Frequently Asked Questions

Q) Where do I find open jobs and apply?
Go to the KCMO Career Center and use the “Open Jobs Positions Open to the Public” link to search and apply online. Applications are reviewed based on what you submit by the posted deadline. Resumes are accepted, but an official City application may be required prior to appointment.

Q) Is there a residency requirement?
Yes. If hired and you don’t already live in KCMO, you must establish residency within the city limits within nine months of appointment. There’s also a tool to check whether an address is inside KCMO.

Q) What are the minimum qualifications and education rules?
Minimum qualifications are listed on each posting. High-school diplomas/GEDs must be from programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Degrees that say “accredited” must be from institutions recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Some executive-level roles require qualifying experience after the degree.

Q) How are applications evaluated? Any tips?
Only the information submitted by the deadline counts. Include all relevant dates (education and employment), list months/years for each job, and clearly show how you meet every minimum qualification. Incomplete or missing info can remove you from consideration. Complete all fields, do not just upload a resume.

Q) How long does it take for my status to be updated from 'applied'?

Please provide 3-5 business days after the job opening has closed for your status to be updated.

Q) Do you verify education and work history?
Yes. Human Resources verifies employment, education, certifications, and licenses, generally within the first six months or during a promotional probationary period. If something can’t be verified, you may be asked for documents (e.g., W-2s, 1099s, transcripts). Falsification can lead to termination under City Charter Sec. 908.

Q) Are background checks or drug screens required?
All positions require a pre-employment criminal history/background check; some roles also require a post-offer drug screen and/or physical. Public-safety-sensitive roles have published criminal/driving disqualifiers (e.g., felony convictions are permanently disqualifying; certain misdemeanors have look-back periods).

Although medical and recreational marijuana use are legal under Missouri state law, both types of marijuana use  remains illegal under Federal law. Because some City of Kansas City, Missouri positions are federally regulated or receive Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) or other federal funding, any use of marijuana is prohibited for employees in those positions. Applicants selected for such roles are subject to pre-employment and/or random drug testing (including testing for marijuana) in compliance with Federal regulations.

Q) Do veterans receive preference?
Yes. To claim veteran preference points, attach a DD-214 (or DD-256 for reservists). You must meet federal service requirements (served at least 6 months) and have an honorable discharge as outlined on the Career Center page.

Q) I need reasonable accommodation for the hiring process. What do I do?
KCMO provides reasonable accommodation. Email the Corporate Safety team at  corporate.safety@kcmo.org (for accommodations only don’t send resumes there).

Q) What benefits does the City offer?
City employees enjoy competitive pay, generous leave starting day one, defined-contribution pension plans, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement and more. You can find a detailed description of all City benefits here. New employees can review the Medical Plan Comparison and the 2024–2025 Benefits Options documents for plan specifics and enrollment steps on the Human Resources SharePoint page.

Q) What retirement or pension benefits does the City offer?
KCMO full-time employees participate in a defined-benefit pension plan through the Employees’ Retirement System or the Firefighters’ and Police Retirement Systems, depending on position. The plans provide lifetime monthly benefits based on years of service and final average salary. Employees and the City both contribute to the plan. Most positions also include a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan for additional retirement savings.

Q) Where can I see pay ranges and job specifications?
Pay ranges and job specification documents are linked from the Human Resources > Job Opportunities section of the site found here.

Q) Are there internships with the City?
Yes, summer internships are offered across most departments (e.g., Business, Finance, Communications, Computer Science, Engineering, Public Health, Aviation, Water, Environmental Science, HR, and more). The current page includes a 2026 summer intern interest form.

Q) Are there volunteer opportunities with the City?
Yes, volunteer opportunities are available within several areas and departments. You can review all volunteer opportunities here

Q) Are there jobs open only to current City employees?
Yes. Internal only vacancies are posted on the Human Resources Sharepoint page. Current employees must log into PeopleSoft a apply via Self-Service. Deadlines are 5:00 p.m. (CST) for in-person or midnight if applying online.

Q) What are KCMO’s equal employment policies?
KCMO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Employment Legal notices (EEO, FMLA, FLSA, USERRA) are linked on the Career Center page.

Q) Who do I contact with questions?
KCMO Human Resources / Talent Acquisition
Email: jobs@kcmo.org • Phone: (816) 513-1903 • Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.