Pre-employment Clearances

An applicant must pay close attention to accurately and truthfully complete the information on the City Employment Application. Any omissions, falsifications, misstatements, or misrepresentations of the information provided may disqualify an applicant.

The City of Tallahassee conducts various background checks and/or reference checks, and/or other screenings, prior to extending a confirmed offer of employment to the top applicant for a City position. These may include:

Criminal History Screening
A criminal history check is conducted on the top applicant for every City position. A criminal history will not automatically bar an applicant from employment; the nature, job-relatedness, severity and date of the offense(s) in relation to the duties of the position for which you are applying are considered. However, if your answers regarding your criminal history on your application do not accurately and completely reflect your criminal history, you may be eliminated from further consideration.

Driver History Check
If you are the top applicant for a position whose duties require or include driving responsibility, a driver history check will be conducted to verify appropriate licensure and a satisfactory driving record. An applicant will not be cleared for a position that requires driving if he or she has had:

• Three or more moving violations within the last three years, or
• One or more serious or criminal traffic violations within the last three years, or
• Has an overall driving history record that reflects an ongoing pattern of recklessness, carelessness, poor judgment, or disregard of laws and rules associated with the operation of a motor vehicle.

Pre-employment Drug/Alcohol Test
An applicant selected for a Safety Sensitive City position must pass a pre-employment drug test. Safety sensitive positions include any that are DOT-regulated, (including all that require a commercial driver license), certain Police and Fire positions, (including all certified fire and sworn police positions), and those with responsibility for the supervision or safety of children.

NOTE: An external applicant who accepts a regular or temporary City position will be required to reimburse the City for a portion of the costs associated with applicable pre-employment screenings.

Selective Service registration
All males between the ages of 18 and 26 years of age shall be required to show proof of selective service registration or exemption before being employed with the City of Tallahassee. This requirement also applies to current employees selected to fill vacant positions. Contact the Selective Service System for more information or to register on-line.