HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 5.C 10/20/2014Agenda Item #5.0
R A L U.Lr
a0�
Zg58
DATE: October 20, 2014`
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council though City Manager
FROM: Larry Anderson, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Resolution Amending the Classification and Compensation Plan by Revising the
Classification Specifications of Fire Battalion Chief, Fire Battalion Chief— EMS
and Fire Engineer in the Fire Department and Changing the Title of Fire Battalion
Chief — EMS to Fire Battalion Chief — Fire Administration
1I—RWI ►A-0 U�1Y.We o
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution Amending the
Classification and Compensation Plan by Revising the Classification Specifications of Fire
Battalion Chief, Fire Battalion Chief — EMS and Fire Engineer in the Fire Department and
Changing the Title of Fire Battalion Chief— EMS to Fire Battalion Chief— Fire Administration.
BACKGROUND
In preparation for an upcoming promotional recruitment, the Fire Department and Human
Resources reviewed the job descriptions for Fire Battalion Chief and Fire Battalion Chief —
EMS. It was determined there were inconsistencies between the two job descriptions and
between the internal and external qualification standards. An evaluation also indicated that a
bachelor's degree should be the minimum educational requirement in lieu of the former associate
degree.
In a separate review process, the Fire Department determined that the requirement for
certification as an Emergency Medical Technician should be included in the job description for
Fire Engineer because the certification is currently a job requirement.
[70911=111 I
Actine Battalion Chief Reouirement
Currently, the Fire Battalion Chief job description states that internal applicants must have
completed the Petaluma Fire Department's Acting Battalion Chief program, but external
applicants do not have the sante requirement. The proposed changes are to amend the language
so that external applicants are also required to have experience as an Acting Battalion Chief in
their respective agencies. Also, the Fire Battalion Chief — EMS job description did not have the
Acting Battalion Chief requirement listed so the language will be added there as well.
Fire Battalion Chief— EMS —title change
The Fire Department would like to change the title of Fire Battalion Chief — EMS to Fire
Battalion Chief — Fire Administration. There are no proposed changes to the job duties but this
title is more reflective of the role.
Degree Requirements for Battalion Chief
An associate degree is currently listed as a required job qualification on the Fire Battalion Chief
job description and as a desirable qualification on the Fire Battalion Chief — EMS job
description. All Battalion Chiefs with the City of Petaluma must obtain their Chief Fire Officer
certification within two years of appointment, which is very difficult to accomplish without an
associate degree. The proposal is to elevate the educational requirement on both job descriptions
and require applicants hold a bachelor's degree instead..
Fire Engineer — add EMT certification requirement
The requirement to be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) does not appear on
the Fire Engineer job description. It is ajob requirement and therefore the language needs to be
added.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
There are no financial impacts with these adoptions.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. Fire Battalion Chief Job Description (Exhibit A)
3. Fire Battalion Chief—Fire Administration Job Description (Exhibit B)
4. Fire Engineer Job Description (Exhibit C)
Resolution No. 2014 -XXX N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION
PLAN BY REVISING THE CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATIONS OF FIRE
BATTALION CHIEF, FIRE BATTALION CHIEF — EMS AND FIRE ENGINEER
IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND CHANGING THE TITLE OF FIRE
BATTALION CHIEF — EMS TO FIRE BATTALION CHIEF — FIRE
WHEREAS, the City wishes to keep current its Classification and Compensation
Plan and amendments and/or revisions to the Classification and Compensation Plan are
effective upon approval by the City Council; and,
WHEREAS, the City Manager/Personnel Officer has determined that certain
duties and responsibilities are appropriately allocated to the classifications of Fire
Battalion Chief, Fire Battalion Chief — EMS and Fire Engineer (as attached hereto and
marked Exhibits A. B & Q and,
WHEREAS, the City Manager/Personnel Officer wishes to eliminate
inconsistencies found in the two Battalion Chief job descriptions related to the internal
and external qualification standards related to promotional opportunities as well as the
minimum educational requirement; and,
WHEREAS, the City Manager/Personnel Officer would like to change the title of
Fire Battalion Chief — EMS to Fire Battalion Chief — Fire Administration as this title is
more reflective of the role; and,
WHEREAS, the City Manager/Personnel Officer wishes to include the
requirement for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician in the job description
for Fire Engineer as the certification is a job requirement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Petaluma:
1. Approves the amendments to the Classification and Compensation Plan as
written in this Resolution, including the amendments in the Competitive
Service of the Personnel System as noted above.
