REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Approve Various Modifications to Existing Classified Classification Specifications, Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Side Letter Agreement between the City of Santa Clara and the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (Unit 6), and Adopt a Resolution Updating the Classified Salary Plan
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Manage Strategically Our Workforce Capacity and Resources
BACKGROUND
Sections 4 and 6 of the Personnel and Salary Resolution require City Council approval of the creation of new classifications, the combining or other modification of existing classifications, and the deletion of existing classifications.
Modifications to Class Specifications in the Engineering Aide Series
The Department of Public Works, Electric Utility Department, and Water & Sewer Utilities Department coordinated with the Human Resources Department to propose modifications to the following class specifications in the Engineering Aide classification series, consisting of: Engineering Aide (Job Code 460), Engineering Aide (Electric) (Job Code 460A), Engineering Aide - Fiber (Job Code 460F), Senior Engineering Aide (Job Code 745), Principal Engineering Aide (Electric) (Job Code 670), and Principal Engineering Aide (Civil) (Job Code 670A). The principal modifications include: retitling the classifications from Engineering Aide to Engineering Technician throughout the series; aligning the minimum qualification requirements across the lateral general and specialty class specifications; and, adding and defining post-secondary education as a substitution for the Minimum Qualifications/Experience section. The proposed modifications also include other, more minor, administrative revisions.
These modifications were approved by Unit 578 prior to approval by the Civil Service Commission on January 22, 2025.
Modification to Police Training Coordinator Class Specification
The Police Department coordinated with the Human Resources Department to update the class specification for Police Training Coordinator (Job Code 648). The revisions primarily included reducing the experience requirement from five (5) years to two (2) years of experience to assist in broadening the candidate pool. Additional administrative revisions were made throughout the class specification.
These modifications were approved by Unit 578 prior to approval by the Civil Service Commission on February 13, 2025.
Side Letter Agreement between the City of Santa Clara and the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (Unit 6) that modifies the class specifications for the Grounds Maintenance Worker series
The Grounds Maintenance Worker I/II/III series was updated to incorporate duties from the Cemetery Worker I/II/III series to allow for additional cross-training opportunities, meet staffing capacity, and allow incumbents to gain additional experience to assist with promotional advancement. Additionally, the classification revisions included updates to the Minimum Qualification section and administrative revisions throughout the class specifications. These modifications were approved by the Civil Service Commission on February 13, 2025.
Through a Side Letter Agreement with the City of Santa Clara and the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, Local 101 (Unit 6), the Department of Parks & Recreation coordinated with the Human Resources Department to propose modifications to the following class specifications in the Grounds Maintenance Worker classification series: Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 485), Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490), and Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495). Current employees in the classifications will be grandfathered into the current classification which will be renumbered on a temporary basis to Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 485A), Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490A), and Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495A). These temporary (“terminal”) classifications will be eliminated once they are vacated by the incumbents through promotion or attrition. Additionally, this would delete the Cemetery Worker I (Job Code 290), Cemetery Worker II (Job Code 295), and Cemetery Worker III (Job Code 300) class specifications as these job duties are absorbed into the Grounds Maintenance Worker classification.
Adopt Updated Classified Salary Plan
The classified salary plan is being updated to reflect the retitle, addition, and deletion of classifications on the Classified Salary Plan. The Building/Inspector (Job Code 254) classification is being deleted from the salary plan as it is obsolete and not budgeted.
DISCUSSION
Modifications to Class Specifications in the Engineering Aide Series
The Department of Public Works, Electric Utility Department, and Water & Sewer Utilities Department coordinated with the Human Resources Department to update the classification specifications for the Engineering Aide series, to retitle the positions as Engineering Technician (Job Code 460), Engineering Technician (Electric) (Job Code 460A), Engineering Technician (Fiber) (Job Code 460F), Senior Engineering Technician (Job Code 745), Principal Engineering Technician (Electric) (Job Code 670), and Principal Engineering Technician (Civil) (Job Code 670A). The requested approval does not modify the salary ranges for these classifications.
Engineering Technician (Job Code 460) with an annual salary range of $84,623.16 - $108,190.56. This is an entry-level classification in the paraprofessional Engineering Technician series. An incumbent in this classification performs routine technical office and field work in support of various engineering projects and may be assigned to various departments including the Water and Sewer Utilities Department or the Department of Public Works.
