REPORT TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Extend Probationary Period of an Assistant Water and Sanitary Sewer Superintendent
Report
ACTION AND AUTHORITY
The Water & Sewer Utilities Department is requesting to extend the probationary period for an employee based on the authority of the Civil Service Rule 4.20(b), “Any permanent employee who is an applicant for promotion may have their probationary period extended by the Commission to permit the acquisition of required licenses or certificates or completion of training. Regular classified employees may have their probationary period extended by the Commission for reasons of sickness or absence.”
DISCUSSION
An Assistant Water and Sanitary Sewer Superintendent (Employee No. 03917), was promoted on January 21, 2024. This position is subject to a 12-month probationary period that was originally scheduled to end on January 21, 2025.
The required certifications and licenses for the Assistant Water and Sanitary Sewer Superintendent (Job Code 229) classification assigned to the Construction and Operations Division are:
- Required at time of application and for the duration of employment:
o A valid California Class C driver's license, and
o A valid Water Distribution Operators Certificate (Grade D-2 or above), issued by the California Department of Health Services.
- Required within one (1) year of appointment for the duration of employment:
o A valid Water Distribution Operators Certificate (Grade D-3 or above),
o A valid Backflow Prevention Assembly General Tester Certificate issued by the California- Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association, and
o A valid Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist Certificate issued by the California- Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association.
The employee has been able to obtain all the required certifications and licenses, except for the Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist Certificate. The employee has actively been working to secure a test date through the organization; however, there have scheduling delays with the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Therefore, the Department is requesting an extension of the probationary period by approximately six (6) months or until the employee has had at least two (2) opportunities to take the Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist test. The new probation end date will be June 21, 2025 or until at least two (2) testing opportunities have been provided to the employee. If the employee is able to pass the test before June 21, 2025, the employees probation will end at that time.
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 additional cost to the City other than administrative staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Civil Service Commission 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 or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the extension of the probationary period for an Assistant Water and Sanitary Sewer Superintendent (Employee No. 03917) with a new probation end date of June 21, 2025 or until at least two (2) testing opportunities have been provided to the employee
Staff
Reviewed by: Ashley Lancaster, Division Manager, Human Resources
Approved by: Aracely Azevedo, Director, Human Resources