Bonner County Jobs: Veterans' Preference

The county's policy. Human Resources' compliance policy, section 100.3: "Bonner County will accord a preference to employment of veterans of the U.S. Armed Services in accord with provisions of Idaho Code Title 65, Chapter 5 or its successor. In the event of equal qualifications for an available position, a veteran or family member who qualifies for preference pursuant to I.C. § 65-503, or its successor, will be employed. Under certain circumstances, the widow, widower, spouse, or parent of a veteran may also be entitled to veteran's preference pursuant to I.C. § 65-503." Job postings carry a "Veterans' Preference" notice. What the statute adds. Idaho Code 65-503 makes eligible a veteran (an Idaho resident with 90 days of continuous active duty separated under honorable conditions, or less if discharged for a service-connected disability, section 65-203), a disabled veteran (10% or more, or a Purple Heart, section 65-502), an unremarried widow or widower, and the spouse of a disabled veteran who cannot work because of the disability. Section 65-504 gives the preference over applicants "who are not more qualified" at initial appointment; in a civil service position, one filled by examination or a rating system, it adds 5 points, or 10 for a disabled veteran, and a veteran rated 30% or more who is on the register must be offered an interview, though an employer need not interview more than ten. "Honorable conditions" includes a general discharge. The policy's "parent" is not in 65-503. How. Claim the preference on the application with the DD-214, and the VA letter for the disabled veteran tier. The preference applies to the first appointment with the county, not to promotions.