Find 10+ City of Copperas Cove Jobs Near You!


Find 10+ City of Copperas Cove Jobs Near You!

Employment alternatives inside the municipal authorities and related organizations of Copperas Cove, Texas, embody a variety of positions, from administrative roles and public security personnel to public works and group providers. People in search of to contribute to the functioning of the native authorities and the well-being of its residents typically contemplate these positions. For instance, a resident may apply for an open place within the Parks and Recreation division to assist preserve group inexperienced areas.

These positions are very important for the sleek operation of the town and the availability of important providers to its residents. Traditionally, staffing ranges and the sorts of roles obtainable have mirrored the town’s progress and evolving wants. The native economic system and inhabitants demographics affect the sorts of expertise and experience which are in demand inside the municipal workforce. A powerful, devoted public workforce is essential for sustaining infrastructure, guaranteeing public security, and fostering a thriving group.

The following dialogue will delve into the precise sectors inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities that provide employment, the appliance course of, typical {qualifications}, and assets obtainable to job seekers focused on pursuing these profession paths.

1. Open Positions

The provision of open positions is a direct indicator of the employment panorama inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities. These vacancies replicate the town’s evolving wants and priorities, offering alternatives for people to contribute to the group via public service. The particular positions obtainable at any given time form the skillsets and experience sought by the town.

  • Departmental Wants

    Open positions are sometimes pushed by particular departmental wants inside the metropolis. For instance, a rise in inhabitants may necessitate further personnel within the police or fireplace departments. Equally, infrastructure tasks may create vacancies within the public works division, requiring engineers, technicians, and laborers. The distribution of open positions throughout completely different departments displays the town’s strategic priorities and present challenges.

  • Budgetary Issues

    The allocation of assets inside the metropolis’s funds straight impacts the quantity and kind of open positions. Financial situations and tax revenues affect the flexibility to fund new positions or change retiring workers. Budgetary constraints could result in hiring freezes or the consolidation of roles, impacting the general availability of alternatives. The monetary well being of the municipality is subsequently a key determinant of its employment capability.

  • Worker Turnover

    Attrition on account of retirement, resignation, or inner promotions additionally contributes to the creation of open positions. As workers go away their roles, vacancies come up that should be stuffed to keep up the operational effectiveness of the town authorities. The speed of worker turnover can range throughout completely different departments and ranges of accountability, influencing the frequency and kind of open positions obtainable. Analyzing turnover patterns helps the town establish areas the place retention methods could also be wanted.

  • Grant Funding

    Federal, state, or personal grant funding can typically create non permanent or project-specific open positions. These grants typically goal particular areas, reminiscent of environmental conservation, group improvement, or public well being initiatives. Grant-funded positions could have mounted phrases of employment tied to the length of the grant venture, offering alternatives for people with specialised expertise in these areas. The provision of grant funding can considerably increase the vary of accessible employment choices inside the municipal authorities.

In conclusion, open positions inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities are a dynamic reflection of the town’s evolving wants, budgetary constraints, worker turnover, and exterior funding alternatives. Monitoring these vacancies gives invaluable insights into the priorities and challenges going through the town, in addition to the talents and experience which are in demand inside its workforce.

2. Job Descriptions

Job descriptions function the foundational doc connecting potential candidates with obtainable employment alternatives inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities. These descriptions present important data relating to the obligations, required expertise, and {qualifications} for every particular position.

  • Important Features

    This part delineates the core duties and obligations related to the place. It gives a transparent understanding of what the worker might be anticipated to perform on a day by day, weekly, or month-to-month foundation. For instance, a job description for a police officer may embrace patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergency calls, and conducting investigations. The accuracy and completeness of this part are paramount in attracting certified candidates and guaranteeing that they perceive the calls for of the position.

  • Required {Qualifications}

    This part specifies the minimal academic background, certifications, licenses, and expertise essential to carry out the job successfully. It ensures that candidates possess the foundational information and expertise required for achievement. A job description for a civil engineer, as an illustration, would seemingly require a bachelor’s diploma in civil engineering {and professional} licensure. Clearly outlined {qualifications} assist to streamline the hiring course of and be sure that solely certified people are thought of.

