Hiring Process

Merit Plan Positions:

When a vacancy occurs, or knowledge of a vacancy is known, generally the position is posted internally and externally. It is the intent of the City of Claremont to fill vacancies with the most qualified candidate. It is also the intent of the City to promote from within if the employee is determined to be qualified for the position in which he/she is applying for. Usually job openings are advertised in the local newspapers as well as listed on our website (link). In all cases the City Manager has the final approval in filling all vacancies.

Union Positions:

Union positions have specific guidelines that must be adhered to when a vacancy occurs. The governing contract is referred to in each collective bargaining unit prior to each and every job posting. Generally, the union in which the vacancy occurs along with other collective bargaining units within the City has the first opportunity in which to apply for the vacant position. If an internal candidate is not hired, it is posted externally.
The City of Claremont only accepts applications and/or resumes for current jobs that are posted due to the strict guidelines of the collective bargaining units. It is the policy of the City of Claremont to maintain all applications and resumes submitted for each job posting for three years. If the same position reopens within that time, the City reviews applications and resumes that are on file. The City may also elect to advertise simultaneously.

All applications and resumes are submitted to the Human Resources Coordinator located in City Hall. It is the Human Resources Coordinator's responsibility to coordinate the hiring processes and procedures for each City department.

It is the intent of the City of Claremont to insure compliance with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It is our policy to recruit, employ, train and promote people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or physical condition. EOE.

All offers of employment are conditional pending the successfully completion of pre-employment conditions including a drug screen, criminal background check, and a pre-employment physical. If a driver's license is required, then a good/clean driver's record is needed. Employees must successfully complete a probationary period, the length of the probationary period is determined by Contracts/Agreements.

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Benefits Summary

Health:

The City of Claremont provides comprehensive health benefits for all full-time regular employees. The City offers a choice of 3 health plans. The BlueChoice 2 Tier health plan is completely free to our employees and their covered dependents. The other 2 plans, BlueChoice 3 Tier and JWMC health plans are weekly contributory plans deducted through payroll. Deduction amounts are governed by the applicable union Contract/Agreement.
Employee's that are covered under a different health plan, electing not to participate in the City's health coverage, will be reimbursed ½ the cost of a single persons plan in a lump sum payable in November. Proof of other coverage is required.

Dental:

Delta dental insurance is provided free to each of our regular full time employees. The employee may choose to extend coverage to his/her spouse and dependants for an additional cost. Delta dental provides coverage for A, B, C, & D, up to $1,000.00 per calendar year. A $25.00 deductible is applicable per person (up to $75.00 deductible for a family plan).

Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment:

Free life insurance and AD&D coverage is provided by the City of Claremont. The amount of coverage is determined by the employee's base gross wages (life insurance is rounded to the next higher $1,000, up to a maximum of $95,000)

Short Term Disability:

The City of Claremont provides short term disability coverage for all regular full time employees. Determined by contract, the regular full time employee must complete a 2 year eligibility period prior to receiving this benefit short term disability provides coverage is up to 26 weeks due to an illness or non-work related injury. A 45 day waiting period is required prior to eligibility of each incident.

Vacation:

The City of Claremont provides vacation days for all employees. Details are determined by the applicable Contract/Agreement - refer to applicable contract for specifics.
Generally, employees receive 11 days vacation from 1-4 years. Vacation time increases by 1 day every year up to year 15 (23 days of vacation) 20 years equals five weeks/or 25 days, twenty-five years of service is the maximum of 27 vacation days. The first year of vacation time is pro-rated from the start date thru December 31.

Holidays:

The City of Claremont provides paid holidays for all employees. Generally, employees receive 10 holidays per year. In addition to the 10 holidays the employee receives a floating holiday to make 11 holidays per year. Details are determined by the applicable Contract/Agreement.

New Year's Day		Thanksgiving Day
President's Day		Day after Thanksgiving
Memorial Day		Day before Christmas
Independence Day		Christmas Day
Labor Day		Floating Holiday
Veteran's Day		(Per Contract/Agreement)

FMLA:

The City of Claremont provides for Family and Medical Leave as required by federal law.

Sick Time, and Personal Days:

Sick Time - The City of Claremont provides most union and merit plan employees with paid sick time at the rate of 8 hours per month up to a maximum accrual of 45 sick days. If an employee does not use sick time during the year that employee is awarded 2 additional no-sick/vacation days. With the use of 1 -3 sick days an additional 1 no-sick/vacation day is awarded to each employee.
Personal Days - In most union contract as well as the merit plan, employees are given 2 personal days per year. Personal days must be used within the calendar year and are not subjected to being carried over.

Refer to applicable union contract or agreement for specific details.

Worker's Compensation Coverage:

All employees of the City are entitled to benefits under the City's Workers' compensation coverage for work related injuries or illnesses. Benefit details are included in the applicable Contract/Agreement.

Retirement Benefits:

All regular full time employees of the City of Claremont are participants in the State of New Hampshire Retirement System. Group 1 employees (all employees except fire & police) contribute 5% of their gross wages. Group 2 employees (fire & police) contribute 9.3% of their gross wages.

457 Optional Tax Deferred Retirement Plans:

Employees may participate in the 457 Optional Retirement Plan. The City currently offers two optional tax deferred plans ICMA and PFPOPE. Contributions are made through payroll deductions.

Educational Assistance:

The City of Claremont provides educational assistance to its employees. This benefit is determined by the applicable Contract/Agreement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

The City of Claremont provides counseling and referral services through the City's comprehensive health coverage. This employee benefit covers full time, part time, and seasonal employees. Participation in to the City's health coverage is not required.

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