Introduction

Kickstart your Human Resources career with hands-on experience in one of the most foundational
areas of public sector HR: job classification.
If you're graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree by May 31, 2026, we encourage you to apply!
The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is excited to welcome Human Resources Trainees to our Classification Unit- a team that helps ensure every job in state government is accurately defined, described, and aligned with the right qualifications.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Hybrid.
- Monday - Friday.
- Full Time, 40 Hours/week.
- First Shift, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM or 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Location: 450 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford, CT.
The Human Resources Trainee (Classification Unit) is an analytical role that requires strong attention to detail and supports agency HR teams and HR Business Partners behind the scenes. This 1 – 2 year development program is designed to help you build expertise in job classification within public sector HR. Upon successful completion of the training period, you'll move into the target class of Human Resources Associate. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive environment where collaboration and professional development are prioritized.
What is job classification in simple terms?
It’s the process of understanding what different jobs actually involve- ensuring each role has the correct reporting structure, minimum qualifications, and responsibilities. You’ll learn how to review job duties, compare roles across agencies, and help ensure a clear and consistent workforce structure for the state.
In this role you will learn to:
- Review job duties and identify the essential functions of a role;
- Update and help write job class descriptions that clearly reflect duties and qualifications;
- Compare roles across agencies to ensure consistency and alignment;
- Learn how classification impacts hiring, compensation, and workforce planning;
- Collaborate with HR partners across the state to gather information and verify job duties.
This role is a great fit if you:
- Enjoy analyzing information and spotting patterns;
- Are curious about how organizations structure jobs and determine qualifications;
- Want to build foundational HR skills in a structured, supportive environment;
- Communicate clearly and feel comfortable working with various stakeholders at all levels.
As part of our team, you may contribute to some or all of the following areas, depending on assignment:
- Classification Administration: Research job class history, analyze documentation, revise job classifications, and implement approved changes in JobAps.
- Freenames Administration: Apply mandated rules to process reemployment transactions, approve or deny statewide transfer transactions, and train state agencies on the process.
- Reclassification Grievance Coordination: Conduct hearings, review evidence, and issue decisions in accordance with collective bargaining agreements. Maintain records and communicate outcomes to unions and agencies.
- Technology & Data Management: Maintain aspects of the State’s Applicant Tracking System and related technology supporting Freenames; prepare reports, manuals, and correspondence.
- Collaboration & Learning: Partner with HR staff deployed to agencies to support classification strategies; gain an understanding of agency missions and workplaces.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
- Collaborative Mentorship: Work directly with HR leaders and professionals committed to your growth and success.
- Professional Development: Build specialized expertise in classification, mandatory rights, and grievance coordination within public sector HR.
- Impactful Work: Help maintain integrity in classification systems and employee rights, ensuring agencies can hire and retain talent effectively.
- Positive Environment: We foster an inclusive, respectful workplace where your contributions are recognized.
This is your opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact while supporting agencies across Connecticut!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Starting my career with the State of Connecticut through the Leadership Associate program was an incredible opportunity! The program provided practical experience, mentorship, and the resources I needed to grow. What I value most is the collaborative environment where colleagues work together across agencies to address challenges and share ideas. The State supports its employees by offering stability and clear paths for advancement. It is a place where you can build a long-term career while making a meaningful impact every day! -Hannah Tefft, Human Resources Specialist
Watch the video below to see what it's like to be a State of Connecticut employee!
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates— such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information”.
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay Connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Brittney Woodley at brittney.woodley@ct.gov. Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency incumbents in this class participate in a formal development program designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to qualify for appointment to a designated managerial or professional confidential class assigned to the MP Pay Plan.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Participates in a formal development program designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed in order to qualify for appointment and advancement to a designated managerial or professional/confidential class;
- Performs/learns the duties of the designated function;
- Performs/learns leadership skills and develops leadership traits;
- Prepares program progress reports;
- Attends managerial meetings germane to designated function;
- Prepares and gives presentations;
- Assists in major projects;
- Participates in budget preparation and management;
- Attends formal training courses;
- May lead special projects;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Considerable
- oral and written communication skills;
- interpersonal skills;
- Considerable ability to
- understand and apply state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
- analyze and solve problems;
- effect and manage change;
- plan for and implement excellent customer service;
- learn a new knowledge base in functional area;
- learn and apply policy and procedure;
- Managerial aptitude.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must be able to meet the experience and training requirements of the designated class at the completion of the development program.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree obtained by date of hire.
- Experience with using formulas, sorting, and filtering in Microsoft Excel to review information.
- Experience using cloud-based platforms (such as OneDrive, SharePoint, or similar) to organize files.
- Experience using attention to detail on multiple assignments in environments with changing priorities or deadlines.
- Experience analyzing and interpreting documentation to identify relevant information and summarize content accurately.
- Experience writing original content using proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Prior to appointment to this class there must be an approved managerial or professional confidential designated class identified to which the incumbent will be appointed upon successful completion of an approved development program. Incumbents in this class must meet the experience and training requirements of the identified designated class at the end of the development program.
- The work schedule for this classification is full-time. Incumbents must work a full-time forty (40) hours per week schedule.
- Incumbents in this class will be eligible for reclassification to the designated class without competitive examination upon successful completion of the development program and satisfactory service. The length of the development program should be designed around the requirements of the designated class and the prior experience of the incumbent but in no case should be less than one (1) year or exceed three (3) calendar years in accordance with C.G.S. 5-234.
- All appointments to this class shall be under terms of an approved development program and in accordance with a time schedule approved by the Department of Administrative Services.
- No additional working test period shall be required upon successful completion of the development program.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.