HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 5.A 03/19/2018DATE
March 19, 2018
Agenda Item #5.A
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council through the City Manager
FROM: Amy Reeve, Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Resolution Amending the Classification and Compensation Plan by Establishing
the Classification and Pay Range of Assistant Fire Chief, Authorizing the Position
Allocation of Assistant Fire Chief, and Eliminating Fire Battalion Chief — Fire
Administration.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution Amending the
Classification and Compensation Plan by Establishing the Classification and Pay Range of
Assistant Fire Chief, Authorizing the Position Allocation of Assistant Fire Chief, and
Eliminating Fire Battalion Chief — Fire Administration.
BACKGROUND
As the Petaluma Fire Department continues to carry out its mission to protect the lives, property,
and the community of the City of Petaluma, many facets of the City are changing. The
population is continuing to increase, as the community develops and grows. At the current rate of
response by fire resources, the department is expected to end 2018 with an increased call volume
of 20% over last year. As the demand for services grow, the need for fire stations, staff,
apparatuses, equipment, training, and leadership will increase.
The classification of Assistant Fire Chief is a newly developed position that will assist in the
increased administrative operations of the Fire Department and serve as second -in -command in
the absence of the Fire Chief. It is proposed that this position absorb and replace 'the current
administrative chief assignment for one Battalion Chief. In addition to the increased demand for
services, the Fire Chief's oversight is spread among the City of Petaluma and the Rancho Adobe
Fire District. The Fire Chief will be providing oversight to Rancho Adobe for eight hours per
week, according to the contract which was recently approved between the agencies. The Rancho
Adobe Fire District has 37 staff members, comprised of full-time, part-time, and volunteer
members, and the City has 65 staff, comprised of full-time and part-time personnel.
The Assistant Fire Chief will support succession planning, improve efficiency, increase
accountability, and enhance the chain of command within the department, in addition to
providing general administrative direction and daily support to the Fire Chief.
DISCUSSION
The current leadership framework of the Fire Department consists of one Fire Battalion Chief —
Fire Administration, one Fire Marshal, three Fire Battalion Chiefs, and nine Captains. A need for
a second in command in the absence of the Fire Chief is necessary due to the expansion of the
Fire Chief's oversight and increased volume in administrative responsibilities. By absorbing the
Fire Battalion Chief — Fire Administration classification, the Assistant Fire Chief classification
will better equip the Fire Department in meeting the increased needs of the City as well as
provide internal stability in carrying out day-to-day operations of the department and establish a
sound leadership structure.
The proposed Assistant Fire Chief classification was evaluated by Bargaining Unit 10, Petaluma
Public Safety Mid -Management Association ("PPSMMA"). PPSMMA has reviewed the job
description and salary recommendation and supports this new classification. It is expected that
the position will be filled through an internal process and any additional costs will be absorbed
within the existing department budget.
Accordingly, it is recommended the City Council establish the classification of Assistant Fire
Chief. The attached position classification summarizes major responsibilities and sets minimum
qualifications. The attached resolution establishes a salary range for the position. In setting a
salary range, both the external market and our internal pay structure are considered. Regarding
the external market, a survey was conducted of comparator public agencies. The recommended
salary range of $125,132.80 to $152,089.60 is slightly below the labor market average. In
comparison, the range for the Fire Battalion Chief — Fire Administration is $118,601.60 to
$144,164.80 per year.
Once the classification is approved, the position allocated, and the salary established, staff will
proceed with internal recruitment, with a goal of completion by May 1, 2018.
FINANCIAL. IMPACTS
The new salary structure includes a 5.5% pay differential between Fire Battalion Chief — Fire
Administration and the proposed Assistant Fire Chief, and ensures the Fire Chief's salary
remains roughly 25% higher. The Fire Department anticipates utilizing the salary for the Fire
Battalion Chief and incoming yearly revenue from the Intergovernmental Transfer Program
("IGT") or the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation Program ("GEMT") to cover the
salary difference of $6,531.20 - $7,924.80.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution and Exhibit A
2
ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. 2018 -XXX N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION
PLAN BY ESTABLISHING THE CLASSIFICATION AND PAY RANGE OF
ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF, AUTHORIZING THE POSITION ALLOCATION OF
ONE (1.0) ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF, AND ELIMINATING ONE (1.0) FIRE
BATTALION CHIEF- FIRE ADMINISTRATION
WHEREAS, the City wishes to keep its Classification and Compensation Plan
current and amendments 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 Assistant
Fire Chief (as attached hereto and marked Exhibit A); and,
WHEREAS, the pay range for the classification of Assistant Fire Chief as listed
below, is hereby recommended, effective with the adoption of this Resolution.
Classification Title
Pay Range Per Month
Assistant Fire Chief
$10,427.73 - $12,674.13
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Petaluma:
Approves the amendment to the Classification and Compensation Plan as
written in this Resolution including the amendment in the Competitive
Service of the Personnel System.
