Civil Service Commission declares Equipment Operator list expired, orders new oral interview

The Defiance Civil Service Commission voted unanimously Aug. 17 to declare the current certified list for Equipment Operator expired and to schedule a new entry-level oral interview for the job.

"A new entry level test for Equipment Operator shall be held using the oral interview process and the evaluation form previously used," Chairman Stephen F. Korhn said when moving the motion. Korhn told the commission the existing list, certified in May 2026, contained only two names and one candidate has already been hired, leaving too few viable candidates to maintain the list.

Under the approved plan the oral interview will be scored using the evaluation form previously used for this classification and a passing score was set at 60%. The commission directed that candidates who submit a DD214 prior to the testing deadline will receive Veterans Preference Credit in accordance with Local Rules Section 60.04. Both candidates with and without a commercial driver's license will be placed on the list; those holding a CDL will be identified with an asterisk on the list.

Commissioners also specified outreach channels for the recruitment, directing staff to advertise the vacancy on Indeed.com, the Ohio Municipal League, Ohio Means Jobs, the Crescent News and the City of Defiance website and Facebook page. The commission named the Water Pollution Control Superintendent, the Streets Superintendent and the Human Resources Manager as the interview panel. The motion was seconded by Member Norm Walker and passed with all members voting aye.