Civil Service

The New York State Civil Service system was developed to ensure the filling of government jobs with able, qualified employees. This merit system is based on Article V, Section 6 of the New York State Constitution, which provides that "appointments and promotions in the civil service of the state and all of the civil divisions thereof, including cities and villages, shall be made according to merit and fitness to be ascertained as far as practicable, by examination which, as far as practicable, shall be competitive." The State Civil Service Law was enacted to carry out this constitutional mandate. In addition, rules specific to Schoharie County are contained in the "Schoharie County Civil Service Rules," which have the force and effect of law. In Schoharie County, administration of the Civil Service Law is carried out under the direction of the County Personnel Officer. The Personnel/Civil Service office is responsible for personnel actions taken in all county departments: the 16 towns, 6 villages, 6 school districts, and any special districts, such as the county Soil and Water Conservation District. Collectively, these jurisdictions employ approximately 1200 people.