REPORT TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Modify the Class Specification and Weighting Plan for Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490) and Add Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490A) Class Specification
Report
BACKGROUND
The Human Resources Department proposes to modify the classification (class) specification for Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490). The request for Commission approval of the modification is based on Personnel & Salary Resolution Sec. 6(d) which states, “Classification specifications for positions in the Classified Service must first be approved and adopted by the City of Santa Clara Civil Service Commission before they may be approved and adopted by the City Council.”
The Human Resources Department requests Commission approval of a modification to the examination weighting plan for Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490)
to remove the written exam and replace it with a performance exam weighted at 50% performance exam and 50% oral board exam. This request is based on the authority of Civil Service Rule 3.1, “The Commission shall determine whether the examination shall consist of a written, oral, or performance, or psychological, investigative, physical test, or any combination thereof, and shall indicate the procedure in the announcement.” This request has been coordinated with the Parks and Recreation Department.
DISCUSSION
The Human Resources Department and Parks & Recreation Department coordinated to update the Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490) class specification. The primary purpose of the classification update was to merge the Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490) and Cemetery Worker II (Job Code 295) classifications into one classification titled Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490). Merging the classifications will assist with staffing capacity and will allow incumbents to cross train across the Department. The Cemetery Worker II (Job Code 295) classification will be deleted. There are no employees in the Cemetery Worker II (Job Code 295) classification. As employees are hired, rehired, or promoted, they will be placed into the Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490) classification.
Revisions to the classification include updates throughout the classification including adding the Class Summary section, Distinguishing Characteristics section, and updates to the Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections. The Minimum Qualifications section has been updated to clarify the required licenses and certifications.
Additionally, there are six (6) incumbents in the Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490) classification that will be grandfathered into the existing classification. It is proposed the existing classification be renumbered to Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490A). Current incumbents will be moved to this classification. This classification will be considered a terminal classification, meaning no employees will be hired, rehired, and/or promoted into this classification.
The revisions to the class specification were reviewed with the impacted bargaining group.
Additionally, the City is requesting to update the weighting plan from a 50% written exam and 50% oral board exam to a 50% performance exam and 50% oral board exam. Replacing the written examination with a hands on practical will better assess the skills of the candidates ability to perform tasks on the job. This will align with the testing process for the Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 385) which is a 100% performance examination.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to revising the class specification.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the modified Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490) and Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490A) class specifications and modify the weighting plan to 50% performance exam and 50% oral board exam
Staff
Reviewed by: Ashley Lancaster, Human Resources Deputy Director
Approved by: Aracely Azevedo, Director of Human Resources
ATTACHMENTS
1. Class Specification (clean) Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490)
2. Class Specification (track changes version) Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490)
3. Class Specification (clean) Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490A)
4. Class Specification (track changes version) Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490A)