Q: How can I learn about employment opportunities with the City of Coon Rapids?
A: A job announcement is created for each job opening and is posted online. Job announcements include information about salary, minimim qualifications, when applications are accepted for a particular posting, and other pertinent information.
Q: When may I submit an employment application?
A: The City of Coon Rapids only accepts applications for current job openings. A list of current openings is available here. The City provides a 24-hour job line that can be reached by calling 763-767-6597.
Q: How do I apply for an open position?
A: You may obtain employment application materials and position descriptions for open positions at the City’s website, by stopping by Coon Rapids City Hall, 11155 Robinson Drive, or by calling 763-767-6447.
Q: May I apply for more than one position?
A. You may apply for as many open positions as you choose. However, a separate application must be submitted for each position. We recommend applicants make a copy of their application before submitting it. The Human Resources Department will not return originals nor make copies of any materials once submitted.
Q: May I submit my resume rather than completing a City employment application?
A: Resumes may be attached to an application, but may not be substituted for a completed City application form.
Q: The job I’m interested in isn’t listed. Can I still complete an application?
A: No. Applications will only be accepted for current open positions.
Q: How do I determine if I qualify for a particular job?
A: Minimum qualifications for a position are listed on the job announcement. Read these requirements carefully. Minimum qualifications may include college coursework, a specific amount of experience, a license or certification, skills, knowledge and abilities in a specific field. You should be able to determine whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications. If you are unsure, submit your application and Human Resources will review and compare your qualifications to other applications received. Generally, the education/experience standards must be met as of the closing date. Any exceptions to this requirement are noted in the job announcement. Rare exceptions may be made for Police Officer candidates, and will be noted on the job announcement. Possession of these requirements does not guarantee an interview. Your qualifications will be judged in comparison with other candidates.
Q: I am a veteran. How do I apply for Veteran’s Preference?
A: With your application you will find a form labeled, “Application for Veteran’s Preference Points.” Please read the form, complete and attach a copy of your DD214 or other required documentation. Submit this form and documentation with your employment application. If you do not supply the DD214 or other required documentation with your application, you must submit it no later than seven calendar days after the application deadline for the position for which you are applying. If you fail to supply the required documentation within the defined timeframe you will not be awarded veteran’s preference points.
Q: When are completed applications due?
A: Paper applications must be on file at the Human Resources Department no later than the closing date and time listed on the job posting.
Q: Where do I submit my completed application?
A: Completed applications should be returned to Coon Rapids Human Resources, 11155 Robinson Drive, Coon Rapids, Minnesota, 55433.
Q: How does Human Resources determine if I qualify for the job?
A: Human Resources and the hiring department staff will review your application. It is very important that all of your qualifications, education, experience (paid or volunteer), licenses, certificates, and special skills be submitted on the application. Occasionally other required materials may be requested. These other required materials may include a supplement designed for that position, a statement of qualification, or a writing sample. Any other required materials are included with the employment application materials.
Q: How often are new jobs posted?
A: New position openings are posted as soon as vacancies are approved to be filled.
Q: If I apply and am not hired for a position, will I need to reapply for future openings?
A: Yes. In most circumstances, the application you submitted will only be considered for the position for which you first applied.
Q: When will I be contacted?
A: Candidates selected by Human Resources and the hiring department to be invited for an interview will be contacted by telephone. Applicants not selected for an interview will receive a postcard in the mail.
Q: I saw a job opening online but did not apply for it. Now it is no longer listed online. Am I still able to apply?
A: No. If your application is submitted or turned in after the final filing date, it will not be accepted by Human Resources.
Q: I’m interested in a Community Service Officer position. What qualifications do I need?
A: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Successful candidates must be currently enrolled in a law enforcement program. The Community Service Officer position in Coon Rapids is an internship program designed to provide students in the law enforcement program working exposure in a police department, and is limited to no more than four years. Candidates must possess strong communication skills and have an understanding and appreciation of the role, functions and responsibilities of a police department. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
When the City has a Community Service Officer vacancy, the posting will be displayed on the City’s website.
Q: What qualifications do I need to apply for a Police Officer position?
A: Successful candidates must posses an Associates degree in Police Science, have attained the age of 21 years, and possess a valid drivers license with a good driving record. Two years of experience in a full-time Police Department may be substituted for each year of the educational requirement. Applicants must be P.O.S.T. eligible, and will be required to provide a copy of their POST certification with their application.
POST stands for Peace Officer Standards and Training. It is the governing body of all police officers in Minnesota. For more information on its purpose and function, visit the MN POST website and read their Frequently Asked Questions.
When the City is recruiting for a Police Officer eligibility roster, the posting will be displayed on the City’s website.
Q: How can I become a Coon Rapids Firefighter?
A: Full-time (career) firefighter vacancies are only available to Coon Rapids Paid-On-Call Firefighters. The City conducts external recruitment only for the Paid-On-Call Firefighter roster.
The Paid-On-Call roster recruitment occurs in years ending in even numbers and is effective for two years. Any vacancy for a Paid-On-Call Firefighter is filled from this roster. Successful candidates will possess a high school diploma or equivalent and will have completed a Firefighter I Program prescribed by the Vo-Tech Division of the Department of Education, State of Minnesota or a Firefighter I Certificate from the Minnesota Fire Chief’s Association. Appointed individuals must meet response time requirements. A Paid-On-Call Firefighter is required to maintain residency within the ten-minute response zone. The Coon Rapids’ response zone is based on a ten minute drive time from each fire station. Paid-On-Call Firefighter candidates cannot also be an employee of the City of Coon Rapids. Coon Rapids Paid-On-Call Firefighters cannot be an active member of any other fire department. Successful candidates must possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
When the City is recruiting for a Paid-on-Call Firefighter eligibility roster, the posting will be displayed on the City’s website.