2. Takes this action pursuant to Personnel Code 3.04.020 and Personnel
Rules and Regulations (Rule W -Classification and Rule V -Compensation)
and that the notice of this action has been properly posted.
r'-
EXHIBIT A
Fire Battalion Chief
CITY OF PETALUNIA
CLASS SPECIFICATION
Date: 10/20/14
Job Class: IOFIBC
Summary
Plan, assign and direct both emergency and non -emergency activities for his/her shift; command
emergency response scenes; plan, organize and direct the activities and programs of a
division/shift within the Fire Department; provide administration assistance for overall
department operations.
Class Characteristics
General direction is provided by the Fire Chief; responsibilities include the direct and indirect
supervision of management, professional, technical and support services positions.
Essential Duties, Skills and Demands of the Position
The ditties, skills, and demands described here are represeniatire for those that mast be met by
an employee to szrccessfidly perform the essential finetions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential
ditties, skills and demands.
Duties:
Plan, organize, coordinate, administer, direct and evaluate the work of staff in a division/shift.
Supervise multi -company response to emergency fire, medical aid, hazardous material, rescue
and other situations and direct stations responding to the emergency; relieve subordinate officers
of command upon arrival and assess emergency situation requesting additional companies as
appropriate.
Direct and coordinate the location and wort: of incoming companies; brief Fire Chief on the
situation, explain strategy and tactics being employed; confer on and coordinate station
operations and personnel issues with Fire Chief and Fire Captains; maintain command of
emergency operations until relieved by Fire Chief.
Plan and supervise a specialized area of the department such as training or maintenance and
upkeep of equipment and apparatus; participate in fire prevention activities: monitor changes in
equipment and methods and recommend the incorporation into department activities.
Develop specific proposals for action on current and future City needs; conduct analytical and
operational studies and prepare recommendations and findings; evaluate public complaints
pertaining to activities or individuals in the department: may direct the investigation within the
department.
Assist in the selection of staff, appraise employee performance and counsel employees regarding
work performance and procedures.
Interpret City regulations, policies. and procedures to staff, maintain records using a computer
and prepare periodic, special, and technical reports relating to assigned area of responsibility.
May be called upon to give staff reports to City Council or management staff, may serve as the
acting Fire Chief as required; act as Fire Department liaison in various city, county and state
committees; perform a variety of public relations and public speaking duties.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities:
Make appropriate plans and tactical decisions in multi -company response situations.
Plan, assign, direct, review, and evaluate the work of others.
Select, train and motivate assigned staff.
Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and supervisory
controls.
Assess emergency incidents and develop, implement, and direct appropriate response strategies.
Develop and conduct classroom and practical training courses and programs.
Render emergency medical care at the basic life support level.
Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials using
a computer.
Operate a variety of tools, equipment, and apparatus used in fire, medical, and other emergency
response.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the
work.
Phvsical Demands and Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job. the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use
hands to finger, handle, or feel, and tall: or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach
with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The
employee must frequently lift and/or move weight up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities
required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth
perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is
IJ
frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to
furies or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Qualifications
Knowledee of:
Supervisory principles and practices, including work organization and delegation, employee
supervision, training and evaluation.
Principles, techniques, materials, equipment, strategy, and tactics used in fire suppression,
investigation, prevention, and incident command.
Principles and practices of providing emergency medical response.
