Mercer County, NJ | Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I'm interested in working for the County. Where can I pick up an application?
Q. What about the State positions? How will I know when the State announces a test that I might want to take since I am having trouble getting through to the right office at the State Department of Personnel?
Q. I'm in a provisional County position. A civil service test has not been announced for my position so that I may become permanent at the County. Do I have to wait to become permanent so that pension deductions are taken from my check?
Q. Why is my time pro-rated when I go on an extended unpaid leave of absence?
Q. Are clerical employees covered under the County's random drug testing policy?
Q. I would like to review various County policies and health benefits. Does the County have an employee handbook?
Q. I recently received a service award and a picture with the County Executive. I would like to write to him and thank him for recognizing long-term County employees. What is his address?
Q. Does the County offer a training and tuition reimbursement program? I would like to go back to College to update my work-related job duties.
Q. I recently went through a customer service training program offered by the County. It was very worthwhile and other employees in my office would like to attend. When will future classes be held?
Q. Is an employee required to produce a doctor's note after being absent due to illness for more than five working days even when that employee has a significant sick leave balance?
Q. What type of pre-employment tests must a prospective employee take when being offered a position with the County?
Q. Does the County offer a vision-care program for employees?
Q. I' m following up on my workers' compensation and disability claims. The State has referred me to the County. What office should I contact?

Q. I'm interested in working for the County. Where can I pick up an application?

A. You may pick up an application in the County’s Personnel Office from 8:30 - 4:30. If you have access to a computer, either at home or at a library, you may log on to the County’s internet site - http://www.mercercounty.org and click on Departments and Services and then the Personnel Home Page where you can print out or download an employment application. You may also view current employment opportunities with the County on this site.
Q. What about the State positions? How will I know when the State announces a test that I might want to take since I am having trouble getting through to the right office at the State Department of Personnel?

A. If you do not want to keep trying by telephone, click on to the County’s webpage - Go to Department and Services and then click on Personnel. You will see a link to the State Department of Personnel. Click there. You will then be able to view job vacancy announcements offered by the State.
Q. I'm in a provisional County position. A civil service test has not been announced for my position so that I may become permanent at the County. Do I have to wait to become permanent so that pension deductions are taken from my check?

A. No. If you are a provisional employee, you will be entered into the pension system after twelve months of County employment. You do not have to wait to become permanent. If you become permanent before twelve months your pension deductions will commence after the date of your permanent appointment. In either case, you are eligible to buy back time that you worked at the County in a provisional status.
Q. Why is my time pro-rated when I go on an extended unpaid leave of absence?

A. You don’t earn time for time you didn’t work.
Q. Are clerical employees covered under the County's random drug testing policy?

A. No. Covered employees include correction officers, nurses, youth workers and other specifically designated employees at the County’s Correction, Youth Detention and Geriatric Centers.
Q. I would like to review various County policies and health benefits. Does the County have an employee handbook?

A. Yes. You may pick up a copy at the County’s Personnel Office. If you have access to a computer, either at home or at a public library, you should log on to the County webpage at Click on Departments and Services. Click on Personnel. Click on the County Employee Handbook.
Q. I recently received a service award and a picture with the County Executive. I would like to write to him and thank him for recognizing long-term County employees. What is his address?

A. You may contact him in writing by addressing your letter to Brian M. Hughes, County Executive, County of Mercer, 640 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08650. I’m sure he would appreciate hearing from you.
Q. Does the County offer a training and tuition reimbursement program? I would like to go back to College to update my work-related job duties.

A. The County provides a tuition reimbursement program of $75/credit for courses that are job related up to a maximum of nine credits per semester. Additionally, there are training and workshop opportunities that an employee may attend with the appropriate supervisory approvals. For further information, contact the Office of Personnel at 989-6636.
Q. I recently went through a customer service training program offered by the County. It was very worthwhile and other employees in my office would like to attend. When will future classes be held?

A. For information on training sessions, please contact the Office of Personnel at 989-6676. A training schedule is being developed and will be distributed to employees after completion.
Q. Is an employee required to produce a doctor's note after being absent due to illness for more than five working days even when that employee has a significant sick leave balance?

A. Yes. An employee’s note should be presented to the Office of Medical Services on the day of the employee’s return to work physical with the County Physician.
Q. What type of pre-employment tests must a prospective employee take when being offered a position with the County?

A. The minimum pre-employment test are a physical examination and drug test. Certain positions, for example correction officer and youth worker, must undergo thorough background checks and a psychological examination.
Q. Does the County offer a vision-care program for employees?

A. Yes. For further information contact the Benefits Office at 989-6655.
Q. I' m following up on my workers' compensation and disability claims. The State has referred me to the County. What office should I contact?

A. For answers to your questions, please contact the Benefits Office at 989-6655.

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