Engineering Technician (Electric) (Job Code 460A) with an annual salary range of $84,623.16 - $108,190.56. This is an entry-level classification in the paraprofessional Engineering Technician series. An incumbent in this classification performs routine technical office and field work in support of various engineering projects in the Electric Utility Department.
Engineering Technician (Fiber) (Job Code 460F) with an annual salary range of $84,623.16 - $108,190.56. This is an entry-level classification in the paraprofessional Engineering Technician series. An incumbent in this classification performs routine technical office and field work in support of various projects as generated by the Electric Utility (Silicon Valley Power) Fiber Enterprise Program.
Senior Engineering Technician (Job Code 745) with an annual salary range of $100,518.12 - $128,189.88. This is the intermediate classification in the paraprofessional Engineering Technician series. Incumbents are responsible for the preparation of complex exhibits, plans, engineering calculations, and cost estimates.
Principal Engineering Technician (Electric) (Job Code 670) - with an annual salary range of $110,602.20 - $141,461.52. This is an advanced level classification in the paraprofessional Engineering Aide Technician series. Incumbents in this classification perform duties involving design work and the performance of the highest level of paraprofessional engineering work for the electric utility.
Principal Engineering Technician (Civil) (Job Code 670A) - with an annual salary range of $110,602.20 - $141,461.52. This is an advanced level classification in the paraprofessional Engineering Aide Technician series. Incumbents in this classification perform duties involving design work and the performance of the highest level of paraprofessional engineering work for the Department of Public Works and/or the Water & Sewer Utilities Department.
Modification to Police Training Coordinator Class Specification
The Police Department coordinated with the Human Resources Department to update the class specification for Police Training Coordinator (Job Code 648).
Police Training Coordinator (Job Code 648) - with an annual salary range of $95,863.92 - $122,040.48. This is a single incumbent classification that works with staff to identify training needs and opportunities within the Police Department, including scheduling training activities and functions, ensuring compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, as well as department policies and procedures, and maintaining records related to the program.
Side Letter Agreement between the City of Santa Clara and the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (Unit 6) that modifies the class specifications for the Grounds Maintenance Worker series
Per the proposed Side Letter Agreement, the Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 485), Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490), and Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495) class specifications were updated to incorporate the Cemetery Worker series duties. The Cemetery Worker I/II/III series will become obsolete and be deleted from the salary plan. Current employees in the Grounds Maintenance Worker I/II/III series will be grandfathered in and moved to the terminal classifications of Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 485A), Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490A), and Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495A). The requested approval does not modify the salary range for these classifications.
Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 485) - with an annual salary range of $75,431.88 - $96,559.92. This is an entry level classification in the Grounds Maintenance Worker series. Incumbents in this classification perform duties involving construction and maintenance of public landscaped areas.
Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 485A) - with an annual salary range of $75,431.88 - $96,559.92. This is an entry level classification in the Grounds Maintenance Worker series. Incumbents in this classification perform duties involving construction and maintenance of public landscaped areas. 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, and will be eliminated when the last incumbent vacates the position.
Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490) - with an annual salary range of $79,139.04 - $101,395.20. This is an intermediate-level classification in the Grounds Maintenance Worker series. Incumbents in this classification perform more complex duties with a greater degree of independence within the Parks & Recreation Department.
Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490A) - with an annual salary range of $79,139.04 - $101,395.20. This is an intermediate-level classification in the Grounds Maintenance Worker series. Incumbents in this classification perform more complex duties with a greater degree of independence within the Parks & Recreation Department. 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, and will be eliminated when the last incumbent vacates the position.
Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495) - with an annual salary range of $83,168.52 - $106,230.60. This is a supervisory-level classification in the Grounds Maintenance Worker series. Incumbents in this classification primarily responsible for the lead supervision of a small crew of workers and participation in the construction and maintenance of public landscape areas and park facilities.
Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495A) - with an annual salary range of $83,168.52 - $106,230.60. This is a supervisory-level classification in the Grounds Maintenance Worker series. Incumbents in this classification primarily responsible for the lead supervision of a small crew of workers and participation in the construction and maintenance of public landscape areas and park facilities. This classification will be considered a terminal classification, meaning no employees will be hired, rehired, and/or promoted into this classification, and will be eliminated when the last incumbent vacates the position.
