REPORT TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Adjust the Examination Weighting Plan for Electric Utility Electrician (Job Code 885) to 50% Written Exam and 50% Performance Exam on an Ongoing Basis
Report
BACKGROUND
The Human Resources Department requests Commission approval of a modification to the examination weighting plan for Electric Utility Electrician (Job Code 885). 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 Electric Department/Silicon Valley Power (SVP).
DISCUSSION
The Human Resources Department in coordination with Silicon Valley Power (SVP) is recommending modifications to the examination weighting plan for Electric Utility Electrician (Job Code 885) on an ongoing basis. Currently, the Electric Utility Electrician (Job Code 885) 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 50% written examination and 50% performance examination. The position requires the incumbent to perform hands-on skilled electrical and mechanical work on City electrical equipment and facilities; therefore, implementing a performance examination will assess the candidate’s hands-on skill set. Candidates who rank on the eligible will still be invited to participate in an oral board interview at the Department level, but it will not be counted towards their rank on the eligible list.
Implementing a performance examination would provide the City a more substantive and concreate assessment of the candidates ability to perform the job duties. During the performance examination, the Department would assess the 4 written examination components through a series of hands-on exercises that more closely align to actual day-to-day work of the position. The performance examination would assess the candidate’s ability to perform Electrician duties in a mock testing environment. Performance examination components would include assessment of the following tasks: 1) tool identification, 2) creation of an electrical schematic for motor controls, 3) wiring electrical components for motor controls, and 4) troubleshooting a motor control board. A performance examination would allow the Department to assess the candidates’ quality and neatness of work, ability to use proper safety practices and techniques, and assess candidates on current electrical industry standards.
It should be noted the City is in progress with a current Electric Utility Electrician (Job Code 885) recruitment, which has been thus far unsuccessful. The Department currently has 4 vacancies. In the first application review round, the City received 48 applications. 16 applicants did not possess proof of certification as a journey level electrician, or proof of completion of a formal electrician apprenticeship, or proof of completion of a formal electrician or equivalent training program. 7 candidates were screened out due to an incomplete application and 12 candidates were screened out because they did not possess experience maintaining high voltage substation equipment, power generation equipment or industrial manufacturing facilities. 13 candidates met the minimum qualifications and were invited to take the written examination. Of the 13 candidates invited to test 4 did not pass the test and 6 candidates did not sign up or were a no-show to the examination. 3 candidates passed the written test and were invited to interview. 1 candidate did not show up, 1 candidate failed the oral board examination, and 1 candidate made it on the eligible list and is being considered for the position.
The recruitment was posted as continuous and recently closed. There are approximately 30 new applications being reviewed and were received after the initial application review date. The City will finalize the recruitment process for the additional applicants following the existing weighting plan. Pending the outcome of the existing recruitment, the Department will intend to post a new Electric Utility Electrician (Job Code 885) recruitment this year using the proposed revised weighting plan. The City will also be working with the test vendor to update the written examination, which takes about four (4) months to complete.
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 and Department interview.
There are no recommended changes to the class specification for Electric Utility Electrician (Job Code 885).
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 50% written examination and 50% performance examination for Electric Utility Electrician (Job Code 885) on an ongoing basis
Staff
Reviewed by: Ashley Lancaster, Division Manager Human Resources
Approved by: Aracely Azevedo, Director of Human Resources