  • Abilities and Talents

    Past formal {qualifications}, this part outlines the precise expertise and talents which are important for achievement within the position. These may embrace technical expertise, reminiscent of proficiency in particular software program applications, or smooth expertise, reminiscent of communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. A job description for a customer support consultant, for instance, would emphasize sturdy communication expertise and the flexibility to resolve buyer points successfully. This part helps candidates assess their suitability for the place primarily based on their particular person talent set.

  • Reporting Construction

    The job description additionally clarifies the reporting construction inside the group, indicating to whom the worker will report and the extent of supervision supplied. This gives context for the worker’s place inside the organizational hierarchy and helps them perceive their position in relation to different departments and colleagues. A transparent understanding of the reporting construction contributes to efficient communication and collaboration inside the municipal authorities.

In the end, well-crafted job descriptions are indispensable instruments for each the Copperas Cove municipal authorities and potential workers. They supply readability and transparency, facilitating a extra environment friendly and efficient hiring course of. These paperwork function the cornerstone for matching certified people with the various alternatives obtainable inside the metropolis’s workforce.

3. Software Course of

The appliance course of represents the formalized process via which people search employment inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities. This course of serves as the first gateway for residents to contribute their expertise and experience to the town’s operations and providers.

  • Submission of Software Supplies

    Candidates are usually required to submit a standardized software kind, typically accompanied by a resume and canopy letter. These supplies present a complete overview of the applicant’s {qualifications}, expertise, and curiosity within the particular place. The town could make the most of an internet portal or require bodily submission of paperwork. Correct and full submission is important, as incomplete functions is probably not thought of. For instance, a candidate making use of for a place within the finance division would wish to rigorously doc their related accounting expertise and academic credentials.

  • Screening and Preliminary Evaluate

    Following submission, software supplies endure a screening course of to find out if candidates meet the minimal {qualifications} outlined within the job description. This may increasingly contain automated programs or human assets personnel reviewing functions for particular key phrases, expertise, or expertise ranges. Those that meet the preliminary standards advance to the following stage of the method. A candidate missing the required certifications for a particular position could be screened out throughout this part.

  • Interviews and Assessments

    Certified candidates are sometimes invited to take part in interviews, which can be carried out by a hiring supervisor, a panel of interviewers, or each. Interviews serve to evaluate a candidate’s communication expertise, problem-solving talents, and suitability for the position. Moreover, some positions could require candidates to finish written or sensible assessments to guage their expertise and information. As an illustration, an applicant for a firefighter place would seemingly endure bodily agility assessments and technical assessments. These evaluations assist to find out a candidate’s potential for achievement within the place.

  • Background Checks and Verification

    Previous to a closing hiring resolution, the town usually conducts background checks and verifies the data supplied by the candidate. This may increasingly embrace felony historical past checks, verification of employment historical past, and affirmation of academic credentials. The aim of those checks is to make sure the security and safety of the group and to verify the accuracy of the candidate’s {qualifications}. A candidate with a disqualifying felony document would seemingly be ineligible for employment, significantly in positions involving public security.

These parts of the appliance course of are important for guaranteeing a good and clear number of certified people for the varied positions inside Copperas Cove’s municipal workforce. The method displays the town’s dedication to accountable governance and efficient service supply.

4. Required {qualifications}

The requisite {qualifications} for any employment alternative inside the Copperas Cove municipal construction kind the cornerstone of the hiring course of. These requirements are established to make sure that candidates possess the information, expertise, and expertise essential to successfully carry out the duties related to particular positions and contribute to the general effectivity and effectiveness of metropolis authorities.

  • Academic Attainment

    Formal training, starting from highschool diplomas to superior levels, typically serves as a elementary requirement for a lot of Copperas Cove municipal jobs. As an illustration, a place within the engineering division would necessitate a bachelor’s diploma in civil engineering, whereas an administrative position may require a highschool diploma and related coursework. The extent of training required straight correlates with the complexity and obligations of the place, guaranteeing candidates possess the foundational information essential for achievement.

  • Certifications and Licensure

    Sure positions inside the metropolis authorities mandate particular certifications or skilled licenses to make sure compliance with trade requirements and authorized laws. A firefighter, for instance, should possess certifications in fireplace suppression and emergency medical providers, whereas a licensed electrician is required for electrical upkeep and repairs. These credentials validate a person’s competency in a specialised discipline, demonstrating their adherence to established finest practices and guaranteeing the security and well-being of the group.

