Administration

Human Resources - Frequently Asked Questions


1. How do I contact the Human Resources Department?

You may contact an HR staff member during business hours (8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday) as follows:
Phone: 763-765-3001
Fax: 763-765-3002
Email: hr@co.sherburne.mn.us
Mail:
Sherburne County Human Resources
13880 Highway 10
Elk River, MN 55330

2. How do I apply for a Sherburne County job?

Sherburne County uses an internet based online job application process. On your first visit to the website you will need to establish an account and create a user ID and password. You will create a "master" application that you can review and edit each time you apply for a job.

3. Where can I access the on-line application process?

Any computer with internet access should be able to connect to our website at www.co.sherburne.mn.us. Computers are available for public use at any public library and there are also two computer kiosks available in the lobby of the Sherburne County Government Center exclusively for the use of job applicants. If it is not possible for you to apply online, you may contact human resources as noted above for a paper application which will then be input into the online process for you. Any paper applications must be completed and received in the HR office by 4:30 p.m. on the posted closing date for the recruitment. Sherburne County is not responsible for failure of the post office or other carrier to deliver by the closing date and late applications will not be accepted.

You can log into your application account at any time to check on your application status using your user ID and password. Click on "application status" to view the status of any submitted applications.

4. How can I get help with using the computer to apply for jobs?

You may call Sherburne County Human Resources or stop in our office at the Sherburne County Government Center. The lobby kiosk computers do have applicant instruction cards in the kiosks.

5. How can I add additional employment or education entries to my application?

Click on "Add Education" or "Add Work Experience" after each series of input. List your education and work experience in chronological order, starting with the most recent. After each entry, click "Save and View Application".

6. How do I change my address, phone or email information on my application?

If your application has already been submitted for a current posting, call human resources at 763-765-3001 or email at hr@co.sherburne.mn.us to provide the changes for that application. You can change your master application, build a new application, or see the status of submitted applications by using your ID and password to login.

7. How will I know if Sherburne County will be hiring in the future for a job I am interested in?

You may complete a "job interest card" for notification of specific jobs or job categories by going to our job opportunities page at www.co.sherburne.mn.us.

8. How do I know if I am qualified for a particular job?

The minimum qualifications and supplemental questions are listed in the job posting. Your application will be carefully reviewed, along with any other materials required on the job posting, to determine whether you meet these qualifications. Therefore, it is very important that everything about your qualifications, your education and experience, licenses, certificates and special skills be included. If all the information is not provided, you may be considered unqualified, or less qualified than other applicants.

9. Do I have to submit a separate application for each posting?

Yes. However, once you create an account you may build an application and submit that application for multiple jobs by clicking on the "Populate" button to automatically populate the questions. Review and update your application as necessary. Once your account is created, revising your application and applying for postings is quick and easy.

10. What if I am not offered a job, but remain interested in employment with Sherburne County?

Sherburne County's objective is to hire the best person for the job and vacancies are very competitive. In most cases, numerous qualified people have applied for the same position. If you are not successful in securing a job offer for a particular vacancy we encourage you to check our job openings frequently (or complete "job interest cards") and apply again if you feel you are qualified.

11. Must I live in Sherburne County to apply for a job?

You do not need to live in Sherburne County to apply or be hired for a job. Some positions, however, do have a response time requirement (for example; patrol deputy).

12. What type of tests might I have to take?

Testing and assessment varies for each position. Testing is usually scheduled during normal business hours and may consist of any of the following: written exams, skills tests, oral exam, computer skills testing, physical fitness testing, psychological exam, writing samples, drug testing, and other job-related testing procedures. Some tests (such as the drug test) are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment is made. Background and reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. Some positions also require a criminal history check.

13. What if I need special testing accommodations?

Should you have a qualified disability that would prevent you from testing for a position under standard conditions, please contact the human resources department at 763-765-3001 or at hr@co.sherburne.mn.us as soon as you are notified of the test so that every reasonable accommodation can be made. You must contact us for accommodation in advance of the test date as it is difficult or impossible to make accommodations without prior arrangement.

14. Where can I get information on wages and benefits?

Sherburne County has competitive wages and exceptional benefits. Each job posting contains the salary information for that specific job classification. Employees are generally hired at the minimum of the salary range, but may be hired above the minimum based on prior experience and/or recruitment competitiveness. Sherburne County provides a "Cafeteria" benefit plan that allows each employee to fashion their benefits from numerous choices to best meet their individual needs. Specific benefit information may be received by contacting human resources.