Which of the following positions is included in the classified service?

The deputy county assessor is included in the classified service because this position is typically governed by civil service rules and regulations, which maintain standards of merit and fitness for public employment. The classified service includes positions that are filled through a competitive exam process, aiming to ensure that hiring practices are fair, based on qualifications, and devoid of political influence.

In contrast, the municipal tax assessor (the first option) is often considered an unclassified position, which may be appointed based on political affiliation or other factors unrelated to a merit-based system. The head of the department of taxation (the last option) usually serves in an unclassified role as well, often appointed by higher officials like the governor or a mayor, and is not subject to the same civil service protections or hiring practices. The janitor in a municipal building is generally a classified position, but it does not carry the same level of responsibility or requirement for specialized knowledge that characterizes the role of a deputy county assessor. Thus, the deputy county assessor stands out as a clear example of a position within the classified service framework.