Human Resources

The Human Resources Department is comprised of four distinct divisions: administration and strategic planning; recruitment, selection and training, diversity and equity; compensation and classification; and employee benefits, employee relations and labor relations. The core values that we strive for include: working strategically, acting in a responsive and professional manner, maintaining flexibility to meet the needs of our employees and customers and treating all customers in a caring manner with dignity and respect.

Human Resources Policy Manual 2023-2024


Diversity & Equity Services

Diversity and Equity Division of Human Resources 

The Diversity and Equity division of Human Resources encompasses managing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) programs; diversity training, awareness, appreciation and inclusiveness; Diversity Leadership Council (DLC); discrimination and harassment investigations; training and orientation on discrimination, harassment prevention and EEO principles; coordinating with departments to ensure DEI principles are reflected throughout city structures, policies and procedures; acts as liaison to state and county EEO offices.

City of Clearwater Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Vision Statement

The city of Clearwater is committed to providing opportunities to all walks of life to empower our employees and their goals by creating a thriving community of shared voices and diverse thought.

Learn about Black History Month(PDF, 641KB)

Human Resources Goals

  • Create a high-performance organizational climate that encourages outstanding customer service and continuous quality improvement through effective recruitment, selection and retention programs, training and development initiatives and reward and recognition programs.
  • Improve communication, interaction and cooperation between Human Resources and its customers.
  • Help foster an organizational climate that makes the city a “premier place to work.”
  • Promote programs and activities that expose the city's workforce to community organizations.
  • Promote an organizational workforce that reflects the city demographics. 

Human Resources Objectives

The objective of the Human Resources Department is to optimize the city’s human resources capability by acquiring, maintaining, developing, and retaining a diverse, highly qualified, motivated, and productive workforce.

The Human Resources Department is responsible for furthering the City Council’s Strategic Direction of providing cost-effective municipal services and infrastructure through efficiency and quality; this includes optimizing the use of employees, assets and resources, encouraging teamwork, accessing public/private resources, and continuously measuring and improving our performance.

These tasks are performed within the five major divisions of the department: Administration, Recruitment-Selection-Training, Employee Relations, Employee Benefits, and Diversity and Equity Services.

Clearwater Complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act

The City of Clearwater promotes the dignity and worth of all people by ensuring strong opposition to unlawful discrimination, providing valuing diversity and discrimination law training, supporting social services and engaging in positive community interactions.

We provide the following services:

  • Ensuring equal employment opportunities for city of Clearwater employees.
  • Facilitating the Valuing Diversity process for city staff.
  • Facilitating the City ADA Advisory Committee objectives regarding accessibility issues for the differently-able with respect to city-owned buildings and facilities.

We also provide technical information and training services to the departments within the city.

Clearwater's commitment to diversity is celebrated in the mission and activities of its Diversity Leadership Council, a group of city employee representatives who seek ways to showcase the strength in differences among all people. The group meets monthly to discuss diversity issues and plan special diversity-related events.

In addition, the Council is working to establish and maintain diversity awareness in the workplace. Representatives assist city departments to set and meet diversity goals, including hiring practices and recognizing and nurturing the benefits that a diverse workforce can bring to the entire organization.

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THE CITY OF CLEARWATER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

What are the services/responsibilities of the Human Resources Department?

The Human Resources Department has responsibility for basic personnel functions of the city of Clearwater. The city charter provides that there shall be a civil service merit system for classified employees, such as a system to provide the means to recruit, select, develop and maintain an effective and responsive workforce with all appointments based on merit and fitness. The department also participates in programs for unclassified employees, including recruitment, pay and benefits administration and other personnel program components.

How do I apply for a position with the city of Clearwater?

The city of Clearwater accepts applications only for positions that are currently posted online. To apply for a listed position, visit the apply for employment page, find and click on the title of the position you are interested in and complete the application. After submitting, you will receive a notification that your application has been received.

What are the requirements to apply for a Clearwater Police Department position?

Applicants applying for a Police position must meet the following requirements:

  1. Applicant must be a Florida-certified or certifiable law enforcement officer, must have a two-year college degree or 60 semester college credit hours from an accredited institution, and must meet all the requirements of F.S. 943.13.
  2. Applicants may apply through the Police Applicant Screening Service, which is located at 3200 34th Street South, St. Petersburg, (727) 864-3822. There is a fee for processing through P.A.S.S.
  • P.A.S.S. takes a short application and sets the applicant up for a written exam.
  • If the applicant passes the written exam, a comprehensive Personal History Form is completed to continue processing.
  • The applicant is scheduled for an administrative interview and returns the Personal History form at that time.
  • Upon successful completion of the administrative interview, a formal interview is scheduled with P.A.S.S.
  • Upon completion of the formal interview, a background investigation begins.
  1. If the applicant is interested specifically in employment with the Clearwater Police Department, he/she must notify P.A.S.S. of this request.
  2. The Clearwater Police Department Personnel Sergeant reviews the files once a month and identifies eligible candidates.
  3. Letters are sent to applicants informing them of their status.
  4. When positions open within the organization, the Clearwater Police Department will conduct its own formal interview process and will make recommendations to the Chief of Police.
  5. Once a conditional offer of employment is made, the applicant completes a city application and is scheduled for a psychological exam, medical physical exam, physical fitness exam and a polygraph exam.

What are the requirements to apply for a Clearwater Fire & Rescue position?

Applicants applying for a firefighter position must meet the following requirements:

  • Possession of a current State of Florida Firefighter Certification and a current State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician Certification or better
  • Possession of a valid driver's license
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • No record of a conviction of a felony or a conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude
  • Able to meet and maintain departmental requirements of health, physical and mental condition
  • Individuals hired as Firefighters are required to establish and/or maintain a bona fide residence in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco or Hernando County.
  • Applicants must not have used any form of tobacco products for one year prior to the date of State of Florida Firefighter certification.

To be hired, applicants must complete the following steps:

  1. Submit completed application with valid Firefighter and EMT/Paramedic certifications attached.
  2. Be interviewed by the Fire Chief in accordance with Civil Service procedures.
  3. Have fingerprints taken and on file.
  4. Pass a medical exam, meet health standards prescribed by Florida Statutes, Chapter 4A-37.
  5. Pass a drug test.

Read more about applying for Clearwater Fire & Rescue.