  • Related Expertise

    Prior expertise in a associated discipline is an important think about evaluating a candidate’s suitability for a municipal job. For instance, a candidate making use of for a administration place within the Parks and Recreation division would ideally possess expertise in park administration, recreation programming, or group outreach. The extent of expertise required is usually commensurate with the seniority and obligations of the position, permitting candidates to leverage their previous experiences to contribute successfully to the town’s operations.

  • Particular Abilities and Talents

    Past formal {qualifications}, sure positions demand particular expertise and talents which are important for profitable efficiency. A place within the IT division, as an illustration, would require proficiency in laptop programming, community administration, and cybersecurity protocols. Equally, a customer support consultant should possess wonderful communication expertise, problem-solving talents, and the capability to deal with delicate conditions with tact and diplomacy. These expertise allow workers to meet their job obligations successfully and contribute to a optimistic work atmosphere.

The interaction between these required {qualifications} and Copperas Cove employment alternatives is essential, guaranteeing that the town’s workforce is comprised of competent and certified people able to assembly the calls for of their respective roles. These requirements contribute to the general effectivity, effectiveness, and integrity of the town authorities, in the end benefiting the residents of Copperas Cove.

5. Wage Ranges

Wage ranges are a elementary part of any employment alternative inside the metropolis of Copperas Cove’s municipal authorities. These ranges symbolize the potential compensation workers can earn for his or her respective roles and are straight influenced by components reminiscent of expertise, training, and the obligations related to every place. The institution of acceptable wage ranges is essential for attracting certified candidates, retaining present workers, and guaranteeing that the town stays aggressive within the labor market. As an illustration, a place requiring specialised engineering experience will usually command a better wage vary than an entry-level administrative position.

The dedication of wage ranges inside Copperas Cove is influenced by a number of components, together with comparable positions in similar-sized cities, price of dwelling indices, and budgetary constraints. Common opinions and changes of wage ranges are essential to keep up parity with market charges and account for inflation. A failure to supply aggressive salaries can lead to issue attracting certified candidates, elevated worker turnover, and a decline within the high quality of public providers. Moreover, transparency relating to wage ranges through the software course of is significant for fostering belief and selling equitable hiring practices.

In abstract, wage ranges play a vital position in defining the attractiveness and competitiveness of employment alternatives inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities. Precisely assessing and managing wage ranges is crucial for attracting and retaining a talented workforce, which is paramount for the efficient supply of providers to the town’s residents. Neglecting this side of employment can result in vital challenges in recruitment and retention, in the end impacting the town’s potential to meet its obligations.

6. Advantages Packages

Complete advantages packages are a vital aspect in attracting and retaining certified people for positions inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities. These packages symbolize a good portion of an worker’s general compensation and contribute to their monetary safety and well-being.

  • Well being Insurance coverage

    Provision of medical health insurance, encompassing medical, dental, and imaginative and prescient protection, is a regular part. This protection reduces workers’ out-of-pocket healthcare bills and gives entry to essential medical providers. For instance, a metropolis worker going through a big medical occasion would depend on this protection to mitigate monetary hardship. The standard and comprehensiveness of medical health insurance choices straight impression the attractiveness of positions.

  • Retirement Plans

    Retirement plans, reminiscent of 401(okay)s or pension applications, present workers with a way to save lots of for his or her future monetary safety throughout retirement. Employer contributions to those plans function an incentive for long-term employment with the town. A municipal worker contributing commonly to a retirement plan can accumulate substantial financial savings over their profession. The specifics of the retirement plan, together with vesting schedules and contribution matching, have an effect on worker retention.

  • Paid Time Off

    Paid break day (PTO), together with trip days, sick go away, and holidays, permits workers to keep up a wholesome work-life steadiness and tackle private wants. Ample PTO allows workers to recharge and return to their duties with renewed vitality. As an illustration, an worker needing to look after a sick member of the family can make the most of sick go away with out monetary penalty. The quantity of PTO supplied is a important issue for a lot of potential workers.

