Employment

I N N O V A T I V E E M P L O Y M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I E S

CDL AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENT CHANGES

In 2020, the Department of Public Works Highway Division was faced with filling an increasing number of job openings without having enough qualified candidates to fill the positions. The biggest challenge was finding qualified candidates who possessed a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). After a thorough review of the hiring process, changes were made that now give the Department of Public Works the ability to hire candidates without a CDL and then provide CDL training “in-house” as part of the candidate’s probationary training period. For any candidate who does not have a CDL, a CDL permit is required for employment. Anyone needing help with obtaining their CDL permit are encouraged to contact the Pikes Peak Workforce Center for assistance.

What drove this change to the CDL requirement was feedback from prospective candidates. The cost of obtaining a CDL was preventing highly qualified candidates from applying for open positions. Eliminating the CDL hiring requirement and offering the training “in-house” has made it possible for many more people to begin rewarding careers with El Paso County who otherwise would not have had the opportunity.

Another change that was made as a result of reviewing the hiring process was the elimination of the high school diploma or GED requirement. Not having a high school diploma or GED was also preventing many highly qualified candidates from applying. As a result of this change, the door is now open for several people to begin their careers with El Paso County.

El Paso County believes that education is key to future opportunities and success. Any employee who is hired without a high school diploma or GED will be encouraged to work with the Pikes Peak Workforce Center to get connected with a local school district where they can obtain their GED. In addition, plans are being made to expand continuing education for employees by offering classes through our local community colleges.

The El Paso County Department of Public Works is proud to be part of the county's growth and success. We are always looking for new and talented individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a career in Public Works that includes industry leading health benefits, retirement plans, and professional advancement, take that next step and apply for one of our open positions on the following website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/elpasocountyco