REPORT TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Modify the Class Specification for Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) for Calendar Years 2025 and 2026
Report
BACKGROUND
The Human Resources Department proposes to modify the classification (class) specification for Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725). 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."
DISCUSSION
The City has experienced an ongoing vacancy rate (38%) in the Communications Center in the Police Department. The Police Department has explored various recruitment efforts to attract and retain candidates in the Public Safety Dispatching series. There are currently two (2) vacancies in the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) classification. The Department asked employees within the Communications Center if they were interested in this promotional opportunity. No internal candidates expressed interest in this promotional opportunity. In an effort to recruit candidates, the Human Resources Department and Police Department coordinated to update the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) classification on a one-time basis for the calendar 2025.
The Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Job Code 725) is proposed to be updated on a one-time basis (for the duration of calendar year 2025) to remove the requirement of three (3) years of experience with the City of Santa Clara Police Department. This will allow the Department to recruit external candidates for these positions. The City will post an ongoing recruitment through the remainder of the calendar year, with a list expiration no later than December 2026. After this recruitment concludes, the minimum qualification...
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