  • Life Insurance coverage and Incapacity Protection

    Life insurance coverage and incapacity protection present monetary safety for workers and their households within the occasion of demise or incapacity. These advantages provide a security web throughout unexpected circumstances and contribute to workers’ general peace of thoughts. For instance, the household of a deceased metropolis worker would obtain a demise profit from life insurance coverage. The provision of some of these protection is usually seen as an indication of a accountable and caring employer.

The comprehensiveness of those packages straight influences the flexibility of the Copperas Cove municipal authorities to draw and retain a certified workforce. The town’s dedication to offering aggressive advantages is crucial for sustaining a high-performing public sector.

7. Division listings

Division listings function the first organizational device for navigating obtainable employment alternatives inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities. These listings categorize positions by the precise division answerable for the related features and obligations. With out clearly outlined division listings, job seekers would face vital issue in figuring out related alternatives aligned with their expertise and expertise. As an illustration, a person with a background in regulation enforcement would search alternatives inside the Police Division itemizing, whereas somebody with experience in city planning would seek the advice of the Neighborhood Improvement Division. The efficacy of the recruitment course of depends closely on the accuracy and completeness of those listings.

The group of positions by division facilitates a extra focused and environment friendly software course of. It permits candidates to focus their search efforts on departments the place their {qualifications} are most relevant, thereby growing the probability of a profitable match between candidate expertise and departmental wants. Moreover, division listings typically present invaluable context concerning the division’s mission, obligations, and organizational construction, enabling candidates to make extra knowledgeable selections about their profession aspirations inside the municipal authorities. An instance could be seeing the Engineering Division listed with present infrastructure tasks, offering insights into the work atmosphere. This additionally permits for environment friendly inner group for HR features.

In conclusion, the group of employment alternatives by division just isn’t merely a matter of administrative comfort; it’s a important aspect in guaranteeing a streamlined and efficient recruitment course of inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities. Correct and well-maintained division listings empower job seekers to establish related alternatives, make knowledgeable software selections, and in the end contribute their expertise to the precise areas the place they’ll finest serve the group. The sensible significance of well-structured listings lies within the improved effectivity and effectiveness of the complete hiring course of, leading to a stronger and extra succesful municipal workforce.

8. Hiring Timeline

The hiring timeline inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities framework constitutes a structured sequence of occasions that governs the recruitment and number of personnel for open positions. Its effectivity and transparency straight impression the town’s potential to draw and onboard certified candidates in a well timed method.

  • Posting Period and Software Window

    The size of time a job posting stays energetic and the length of the appliance window considerably affect the candidate pool. A shorter software window could restrict the variety of potential candidates, whereas an excessively lengthy interval can delay the hiring course of. The length ought to strike a steadiness, permitting enough time for people to use whereas sustaining momentum within the choice course of. For instance, a important public security place could warrant an extended posting length to maximise the applicant pool.

  • Evaluate and Screening Course of

    The interval devoted to reviewing functions and screening candidates is an important determinant of the general hiring timeline. Thorough screening requires cautious analysis of {qualifications}, expertise, and suitability for the place. Nevertheless, a very prolonged evaluate course of can lead to certified candidates accepting different provides. Streamlined screening procedures, probably leveraging expertise, can expedite this part whereas sustaining the rigor of the analysis. An environment friendly evaluate course of could be the distinction between hiring a high candidate and shedding them to a competitor.

  • Interview Scheduling and Execution

    The time required to schedule and conduct interviews with certified candidates contributes considerably to the hiring timeline. A number of interview rounds, involving completely different stakeholders, can delay this course of. Environment friendly interview scheduling, clear communication with candidates, and targeted interview questions can reduce delays. The utilization of digital interview platforms also can expedite the method. A well-organized interview schedule respects the time of each the candidates and the hiring committee, guaranteeing a optimistic expertise.

  • Background Checks and Onboarding

    The ultimate levels of the hiring timeline embody background checks, reference verification, and onboarding procedures. The completion of background checks could be contingent on exterior companies and will introduce delays. Streamlined onboarding processes, together with the availability of essential documentation and coaching, are important for integrating new workers into the municipal authorities. Delays in background checks or a disorganized onboarding course of can negatively impression a brand new rent’s preliminary expertise and general job satisfaction.

