REPORT TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Modify the Class Specification for Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) for Calendar Years 2025 and 2026
Report
BACKGROUND
The Human Resources Department proposes to modify the classification (class) specification for Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725). 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.”
DISCUSSION
The City has experienced an ongoing vacancy rate (38%) in the Communications Center in the Police Department. The Police Department has explored various recruitment efforts to attract and retain candidates in the Public Safety Dispatching series. There are currently two (2) vacancies in the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) classification. The Department asked employees within the Communications Center if they were interested in this promotional opportunity. No internal candidates expressed interest in this promotional opportunity. In an effort to recruit candidates, the Human Resources Department and Police Department coordinated to update the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) classification on a one-time basis for the calendar 2025.
The Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) is proposed to be updated on a one-time basis (for the duration of calendar year 2025) to remove the requirement of three (3) years of experience with the City of Santa Clara Police Department. This will allow the Department to recruit external candidates for these positions. The City will post an ongoing recruitment through the remainder of the calendar year, with a list expiration no later than December 2026. After this recruitment concludes, the minimum qualifications will revert back to require the three (3) years of experience with the City of Santa Clara Police Department (beginning in calendar year 2026).
The City coordinated with the Public Safety Non-Sworn Employees Association (Unit 10) to enter into a Side Letter Agreement to make this change.
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 Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) class specifications for calendar years 2025 and 2026
Staff
Reviewed by: Ashley Lancaster, Deputy Director
Approved by: Aracely Azevedo, Director of Human Resources
ATTACHMENTS
1. Class Specification (clean) Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) 2025 Version
2. Class Specification (track changes version) Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) 2025 Version
3. Class Specification (clean) Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) 2026 Version
4. Class Specification (track changes version) Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) 2026 Version