Hazardous material and chemical spill response.
Applicable state and federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations.
Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work.
Geographical layout of the City and location of various fire suppression utilities.
Basic computer report production techniques.
Budget and financial planning.
Strategic planning.
Special Reouirement:
Must pass and maintain physical requirements as specified by the City and be able to wear self-
contained breathing apparatus.
Education and Experience:
Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required
knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities
would be:
Education:
Coursework, training, and or certificates from the California Specialized Training Institute
(CSTI), California State Fire Marshal Training curriculum or other accredited training
consortium in subjects related to fire command, hazardous materials, supervision, lire
prevention, fire investigation, emergency medical response, emergency management and/or other
general management skills is desirable.
Effective December 31, 3016, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college, with major work
in health care, lire science, fire administration, public or business administration or related field
is required by time of appointment. For individuals appointed prior to December 31, 3016. a
bachelor's degree from an accredited college, with major wort: in health care, fire science, fire
.1
administration, public or business administration or related field is required prior to the
completion of the probationary period as a condition of continued employment.
Experience:
Three years of municipal fire experience at the Fire Captain level and has served in the capacity
of Acting Fire Battalion Chief.
Certificates/Licenses:
At the time of application must possess a Fire Officer Certificate or out-of-state equivalent.
A Chief Officer Certificate is required within two (2) years of appointment as a condition of
continued employment. Effective December 31, 2016, a Chief Officer Certificate is required
prior to the completion of the probationary period as a condition of continued employment.
Possession of a valid Class C driver's license.
Current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, either through the National Registry
EMT or State of California. Must maintain local certification requirements.
Revised: 10/20/14 - Resolution 2014-xxx N.C.S.
Revised: 01/05/09 — Resolution 2009-002 N.C.S.
Revised: 06/05/06 — Resolution 2006-095 N.C.S.
Established: 03/90 —Resolution 1990-147 N.C.S.
Department: Fire
FLSA Status: Exempt
i
EXHIBIT B
CITY OF PETALUMA
CLASS SPECIFICATION
Date: 10/20/14
Job Class: IOFIBM
Fire Battalion Chief — Fire Administration
Summary
Plan, organize, evaluate and direct the emergency medical services and emergency medical
transportation service programs; command emergency response scenes; provide administration
assistance for overall department operations including personnel management, strategic
planning, budget management and expenditure control.
Class Characteristics
General direction is provided by the Fire Chief, responsibilities include the direct and indirect
supervision of management, professional, technical and support services positions.
This single class is a forty-liour per week position that is responsible for the emergency medical
services program within the Fire Department. May assume fire suppression command
responsibilities.
Essential Duties, Skills and Demands of the Position
The duties, skills, and demands described here are representative for those that must be met by
an employee to successfully peuform the esseuutial functions of this job. Reasonable
acconuunodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability, to peufornu the essential
duties, skills and demands.
Duties:
Plan, organize, evaluate, and direct the department's emergency medical services (EMS)
program that includes Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) pre -hospital
medical services and ambulance transportation.
Coordinate and direct the Quality Assurance and Continuing Quality Improvement Program to
ensure system effectiveness and continual improvement of the program.
Ensure personnel meet EMS education, training, and certification standards.
Review, revise, conduct, coordinate, and schedule various trainings.
Oversee and manage procurement of EMS supplies and equipment; maintain adequate inventory
control and records of pharmaceuticals to comply with applicable rules and regulations.
Prepare and maintain required reports and records as mandated by local, county, state and/or
federal requirements; serve as the department's I-lealth Insurance Portability and Accountability
c`
Act (HIPAA) officer.
Act as liaison with local and state regulatory agencies, hospital personnel, medical billing
contractors, paramedic trainers, City departments, other fire agencies, and the public in the
course of managing the EMS program.
Develop and manage program budget and cost center; provide oversight of the fee for service,
billing, and collection process.
Investigate and respond to complaints.
