, see our comparison chart.
Comparing Full Time Civil Service and Academic Professional (Non-Faculty) (PDF)
What is the State Universities Civil Service System (SUCSS)? Heading link
The Illinois State Universities Civil Service System (SUCSS) determines practices and standards for the recruitment, retention and development of employees at public universities and affiliated agencies.
Among its many responsibilities, SUCSS provides direct guidance and support in such areas as employment, examinations, classification plan management, salary administration, compliance audit reviews, disciplinary procedures, and other business operations related to the management of support staff personnel.
State Universities Civil Service System website:
Where do I apply for Civil Service employment? Heading link
You can find currently available positions and complete a Civil Service application on our website.
https://jobs.uic.edu/job-board
What are Class Specifications?
Each Civil Service position is associated with a particular title, known as a class specification. The class specification details the job’s function and the minimum qualifications to be considered eligible to test for the position. Multiple job positions may share the same class specification.
A complete list of Civil Service class specifications can be found on the SUCSS website.
Will I have to take a Test?
To apply for an available position you will need to complete an application for employment and request a Civil Service Exam. This may require a written test, credential assessment, or other process to establish that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. You will be able to request a Civil Service exam on-line once you have completed an application for employment.
When will I be considered for a position?
Once you have successfully completed a Civil Service Exam your name will be placed on a register of candidates, ranked by exam results. You will then be eligible for consideration for any open position assigned to the class specification for which you have qualified. Candidates ranked higher on the register will receive first consideration. (The campus and hospital maintain separate employment registers.)
Can I test for a class specification if a position is not available?
You may be able to qualify and test for a class specification even when there is no currently open position. Testing in advance will place your name on the register of candidates referenced when a position becomes available.
Contact UIC Human Resources Testing.
Will I be in a Union?
Several civil service classifications at UIC are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Those classifications that are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement are referred to as Open Range.
For more information see UIC Human Resources Labor and Employee Relations webpage.
About working as a Civil Service employee Heading link
What does it mean to have Civil Service Status?
Permanent (continuous) job positions confer Civil Service Status, allowing the employee to accumulate Civil Service Seniority (see below) in a Civil Service class. Temporary, Provisional, or Extra Help job positions do not confer status.
What is Civil Service Seniority?
Once you have completed the probationary period (6 or 12 months) in a status position you will begin to accumulate seniority in your job title (class specification), dating back to the beginning of the probationary period. Seniority is accumulated on the basis of hours in a pay status (exclusive of overtime) and is used to determine promotion eligibility and other employment advantages.
When do I get paid?
Civil service staff are paid bi-weekly. See Office of Business and Financial Services Payroll Schedule.
https://www.obfs.uillinois.edu/payroll/schedules/
What are the work schedules?
Civil Service employees fall under two categories:
Non-exempt (Hourly) – Non-exempt Civil Service employees are eligible for overtime and a full-time work week consists of either 37.5 or 40 hours, depending on your work location. The work week expectation is specified in the class specification.
Exempt (Salaried) – Exempt Civil Service employees are not eligible for overtime and a full-time work week consists of either 37.5 or 40 hours, depending on your work location. The work week expectation is specified in the class specification. However, the actual schedule will be determined by operational needs of the department and may require work week hours in excess of the typical 37.5 or 40 hours.
What is Service Time?
Service time is accrued from your first day of hire until your employment ends. Service time is accumulated only when in ‘paid’ status (not including unpaid leaves, suspensions, or overtime). Service time is used to calculate eligibility for some employee benefits programs.
Am I eligible for vacation leave?
Civil Service employees accrue vacation and personal time for each hour in pay status (exclusive of overtime). The amount of vacation and personal leave for both hourly and salaried employees is earned based upon the hours in pay status and number of service years completed.
Requests for use of vacation and personal leave are handled through the employee’s department and must follow department guidelines.
For more information about Vacation Leave please view NESSIE:
https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/
UIC Human Resource Policy 802.02 (PDF)
Am I eligible for time off on holidays?
Yes. The University recognizes a total of 11 paid holidays. For more details about designated holidays and usage please view:
https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/
To view the UIC Holiday Schedule for the current year:
https://hr.uic.edu/holiday-schedule/
Am I eligible for Sick Leave?
Civil Service employees accrue sick leave for each hour in pay status (exclusive of overtime). Employees must have their supervisor’s approval to charge an absence against accumulated sick leave.
For more information about Sick Leave please view NESSIE:
https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/
UIC Human Resource Policy 801.04 (PDF)
What about Retirement and Benefits?
Eligible employees participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). There are also a number of additional optional retirement plans available.
The University of Illinois offers a wide range of Benefits, including health insurance and wellness plans. Participation and eligibility varies.