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The state is accepting applications for a career opportunities examination through the end of the month.
Job seekers with a bachelor's degree from a qualifying institution can take the Professional Career Opportunities examination for consideration of employment with New York State government.
Wide range of positions
The Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) examination is one test that state agencies can use to fill more than 150 different entry-level professional job types across a wide range of disciplines such as human resources and training; service regulation and compliance; corrections and criminal justice; environment; natural and physical sciences; accounting, auditing and finance; health and human services; communications, marketing and public relations; transportation, administrative operations; economics, research and statistics.
Salaries and adjustments
Starting salaries range from $49,202 to $71,496. Appointees who work in the five boroughs of New York City or in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland or Westchester Counties will receive an additional $3,026 annual downstate adjustment. Appointees who work in Dutchess, Orange or Putnam Counties will receive an additional $1,513 annual mid-Hudson adjustment.
The deadline to apply for the 2022 PCO examination is Nov. 30. Once an application is made, the deadline to submit the examination is Dec. 15.
Job seekers that anticipate having a bachelor's degree from a qualifying institution by June 30, 2023 can be admitted to the test but will not be considered for appointment until the date the degree is received.
Most of the positions filled from the PCO require two-year traineeships, during which individuals gain the necessary knowledge and experience to perform the full responsibilities of the position.
To be advanced to the full performance level of the title incumbents must successfully complete a set training and development program. Upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month training at the Trainee 1 level, they will automatically advance to Trainee 2. Upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month training as a Trainee 2, they will advance to the full level of the title without further examination.
Generalist and select titles
The full list of titles filled from the PCO can be viewed on the Job Titles List where candidates can also do a keyword search on the titles.
Candidates who pass the test will qualify for the Generalist Job Titles. These titles are professional administrative titles in the areas of administrative operations, fiscal operations, human resources, and/or program implementation.
Candidates with specific education, certification, licensure, work experience, and/or language proficiency may also qualify for select job titles. After applying for the PCO, candidates complete the PCO Skills Inventory. To be considered for select job titles, candidates must pass the test and complete and submit the PCO Skills Inventory.
A diversity management option is used to fill vacancies that have a demonstrated need for candidates who have an understanding of diversity management and equal opportunity principals which are necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position. All generalist and select job titles may be filled from the diversity management option. To be considered for vacancies filled from the diversity management option, candidates must pass the test and complete and submit the PCO Skills Inventory.
The test
There is no in-person written multiple-choice test.
To be considered for appointment from this eligible list, candidates must pass an online training and experience test. The online training and experience test is an online questionnaire that asks questions about education, training and work experience. The answers provided to the questions will be rated and scored in the following areas:
• Analytical Reasoning
• Customer and Client Service
• Interpersonal Skills
• Reading Comprehension
• Written Communication
The online questionnaire is the test and must be completed after candidates submit their application. Candidates will not be scored on education, training and work experience unless they complete and submit the online questionnaire. The online questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 pm on Dec. 15.
Job seekers are invited to attend the New York State PCO Jobs Virtual Career Fair being held on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register at nysdolvirtual11.easyvirtualfair.com/landing.
For complete information on the including on application requirements, go to www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/announcements/moqa/26-872.cfm?dcsnw.
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