Management Trainee (Personnel)

About the Role

This is government administration work at the trainee level. Employees in this class learn the principles, practices, and techniques required to perform management-level work of an assigned City department in a particular specialty area. Employees are selected and assigned based on the educational requirements for the specific position. The training program includes assignment to various duties, attending training sessions, participating in projects, and other tasks designed to familiarize employees with the operations of city government. Assignments vary in nature and increase in difficulty as the employee gains experience. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level manager.

Hiring Bonus

Employees are eligible for a lump-sum hiring bonus of $2,000. The bonus will be paid in two parts: $1,000 after completing three months of satisfactory full-time probationary employment and $1,000 after completing twelve months of satisfactory full-time employment. Employees must meet all requirements contained in civil service regulation 6.32 to receive the bonus.

Requirements

Education

The following represents the minimum training and experience standards for this role:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in an academic discipline appropriate to the job assignment, such as:
  • Personnel Human Resources Administration
  • Industrial Relations
  • Personnel Administration
  • Psychology or Industrial Psychology
  • Tests and Measurement
  • Labor Relations
  • Employment Relations
  • Legal Studies
  • Communications
  • Business Administration
  • Political Science
  • Government Administration
  • Organizational Development/Leadership
  • Public Administration
  • or a related area
• OR completion of any bachelor’s degree program and current enrollment in a Master’s of Public/Government Administration program or Human Resources and Employment Relations program.

Anticipated Eligibility: Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 9 months of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and benefits
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Inclusive and diverse work environment

Exam Information

Projected Exam Date: September 15, 2026 (subject to change).

Candidates will need access to a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam and internet access to take the examination. Proficiency in operating computerized software independently is required. If you lack access to the necessary technology or cannot operate it independently, contact Bradley Greenfield at Bradley.Greenfield@phila.gov for alternative arrangements.

An eligible list will be established the week of October 12, 2026 (date subject to change).

Test Review: Candidates will have 30 days after results are mailed to review their test and file appeals to the key answers. Call 215-686-0880 to schedule a test review.

Residency and Preference Information

• Residency Waiver: The usual requirement that candidates must be residents of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment has been waived. However, establishment of residency in Philadelphia will be required no later than one year after appointment.
• Preference for Philadelphia Residents: Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the exam date will receive priority over others with identical test scores. Documentation may be required.
• Indebtedness Notice: As a condition of employment, candidates must certify they are current on all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, or other obligations due to the City of Philadelphia or the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW). Payment agreements may be arranged, with up to 20% of gross pay withheld per paycheck until the debt is satisfied.

Preference Points

Candidates who pass open-competitive exams may be eligible for additional points added to their final score. Preference points may be claimed from the time of application until 30 days after the eligible list is established. Required documentation must be provided to receive points.

• U.S. Veteran’s Preference: Ten points added for honorably discharged U.S. armed forces veterans. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also qualify. Attach a DD214 (member 4) or NGB-22 to your application.
• Legacy Preference: Ten points added for children or grandchildren of Philadelphia firefighters or police officers killed or who died in the line of duty.
• National Volunteer Service Preference: Up to 5 points for completing a term of service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA.
  • Peace Corps: 5 points for a two-year term, 3 points for a one-year term.
  • AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America): 1 point for 450 hours, 2 points for 675 hours, 3 points for 900 hours, 5 points for 1,700 hours.
• Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Preference: Up to 5 points for candidates who graduated from a CTE program within the last three years. If these points would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, the CTE candidate will be ranked directly below the veteran.