Serve as the required Infection Control Officer and oversee the department's infection control
program.
Supervise multi -company response to emergency fire, medical aid, hazardous material, rescue
and other situations and direct stations responding to the emergency.
Direct and coordinate the location and work of incoming companies; brief Fire Chief on the
situation, explain strategy and tactics being employed; confer on and coordinate station
operations and personnel issues with Fire Chief and Fire Captains; maintain command of
emergency operations.
Develop specific proposals for action on current and future City needs; conduct analytical and
operational studies and prepare recommendations and findings.
Assist in the selection of staff, appraise employee performance and counsel employees regarding
work performance and procedures.
hiterpret City regulations, policies, and procedures to staff; maintain records using a computer
and prepare periodic, special, and technical reports.
May be called upon to give staff reports to City Council or management staff; may serve as the
acting Fire Chief, perform a variety of public relations and public speaking duties.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities:
Develop and implement EMS policies and procedures.
Effectively manage and coordinate a comprehensive EMS program.
Make appropriate plans and tactical decisions in multi -company response situations.
Plan. assign, direct, review, and evaluate the work of others.
Select, train, and motivate assigned staff.
to
Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and supervisory
controls.
Assess emergency incidents and develop, implement, and direct appropriate response strategies.
Develop and conduct classroom and practical training courses and programs.
Render emergency medical care at the BLS level.
Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials using
a computer.
Operate a variety of tools, equipment, and apparatus used in fire, medical, and other emergency
response. Skilled in the use of EMS medical equipment.
Learn the geographical layout of the City and locations of various fire suppression utilities.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the
work.
Phvsical Demands and Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use
hands to finger, handle, or feel, and tall: or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach
with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The
employee must frequently lift and/or move weight up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities
required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth
perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is
frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to
fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Qualifications
Knowledae of:
Emergency medical services and emergency medical transportation including BLS and ALS
standards and care delivery systems.
Supervisory principles and practices, including work organization and delegation, employee
supervision, training and evaluation.
Principles, techniques, materials, equipment, strategy, and tactics used in fire suppression,
investigation, prevention, and incident command.
Principles and practices of providing emergency medical response, the incident command system
and structure.
Hazardous material and chemical spill response.
k\
Applicable state and federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations.
Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the workforce.
Basic computer report production techniques.
Budget and financial planning.
Strategic planning.
Education and Experience
tiny combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required
knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities
would be:
Education:
Effective December 31, 2016, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college, with major work
in health care, fire science, fire administration, public or business administration or related field
is required by time of appointment. For individuals appointed prior to December 31, 2016, a
bachelor's degree from an accredited college, with major work in health care, fire science, fire
administration, public or business administration or related field is required prior to the
completion of the probationary period as a condition of employment.
Experience:
Three years of municipal fire experience at the Fire Captain level and has served in the capacity
of Acting Fire Battalion Chief. Experience with and knowledge of ALS ambulance
transportation and operation is highly desirable.
Certificate/Licenses:
At the time of application must possess a Fire Officer Certificate or out-of-state equivalent.
A Chief Officer Certificate is required within two (2) years of appointment as a condition of
continued employment. Effective December 31, 2016, a Chief Officer Certificate is required
prior to the completion of the probationary period as a condition of continued employment.
Current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, either through the National Registry
EMT or State of California. Must maintain local certification requirements.
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license.
tCe
Must pass and maintain physical requirements as specified by the City and be able to wear self-
contained breathing apparatus.
Revised:
10/20/14 — Resolution 2014-xxx N.C.S.
Established:
08/07/06 — Resolution 2006-140 N.C.S.
Department:
Fire
FLSA Status:
Exempt
EXHIBIT C
Fire Engineer
CITY OF PETALUNIA
CLASS SPECIFICATION
Date: 10/20/14
Job Class: 07FIEN
Summary
Operate all fire apparatus and equipment; transport crews to the emergency scene; respond to
fires, medical emergencies and other emergency and non -emergency situations, and take
appropriate action to protect life and property; perform various staff support assignments in
addition to normal emergency response activities.
