REPORT TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Modify the Class Specification and Weighting Plan for Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495) and Add Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495A) Class Specification
Report
BACKGROUND
The Human Resources Department proposes to modify the classification (class) specification for Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495). 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 III (Job Code 495)
to remove the written exam and replace it with an oral board exam weighted at 100%. 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 III (Job Code 495) class specification. The primary purpose of the classification update was to merge the Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495) and Cemetery Worker III (Job Code 300) classifications into one classification titled Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495). Merging the classifications will assist with staffing capacity and will allow incumbents to cross train across the Department. The Cemetery Worker III (Job Code 300) classification will be deleted. There is one (1) incumbent in the Cemetery Worker III (Job Code 300) classification and they will be placed in the Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495) classification. As employees are hired, rehired, or promoted, they will be placed into the Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495) 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 expand the type of experience required and clarify the required licenses and certifications.
There are seven (7) incumbents in the Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495) classification and they will be grandfathered into the existing classification. It is proposed that the existing classification be renumbered to Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495A). 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.
These revisions to update 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 100% oral board exam. This is a supervisory position and will be responsible for supervising the work of Grounds Maintenance Workers. Generally, this is a promotional recruitment and the oral board examination will be more important for assessing supervising and advanced soft skills that are needed for this position. This will also align with the testing requirements of similar classified positions in other Departments, such as Street Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 813).
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 III (Job Code 495) and Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495A) class specifications and modify the weighting plan to 100% 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 III (Job Code 495)
2. Class Specification (track changes version) Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495)
3. Class Specification (clean) Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495A)
4. Class Specification (track changes version) Grounds Maintenance Worker III (Job Code 495A)