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DATE: December 20, 2010
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council through City M_ a
FROM: Pamala Stephens, Human Resources Manager /-'
SUBJECT: Resolution Amending the Classification Plan by. Establishing the New
Classification and Pay Range of Senior Laboratory Analyst and Abolishing the
Classification of Senior Environmental Chemist.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution Amending the
Classification : and.Compensation Plan by Establishing the New Classification and Pay Range of
Senior Laboratory Analyst and Abolishing the Classification of Senior Environmental Chemist.
BACKGROUND
Human Resources staff conducts review of classification specifications on an on- going basis to
ensurerthey are current and relevant. Following the recent resignation of the incumbent, Human
Resources staff reviewed "the classification of Senior Environmental Chemist. It was determined
that the classification specification required revising and replacement with a Senior Laboratory
Analyst classification.
The Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility opened in January'of 2009'. Class specifications for the
work performed atthe. Facility were developed and established without the benefit of
experienced, on -site incumbents. We now have the opportunity to consider actual work
performed in the positions when reviewing classifications.
DISCUSSION -
The Water Resources and Conservation Department and Human Resources staff recently
reviewed "the actual work performed. by the Senior Erivironmental'Chemist and recommend the
classificat on;be.replaced with the classification specification of'Semor Laboratory Analyst. The
classification of Senior Environmental Chemist indicates that complex analytical procedures
involving :chemical preparation of samples (extractions) and the operation of sophisticated
iristrunientation ,performed. This work is not performed at the Ellis Creek Water Recycling
Facility. In that the -actual work performed is advanced chemical and physical laboratory
analyses at the City's water qualitylaboratory, we are recommending the referenced title change
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City Attorney Finance Director City Manag
and a change in duties eliminating chemical preparation of samples and adding advanced
laboratory analyses.
The essential duties in the position, except the. important difference! noted above, remain the
same. The minimum qualifications have been changed to reflect three years of experience
performing duties as a laboratory analyst or equivalent is required, as opposed to requiring three
years of experience performing duties us a chemist. There is no recommended change in the
salary range.
FINANCIAL, IMPACTS
The annual salary for the position'of Senior Laboratory Analyst is the same as that of the Senior
Environmental Chemist position, which is $75,150.40. Replacingthe classification does not
affect the salary level. The City currently has one vacant Senior Environmental Chemist
position. If approved, a recruitment to fill the proposed Senior Laboratory Analyst position will
be undertaken.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. 2010- N.C.S.
of the City. of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION
PLAN BY ESTABLISHING THE NEW CLASSIFICATION AND PAY RANGE
OF SENIOR LABORATORY ANALYST AND ABOLISHING THE
CLASSIFICATION OF SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMIST
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 classification of Senior
Laboratory Analyst (as attached hereto and marked Exhibit A); and
WHEREAS, the pay range for the classification of Senior Laboratory Analyst as
listed below is hereby effective with the adoption of this Resolution; and
Laboratory $5,151.47 -$5, 409.73 - $5,680.13 - $5 $6,262.53
Analyst.
WHEREAS, the classification of Senior Environmental Chemist is found to be
unnecessary at the present time and for the foreseeable future.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Petaluma:
1. Approves the amendmentsAo the Classification and Compensation Plan as
written in this Resolution including the amendment in the Competitive
Service of the Personnel System;
2. Takes this action pursuant to Personnel Code 3.04.020 and Personnel
Rules and Regulations (Rule IV- Classification and Rule V —
Compensation) and that notice of this action has been properly posted;
3. Abolishes the classification of Senior Environmental Chemist; and
4. Establishes the classification of Senior Laboratory Analyst in the Water
Resources & Conservation Department effective with the adoption of this
Resolution.
EXHIBIT A
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Senior Laboratory Analyst
CITY OF PETALUMA,
CLASS SPECIFICATION
Date: 12/20/10
Job Class 04XXX
Summary
Collect samples; perform laboratory chemical and biological analyses on water, wastewater, recycled
water, biosolids, landfill leachate, stormwater, river water, and industrial wastes; perform complex field
and laboratory investigations to diagnose and resolve both in- laboratory and field problems..