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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 the notice of this action has been properly posted.
3. Authorizes the position allocation of Assistant Fire Chief effective with
the adoption of this Resolution.
4. Eliminates one (1.0) Fire Battalion Chief — Fire Administration position.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by Approved as to
the Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 19th day of form:
March, 2018, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Mayor
City Attorney
S
EXHIBIT A
p, L U
CITY OF PETALUMA
CLASS SPECIFICATION
Date: 03/19/2018
z s $ Job Class: l OASFC
Assistant Fire Chief
Summary
Plan, operate, assign and manage both emergency and non -emergency activities for the Fire
Department; supervise assigned personnel; perform emergency command and control functions;
plan, organize and direct the activities and programs of the Fire Department; perform responsible
management, technical, and administrative work for overall department operations.
Class Characteristics
General direction is provided by the Fire Chief; this senior management position exercises
considerable independent judgment, supervision of lower level management staff, and
responsibilities include developing and implementing comprehensive programs within the Fire
Department; responsible for assisting in the development and control of the departmental budget
and may serve as the Fire Chief in his/her absence.
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 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:
Assist in the planning, development, and implementation of policies, procedures, goals, and
priorities, including long and short-range planning for the department.
Assist in development of the departmental budget in assigned areas of responsibility; maintain
budgetary control, over expenditures; analyze costs savings and recommend efficiency
improvements.
Select, supervise, train, and appraise employee performance and counsel employees regarding
work performance and procedures; interpret City policies and procedures to staff; establish
standards and ensure safe working practices; administer discipline and other personnel actions.
Provide staff assistance to the Fire Chief, prepare and present various administrative and
analytical reports, staff reports, and other necessary documents and correspondence; maintain
records.
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Represent the Fire Chief and act as Fire Department liaison in internal relationships as well as
relations with the public, community groups, other governmental agencies; evaluate and respond
to difficult complaints and inquires pertaining to activities or individuals in the department; may
conduct or direct investigations within the department.
Respond to emergency fire incidents; direct fire suppression activities and assess emergency
situation requesting additional companies as appropriate; may serve as Incident Commander;
maintain command of emergency operations until relieved by Fire Chief..
Keep the Fire Chief adequately informed, explain strategy and tactics employed during
emergency situations and regular operations.
Ensure the safe use and condition of department property.
May serve as the acting Fire Chief as required.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities:
Demonstrate strong leadership skills.
Plan, organize, delegate, and supervise day-to-day work involved in emergency services and/or
fire suppression.
Consistently apply and enforce applicable codes, laws, regulations, and department policies and
procedures.
Plan, assign, direct, review, and evaluate the work of others.
Select, train, mentor, and motivate staff.
Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and supervisory
controls.
Assess emergency incidents and develop, implement, and direct appropriate response strategies.
Assist in determining the needs of the department and community in areas of public education,
fire prevention and suppression, and emergency medical services.
Make policy and budgeting recommendations.
Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials using
a computer.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Exercise sound independent judgement.
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Be available to respond to emergency incidents while off duty when necessary.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of
work.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended
periods of time with the ability to change positions at will; communicate orally and listen in
person, in meetings, and by telephone; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate standard
office equipment. Intermittently, twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; walk to observe
department activities; bend and squat to perform file searches; perform simple grasping and fine
manipulation; use telephone, write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; use
written and oral communication skills; analyze community service, budget, and technical reports;
interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations, and codes; observe performance and
evaluate staff; problem solve community service issues; remember personnel rules, legal and
code requirements, and explain and interpret codes, policies and procedures; interact with City
management, other governmental officials, contractors, vendors, employees, and the public.
When directing or participating in fire suppression activities, the employee is required to reach
with hands and aims; climb, crawl, stoop, kneel, crouch, or balance; wear personal protective
equipment; utilize sensory abilities of smell to distinguish potentially hazardous materials; hear
for distinguishing audible alarms; specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision,
color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus; ability to project a
voice that can be heard in noisy environments. While performing fire suppression duties, the
employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions and can be exposed to fumes or
airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Administrative principles and methods, including development of goals and objectives, program
development and implementation, work organization and delegation, and employee supervision.
Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, labor relations, and conflict
resolution.
Principles and practices of municipal fire, building, and safety administration, including
suppression, investigation, prevention, inspection, and damage control.
Principles and practices of incident command system, disaster preparedness, and EOC
operations.
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.
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Budget and financial planning.
Strategic planning.
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:
A Bachelor's degree with major work in fire science, public administration, or a closely related
field.
Experience:
Ten years of increasingly responsible municipal fire suppression, supervisory, management, and
administrative experience including at least four years of experience at the Battalion Chief level.
Certificates/Licenses:
Possession of a valid Class C driver's license.
California State Fire Marshal Chief Fire Officer or Chief Officer Certification highly desired.
Established: 03/19/2018
Revised: XX/XX/XX
Department: Fire
FLSA Status: Exempt