The effectiveness of the hiring timeline inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities is intrinsically linked to the town’s potential to offer important providers to its residents. A well-managed timeline ensures that vacant positions are stuffed promptly with certified people, contributing to the general effectivity and effectiveness of municipal operations.

9. Equal alternative

Equal alternative inside the context of employment with the town of Copperas Cove signifies a dedication to honest and neutral hiring practices. This dedication ensures that every one certified people have an equal probability to compete for obtainable positions, no matter protected traits. Adherence to equal alternative rules is each a authorized obligation and a elementary worth that underpins a various and inclusive workforce.

  • Authorized Compliance and Regulatory Framework

    Federal and state legal guidelines mandate equal alternative in employment, prohibiting discrimination primarily based on race, colour, faith, intercourse, nationwide origin, age, incapacity, or genetic data. The town of Copperas Cove, as a public employer, should adhere to those laws in all elements of its hiring course of, from recruitment and choice to promotion and termination. Failure to conform can lead to authorized motion and reputational injury. For instance, the town’s hiring insurance policies should align with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (ADA), offering cheap lodging to certified people with disabilities.

  • Recruitment and Outreach Methods

    The town’s recruitment and outreach efforts play a vital position in selling equal alternative. Broadening the attain of job postings to numerous communities and interesting in focused recruitment initiatives can appeal to a wider pool of certified candidates. Partnerships with native organizations and group teams can facilitate entry to employment alternatives for underrepresented teams. As an illustration, the town may take part in job gala’s concentrating on veterans or collaborate with organizations serving people with disabilities.

  • Choice Standards and Hiring Procedures

    The choice standards and hiring procedures employed by the town should be goal and job-related, avoiding any discriminatory practices. Standardized software kinds, structured interviews, and validated assessments may also help guarantee a good and neutral analysis of candidates. Using blind resume opinions, the place figuring out data is eliminated, can additional mitigate potential bias. As an illustration, the town may use a standardized scoring rubric for evaluating interview responses, guaranteeing consistency throughout all candidates.

  • Range and Inclusion Initiatives

    Past authorized compliance, the town of Copperas Cove can actively promote variety and inclusion via particular initiatives. These may embrace variety coaching for hiring managers, the institution of worker useful resource teams, and the implementation of mentorship applications. Such initiatives foster a welcoming and inclusive work atmosphere, encouraging a various workforce to thrive. For instance, the town may implement a program that pairs newly employed workers from underrepresented teams with skilled mentors inside their departments.

The constant software of equal alternative rules inside the metropolis of Copperas Cove jobs framework is crucial for constructing a certified and consultant workforce. This dedication not solely fulfills authorized necessities but additionally fosters a extra equitable and inclusive group, benefiting each the town authorities and its residents.

Incessantly Requested Questions

This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to employment alternatives inside the Metropolis of Copperas Cove municipal authorities. Info is supplied to make clear elements of the hiring course of, {qualifications}, and advantages.

Query 1: The place can a complete itemizing of present job openings with the Metropolis of Copperas Cove be discovered?

The official Metropolis of Copperas Cove web site gives essentially the most up-to-date itemizing of accessible positions. events ought to navigate to the “Careers” or “Employment” part of the web site for present openings. Moreover, native job boards and newspapers might also checklist positions.

Query 2: What are the everyday steps concerned in making use of for a place with the Metropolis of Copperas Cove?

The appliance course of usually consists of submitting a accomplished software kind, a resume, and a canopy letter. Certified candidates could then be contacted for an interview. Relying on the place, further steps could embrace expertise assessments, background checks, and reference verification.

Query 3: Does the Metropolis of Copperas Cove require particular certifications or licenses for sure positions?

Many positions, significantly these in specialised fields reminiscent of regulation enforcement, engineering, or healthcare, require particular certifications or licenses to make sure compliance with trade requirements and regulatory necessities. Job descriptions will clearly define the required credentials.

Query 4: What advantages are usually supplied to workers of the Metropolis of Copperas Cove?

The Metropolis of Copperas Cove usually provides a complete advantages bundle, which can embrace medical health insurance (medical, dental, imaginative and prescient), retirement plans, paid break day (trip, sick go away), and life insurance coverage. Particular particulars relating to advantages are usually supplied through the hiring course of.

