REPORT TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Modify Class Specification and Examination Weighting for Tree Trimmer II
Report
BACKGROUND
The Human Resources Department coordinated with the Public Works Department to modify the class specification and propose a modification of the examination weighting for the Tree Trimmer II classification based on the authority of Personnel & Salary Resolution, Sec. 6(d), "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" and 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."
DISCUSSION
The Public Works Department conducted two Tree Trimmer II recruitments within the last year and have been unsuccessful in filling their vacancies. In an attempt to broaden the candidate pool, the Commission approved modifications to the minimum qualifications at the May 13, 2019 Civil Service Commission meeting. The revisions approved at the meeting included modifications to the Licenses and/or Certificate section that was updated to require a valid Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) within 12 months of appointment, allowing the applicant to obtain the necessary licensure during his/her probationary window.
With these revisions, the Department has continued to face recruitment challenges. In the most recent recruitment, 6 out of 21 applicants met the minimum qualifications. Of those 6 applicants, 3 candidates took the written exam and the 1 candidate who passed withdrew from the recruitment process. The proposed revisions include allowing candidates to obtain their Class A or B Commercial driver's license within 12 months of appointment. Additional...
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