Adopt Updated Classified Salary Plan
The updated classification salary plan reflects the retitle of the following classifications:
• Engineering Technician (Job Code 460)
• Engineering Technician (Electric) (Job Code 460A)
• Engineering Technician (Fiber) (Job Code 460F)
• Senior Engineering Technician (Job Code 745)
• Principal Engineering Technician (Electric) (Job Code 670)
• Principal Engineering Technician (Civil) (Job Code 670A)
The updated classification salary plan reflects the addition of the following classifications:
• Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 485A)
• Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490A)
• Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495A)
The updated classification salary plan reflects the deletion of the following obsolete classifications:
• Building/Housing Inspector (Job Code 254)
• Cemetery Worker I (Job Code 290)
• Cemetery Worker II (Job Code 295)
• Cemetery Worker III (Job Code 300)
The Building/Inspector (Job Code 254) classification is being deleted from the salary plan as it is obsolete and not budgeted. The Department utilizes the Housing Inspector (Job Code 500) to perform this body of work.
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 from these revised class specifications.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department and City Attorney’s Office.
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
1. Approve various modifications to the classification plan, as follows, as detailed in the corresponding Class Specification attachments:
a. Approve the Modifications to the Engineering Aide Series (retitled to Engineering Technician series), Job Codes 460, 460A, 460F, 745, 670, and 670A
b. Approve the Modifications to the Police Training Coordinator specification, Job Code 648
c. Approve the Modifications to the Grounds Maintenance Worker Series, Job Codes 480, 485, and 490
d. Approve the Addition of Terminal Classifications in the Grounds Maintenance Worker Series, Job Codes 480A, 485A, and 490A.
e. Approve the Deletion of the Cemetery Worker Series, Job Codes 290, 295, and 300
f. Approve the Deletion of the Building/Housing Inspector Classification, Job Code 254
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Side Letter Agreement between the City of Santa Clara and the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, Local 101 (Unit 6) that modifies the class specifications for the Grounds Maintenance Worker series; and
3. Adopt a Resolution to approve the revised salary plan for classified positions to satisfy the requirements of California Code of Regulations Section 570.5, effective March 2, 2025.
Staff
Reviewed by: Aracely Azevedo, Director, Human Resources
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Class Specification (clean), Engineering Technician (Job Code 460)
2. Class Specification (track changes), Engineering Technician (Job Code 460)
3. Class Specification (clean), Engineering Technician (Electric) (Job Code 460A)
4. Class Specification (track changes), Engineering Technician (Electric) (Job Code 460A)
5. Class Specification (clean), Engineering Technician (Fiber) (Job Code 460F)
6. Class Specification (track changes), Engineering Technician (Fiber) (Job Code 460F)
7. Class Specification (clean), Senior Engineering Technician (Job Code 745)
8. Class Specification (track changes) Senior Engineering Technician (Job Code 745)
9. Class Specification (clean), Principal Engineering Technician (Electric) (Job Code 670)
10. Class Specification (track changes), Principal Engineering Technician (Electric) (Job Code 670)
11. Class Specification (clean), Principal Engineering Technician (Civil) (Job Code 670A)
12. Class Specification (track changes), Principal Engineering Technician (Civil) (Job Code 670A)
13. Class Specification (clean), Police Training Coordinator (Job Code 648)
14. Class Specification (track changes), Police Training Coordinator (Job Code 648)
15. Class Specification (clean), Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 485)
16. Class Specification (track changes), Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 485)
17. Class Specification (clean), Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 485A)
18. Class Specification (track changes), Grounds Maintenance Worker I (Job Code 485A)
19. Class Specification (clean), Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490)
20. Class Specification (track changes), Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490)
21. Class Specification (clean), Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490A)
22. Class Specification (track changes), Grounds Maintenance Worker II (Job Code 490A)
23. Class Specification (clean), Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495)
24. Class Specification (track changes), Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495)
25. Class Specification (clean), Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495A)
26. Class Specification (track changes), Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495A)
27. Side Letter - Unit 6 Grounds Maintenance Worker
28. Resolution for Updated Classified Salary Plan (effective 03-02-2025)
29. Classified Salary Plan eff. 03-02-2025 (for Council 02-25-2025)