Bureau of Human Resources: State of Maine

Beginning September 8, 2025, current State employees should apply for new open positions through PRISM using the "Find Jobs" report within the system. More information on how to apply for jobs in PRISM can be found on the PRISM Learning page under "Job Aids." Please note: Employees must use a State device to access the internal PRISM Learning SharePoint page.

Application Process

Applying For Statewide Openings

Before You Apply

Our hiring process looks different from the private sector:

  • Most of our jobs are posted for at least 10 business days on the State of Maine Careers website. You can search openings by category or agency.
  • Minimum qualifications are established for each job title by the Bureau of Human Resources in partnership with the employing agencies.
  • Human Resources reviews every application to confirm applicants meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
  • Important: Incomplete applications may affect consideration for employment.

Apply Online

To apply online, you must create a candidate account. Keep your contact information current, including: mailing address, email address, and phone number.

Please note: Applicant accounts cannot be deleted once created. If you prefer not to maintain an online account, you may submit a paper application instead. 

For more information on how to access the paper application, please check out the 'Submitting a Paper Application' section below.

Submitting a Paper Application

If you cannot complete the online application, you may apply by mail. To apply, 

  1. Download and complete the paper application. Copies are available below.
  2. Print the application.
  3. Mail it to the HR contact listed on the job posting. 

Be sure to include the Job Posting Title and posting identification number (the "R" number). You can find the "R" number near the top of the job posting. The example below highlights where to locate it.

Download a Paper Employment Application 

Example

Screenshot of a job posting showing the posting identification number ("R" number) highlighted near the top of the page.

Probationary Period

New employees complete a probationary period of 6 months. This period allows supervisors to evaluate an employee's work performance. If needed, the probationary period may be extended for up to 6 additional months.

Applying For Corrections Employment Registers

Certain classifications within the Maine Department of Corrections use an employment register, instead of posting individual vacancies. When you apply to a register, your application stays active for future openings in that job classification. If a posting is for an employment register, it will be labeled in the title. 

Certifications to Vacancies for Corrections Employment Registers 

When a vacancy occurs, the hiring agency receives qualified candidates in the following order:

  1. Employees on lay-off status from Maine State Government
  2. Current employees of the hiring agency
  3. Current Maine State Employees in other hiring agencies
  4. Candidates on reemployment status (former Maine State Employees)
  5. Candidates not currently employed by the State of Maine 

Under Maine law, qualified candidates who are veterans, Gold Star spouses, or individuals with a disability are considered within each category above.

Probationary Period 

All new employees complete a probationary period, typically six months, which is used to observe an employee's work performance. It may be extended by up to 6 additional months, if needed.