NJ Civil Service Navigator

Unclassified Positions

Appointed positions exempt from examination

1,198 positions in this classification

All Positions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I gain permanent status in an unclassified position?

No. Unclassified positions do not lead to permanent civil service status. If you want job security, you must separately qualify for and be appointed to a competitive position through examination.

What happens when a new governor is elected?

Many unclassified appointees, especially at the commissioner and director level, traditionally submit resignations when a new governor takes office. The new administration may retain some appointees, but there is no guarantee of continued employment.

Do I earn retirement benefits?

Yes. Unclassified employees are generally eligible for PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) and accrue pension credits. However, your service does not count toward civil service seniority for layoff purposes.

Can I be fired for political reasons?

Yes, in most cases. Unclassified positions are inherently political, and you can be removed based on political considerations. However, you cannot be fired solely due to your personal political beliefs or party registration in violation of constitutional protections.

What if I have permanent status in another title?

This is called "underlying permanent status." If you were permanent in a competitive title before accepting an unclassified appointment, you may have return rights to that or a similar title if your unclassified appointment ends. Check with HR about your specific situation.

Can I negotiate my salary?

Yes, there is often more flexibility in unclassified salaries than in competitive positions with fixed ranges. However, salaries are still subject to approval and may be limited by budget constraints or salary caps for certain positions.