Everything starts at our website. There you will find links to job opportunities, an online employment application guide, and online help for getting started. Remember to keep a record of your username and password once you have set up an account.
You will need it to apply for other positions or to check the status of your application because when you re-enter the system, you will need to input this information exactly as it was originally entered.
State and local laws require the City of Houston consider each selected candidate's conviction history to determine whether the nature of their conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the position for which they have applied. For some City positions, State or Federal law may also require a background check based on a statutory bar.
An arrest or conviction history does not automatically prohibit a candidate from City employment generally. The City looks at conviction history on a case-by-case basis and evaluates several factors related to the conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) in determining a candidate’s suitability for the position. Those factors include the following:
For some City positions, State or Federal law may bar individuals with certain convictions from working in those positions depending on the nature of the work and the work location. If a candidate has a conviction history that makes it illegal to work in a certain classification or position, then they may not work in that particular position. However, it does not automatically bar them from City employment in other classifications or positions.
a) Arrests - In general, arrests are not considered in determining a candidate’s suitability for employment. However, arrests may affect employment decisions, as permitted by law, for specific positions such as peace officers;
b) Convictions - Any conviction(s) determined to be in conflict with the duties and responsibilities of the position for which you applied will be considered in determining your suitability for employment. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis and are specific to the position for which you applied.
a) Arrests - Any arrest or detention that did not result in a conviction is not considered during a conviction history review, unless the position is with a criminal justice agency.
b) Convictions - The following convictions are not considered during conviction history reviews:
As a selected candidate, the City will conduct a review of your conviction history to determine whether the nature of your conviction(s) (or arrest(s), in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the position for which you have applied. Generally, the City will not hire an individual until the conviction history review process has been completed.
Furthermore, the City limits disclosure of your conviction history to hiring departments on a need to know basis.
If it is determined that you are not eligible for a position based on your conviction history, that determination only pertains to that specific position; you are not automatically excluded from any other position(s) with the City of Houston.
