Jobs with the City
How to find a City opening, how to apply, and the civil service examination schedule.
What the City is hiring for, how to apply, and what the Civil Service Commission tests for.
Find an Opening
The City posts openings by the kind of work. Each of these opens the City's job-postings list.
Nothing open in your field today? Job alerts below will tell you when something is.
How to Apply
Applications are taken online, and the City asks for a candidate profile first. The profile holds your details between postings; applying is a second step you take on each job you want.
City of West Des Moines candidate portal
Create the profile once, then click Finish & Apply on every posting you want to be considered for. Saving the profile alone does not submit an application.
Questions about a posting, an application, or an accommodation go to Human Resources: humanresources@wdm.iowa.gov or 515-222-3616.
Civil Service Examinations
Police officer and firefighter positions are filled from civil service lists kept by the Civil Service Commission, an oversight body the City runs under Chapter 400 of the Iowa Code. The Commission page carries the examination schedule and who may sit for one.
Applying without a computer at home
Computers are open for public use at the West Des Moines Public Library. You can also reach Human Resources at 515-222-3616 to hear what is open, or in person at 4200 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 1E. If you need an ADA accommodation to apply, ask and the City will arrange one.
Firefighter Hiring
The Fire Department runs its own full-time and part-time hiring cycle alongside the civil service process.
Job Alerts
The City's eUpdates service sends new postings by email. It is the same subscription tool used for construction notices and City news.