REPORT TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Adjust the Examination Weighting Plan for Housing Inspector (Job Code 500) on an Ongoing Basis
Report
BACKGROUND
The Human Resources Department requests Commission approval of a modification to the examination weighting plan for Housing Inspector (Job Code 500). 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 Community Development Department.
DISCUSSION
The Human Resources Department in coordination with the Community Development Department is recommending modifications to the examination weighting plan for Housing Inspector (Job Code 500) on an ongoing basis. Currently, the Housing Inspector (Job Code 500) examination weighting plan consists of a 50% written examination and 50% oral board examination. The proposed modification is to make the examination weighting plan a qualifying supplemental and 100% oral board examination.
The City recently conducted a recruitment for Housing Inspector (Job Code 500) which was unsuccessful. During the recruitment process, the City worked with our testing vendor to customize a written exam for Housing Inspector (Job Code 500), as a written examination did not previously exist. The City received a total of 23 applications. 12 candidates did not meet the minimum qualifications or submitted incomplete applications and were screened out. 11 candidates moved forward to the written examination, 4 candidates withdrew from the process and 2 candidates did not pass the written examination. 5 candidates were invited to the oral board examination. At this stage of the process, 2 candidates withdrew, 1 candidate did not pass the oral board examination, and 2 candidates were added to the eligible list.
Although the candidates on the eligible list met the minimum qualifications of the classification, candidates did not possess journey level experience in construction or project management skills, strong communication skills, or strong customer service skills which is expected for incumbents in this classification. The written exam primarily focused on knowledge of building code, plan checking, analytical skills, and mathematics. Although these are important skills for the position, the Department believes they can better assess and gauge construction and project management expertise through the oral board examination process. The oral board examination process will also allow the hiring panel to evaluate the candidates communication skills and customer service abilities. Although knowledge of building code and plan checking is important, the codes may change and employees have access to code books and resources in the course of their work.
If there are any necessary technical knowledge and skills to assess, the Department will have the opportunity to further assess these items through the application supplemental screening questions, oral board examination (first round), and Department (second round) interview.
There are no recommended changes to the class specification for Housing Inspector (Job Code 500).
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 other than 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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the modified weighting plan to 100% oral board examination for Housing Inspector (Job Code 500) on an ongoing basis
Staff
Reviewed by: Ashley Lancaster, Division Manager Human Resources
Approved by: Aracely Azevedo, Director of Human Resources