The voters of Kern County adopted a Civil Service Ordinance in 1956 under the authority of Civil Service Enabling Law as set forth in the Government Code of the State of California. The Civil Service System provides for employment on a merit basis and equitable and uniform procedures for dealing with personnel matters through a Civil Service Commission.

To administer its Civil Service System, the Board of Supervisors appoints citizens to serve as Commissioners. The Civil Service Commission maintains the integrity of Kern County's Civil Service System. It is an independent ruling body which conducts appeal hearings on disciplinary matters and administers the Rules of the Civil Service System for the benefit of County departments and employees.