Ask the City: Job Qualifications

Question:

How did the City of Laramie's HR Director get hired without a college degree and lacking the experience and qualifications designated for this highly paid and professional position?

Answer:

"When a position is vacant and hiring is planned, the description of the position outlines the application deadline, salary range, duties and responsibilities, qualifications, and license and certifications that may be preferred. For instance, in the recent position description the Director of Parks and Recreation, the following language was included:

QUALIFICATIONS A combination of the following experience and training would be qualifying:

• Seven to ten years of responsible parks, recreation, cemetery, facilities management, and mosquito control experience including five years of management experience at the division manager or director level.
• Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation and parks administration, horticulture, landscape architecture, or related field. Master's degree in a related field is preferred.

Language of this nature specific to a particular position is generally included on all position descriptions, including directors or managers. More information regarding employment with the City of Laramie can be found on the City's website at http://cityoflaramie.org/index.aspx?NID=239 or by calling the Human Resources Department at 307-721-5229."