Query 5: How does the Metropolis of Copperas Cove guarantee equal alternative in its hiring practices?

The Metropolis of Copperas Cove is dedicated to equal alternative employment and adheres to all relevant federal and state legal guidelines prohibiting discrimination. Hiring selections are primarily based on benefit, {qualifications}, and job-related standards, with out regard to protected traits reminiscent of race, colour, faith, intercourse, nationwide origin, age, incapacity, or genetic data.

Query 6: What assets can be found to help people with disabilities within the software course of?

The Metropolis of Copperas Cove is dedicated to offering cheap lodging to certified people with disabilities. People requiring help through the software course of ought to contact the Human Assets Division to debate their particular wants.

These FAQs purpose to offer readability on the commonest inquiries relating to employment with the Metropolis of Copperas Cove. candidates are inspired to seek the advice of the official metropolis web site and call the Human Assets Division for extra data.

The subsequent part will present assets obtainable for job seekers focused on “Metropolis of Copperas Cove Jobs.”

Ideas for Pursuing Alternatives inside Copperas Cove Municipal Employment

This part gives actionable recommendation for people in search of employment inside the Metropolis of Copperas Cove, Texas, municipal authorities. Specializing in proactive preparation and strategic software methods can considerably improve the probability of securing a place.

Tip 1: Completely Evaluate Job Descriptions: Every job description outlines particular obligations, required {qualifications}, and most popular expertise. Candidates ought to meticulously analyze these particulars to make sure their {qualifications} align with the place necessities. As an illustration, an applicant for a public works place ought to confirm they possess the mandatory certifications and expertise working heavy equipment.

Tip 2: Tailor Software Supplies: Generic functions are sometimes missed. Customise resumes and canopy letters to spotlight related expertise and expertise that straight tackle the precise necessities outlined within the job description. A canopy letter ought to clearly articulate how the applicant’s {qualifications} align with the wants of the division and the town.

Tip 3: Analysis the Metropolis Authorities: Demonstrating information of the town’s authorities construction, key initiatives, and present challenges conveys a real curiosity in contributing to the group. Familiarize your self with the town’s strategic plan and up to date information articles to achieve insights into its priorities.

Tip 4: Put together for Competency-Primarily based Interviews: Anticipate interview questions designed to evaluate particular competencies, reminiscent of problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Put together examples from previous experiences that display these expertise. The STAR technique (Scenario, Process, Motion, End result) could be successfully used to construction responses.

Tip 5: Spotlight Neighborhood Involvement: Energetic participation in group organizations or volunteer actions can display a dedication to public service and a need to contribute to the well-being of Copperas Cove. Embrace related volunteer expertise on resumes and spotlight these actions throughout interviews.

Tip 6: Preserve Professionalism: All through the appliance course of, preserve an expert demeanor in all interactions with metropolis personnel. This consists of immediate and courteous communication, adherence to deadlines, and acceptable apparel for interviews. First impressions are essential in shaping the hiring committee’s notion of a candidate.

Tip 7: Observe Up After the Interview: Sending a thank-you notice or e mail to the interviewer(s) inside 24 hours of the interview demonstrates professionalism and reinforces curiosity within the place. Briefly reiterate {qualifications} and categorical continued enthusiasm for the chance.

By implementing these methods, potential workers can considerably enhance their probabilities of securing positions inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities. Diligence, preparation, and a real dedication to public service are key to success.

The subsequent part will summarize key parts of this text.

Conclusion

This exposition has outlined the various aspects of employment alternatives inside the Copperas Cove municipal authorities. Key areas explored included open positions, job descriptions, the appliance course of, required {qualifications}, wage ranges, advantages packages, departmental listings, the hiring timeline, and the town’s dedication to equal alternative. Understanding these parts is essential for potential workers in search of to contribute to the group via public service.

The Metropolis of Copperas Cove gives numerous profession paths for people with numerous skillsets and backgrounds. Aspiring public servants are inspired to seek the advice of the official metropolis web site for present openings and to rigorously contemplate their {qualifications} towards the outlined necessities. A dedication to serving the group and an intensive understanding of the appliance course of are important for achievement in pursuing employment with the Metropolis of Copperas Cove.