Class Characteristics
This is a specialized professional level class for the technical laboratory function within the City's Water
Resources and Conservation Department. An incumbent in this class performs a variety of advanced chemical
and physical laboratory analyses of water, wastewater, stormwater, sludges and soils at the City's water quality
laboratory., An incumbent in this class works under the general supervision of the Environmental Services
Supervisor:
This class can be distinguished from the lower -level class of Laboratory Analyst in that the former class
performs the most advanced testing procedures and has greater record keeping and reporting responsibilities,
including quality assurance and quality control. This class can be distinguished from the higher -level class of
Environmental Services Supervisor in that the incumbent in the latter class has full supervisory responsibilities
over various regulatory programs.
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:
Perform,and analyze standardized and non standardized chemical, biological, and physical testing and analyses
of water; wastewater, recycled water, biosolids, landfill leachate, stormwater, and river water.
Develop and r iaintain the quality assurance /quality control programs as required by the regulations.
Maintain and prepare a variety of technical reports.
Create laboratory tracking mechanisms that meet,regulatory requirements.
Research and develop new tests to analyze water, domestic and industrial wastewater, gases, sludges and soils.
Research and solve chemical matrix problems.
Prepare and standardize chemical reagents and solutions.
Perform collection of wastewater samples from various sources within the wastewater treatment system.
Resolution No. Page 1 of 4
Analyze and trace the sources of undesirable industrial wastes entering the City's wastewater collection system.
Assemble and record test data, prepare draft charts and graphs.
Insure compliance with all requirements of agencies that certify or otherwise permit the City's laboratory
operations.
Manage outside :laboratory analysis program.
Assist in laboratory budget preparation.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Skills /Abilities:
Perform advanced standardized and non standardized laboratory tests involving the chemical, biological and
physical analysis of water and wastewater, recycled water, biosolids,. landfill leachable, stormwater, and river
water.
Analyze and interpret routine test -results; and data.
Read and interpret a variety of meters,: gauges and'recording charts.
Maintain and update routine records and logs.
Follow oral and written directions.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in,the course of the work.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job thei employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and
reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects,
tools, or controls, and will frequently be required to enter data into a terminal, personal computer or keyboard
device and operate office equipment requiring repetitive arm/hand movement. The employee is often required to
climb, ,balance; stoop,.,kneel, ,crouch, or crawl or use the ability to smell. The employee must be able to perform
a moderate amount of physical labor, including having sufficient strength to lift, carry and /or move items up to
50 pounds. Specific "vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision,
peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to hear alarms and
respond to others without being able to see.them performing the duties of this job, the employee is often
exposed to outside weather and wet conditions. Other work conditions include exposure to unpleasant odors,
mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles and moderate noise levels. There is risk of exposure to hazardous
fumes and substances.
Special Physical Requirement:
May be required to wear respiratory protection or other safety equipment, and may be required to wear
foot, eye, and hearing protection.
Resolution No. Page 2 of 4
Qualifications
Knowledge of
Principles of chemistry, biology, and related sciences.
Principles and methods used in chemical, biological, and physical testing and analysis.
Practices and methods of chemical, biochemical and bacteriological testing and analysis.
Chemicals and equipment used in' water quality analysis.
Laboratory and field safety, equipment, material care, and maintenance.
General concepts in the operation; and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater treatment equipment.
Laboratory and plant safety methods and procedures.
Laboratory quality assurance and „quality control methods and procedures.
Various software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, spreadsheets, graphics, audio- visual aids, State Water Board
reporting systems, operational control', and reporting software).
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:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with. major coursework in chemistry, biology,
microbiology, environmental science, or a related field.
Experience:
Three years of experience performing duties as a laboratory analyst or equivalent, in an environmental
laboratory, wastewater'or water treatment plant laboratory, industrial waste inspection facility, and /or closely
related experience...
Licenses /Certificates:
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license with a satisfactory driving record is required.
Possession of a California Water Environment Association Laboratory (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst Grade I
certification at the time of appointment is required.
Possession.of a California Water Environment Association Laboratory (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst Grade II
certification within twelve months of appointment is required.
Resolution No. Page 3 of 4
Additional Requirement
I'•
Must be willing to work outside normal working hours when necessary.
Established: 12/20/10 Res #: 26,10 -XXX N.C.S. .
Department: Water Resources and Conservation
FLSA Status: Non - Exempt
Resolution No. Page 4 of 4 9