Class Characteristics
General direction is provided by a company officer; responsibilities may include indirect
supervision of support staff.
Essential Duties, Skills and Demands of the Position
The duties, skills, and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential
duties, skills and demands.
Duties:
Drive fire apparatus to the scene of an emergency, locate apparatus and place it in operation as
directed by fire supervisory staff.
Operate engines by laying hose, calculate and monitor hydraulic conditions, direct engine book -up
and set up, and adjust controls to ensure proper water flow. Operate aerial ladder truck, by
stabilizing truck, and maneuvering, extending and retracting ladder.
Provide medical emergency response including initial patient and situation assessment.
Operate various auxiliary equipment such as lights and power during night-time emergency
response. Set up ladder mount and other water monitors. Use hand and power tools to obtain entry
to buildings, free trapped accident victims, shut off utilities, and provide ventilation.
Clean, service, and ensure operational readiness of vehicles, apparatus, hoses and equipment;
trouble shoot equipment as required.
Participate in specialized rescue operations such as aerial and confined space situations, including
the use of rigging and shoring.
'ktk
Participate in clean-up, salvage, and overhaul operations; clean, service, and ensure operational
readiness of fire vehicles, apparatus, hoses and equipment; assist with the maintenance of station
and facility.
Participate in various staff support assignments including but not limited to: fire prevention,
inspection of commercial and residential property, training and skills improvement, maintenance
of inventory records, scheduled inspection of department equipment and training.
Contain, control, and decontaminate hazardous materials spills.
Work with the community in a variety of educational, public relations and service programs; may
provide CPR training classes as assigned.
May act and perform the duties of a Fire Captain during the absence of a company officer.
Perform all duties of a Firefighter.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities:
Drive and operate fire apparatus in a safe manner.
Maintain and operate such apparatus in the most effective and efficient manner; remain calm,
make sound decisions, and respond appropriately in emergencies.
Render emergency medical care at the basic life-support level.
Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials using
a computer.
Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials using
a computer.
Remain calm, make sound decisions, and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the
work.
Plivsical Demands and Work Environment:
While performing the duties or this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to
finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and tall: or hear. The employee frequently is
required to walls occasionally require to stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift weight in excess of over 150 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision.
peripheral vision, depth perception. and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of
this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is
occasionally exposed to high, precarious places, furnes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic
chemicals; explosives; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, techniques, and apparatus required for fire prevention and suppression.
Principles and techniques of fire apparatus hydraulics.
Principles and practices of providing emergency medical care at the basic life support level.
Operation and maintenance practices and methods for a variety of fire apparatus and equipment.
Applicable local, state and federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations.
Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the workforce.
Geographical layout of the City and location of various fire suppression utilities.
Basic principles and practices of fire suppression and prevention.
Education and Exnerience:
Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required
knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities
would be:
Education:
Equivalent to graduation from high school. Some college level fire science coursework is
desirable.
Experience:
Two years of experience as a Firefighter and/or Firefighter/Paramedic. Some college level fire
science coursework and previous firefighting experience in a volunteer or paid capacity is
required.
Certi fications/Licenses:
Must possess a valid California Class C driver license or higher with a Firefighter Endorsement
at the time of application.
Must possess current certification as a Firefighter 1.
Current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, either through the National Registry
EMIT or State of California. Must maintain local certification requirements.
Must pass and maintain physical requirements as specified by the City and be able to wear self-
contained breathing apparatus.
Must be willing to work shifts as structured in the Fire Department.
Revised: 10/20/14 — Resolution 2014-xxx N.C.S.
Revised: 03/05/12 — Resolution 2012-022 N.C.S.
Established: 03/90 — Resolution 2000-147 N.C.S.
Reformatted: 06/30/06
Department: Fire
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
�I