Seems like a very corrupt system. When you apply at the beginning, there is no indication that you are actually entering a series of civil service tests. Took three rounds of tests and 7-8 months to get put on a list. When you visit the downtown offices, you can overhear them whispering to each other about getting people into jobs. It's pathetic really, because the system obviously needs more competent people, and the city deserves a better system, but this is a deeply corrupt public agency.