Title
Human Resources Department (HR) and the Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and adopt the new Parks Division department-specific classification of Sr. Parks Trail Maintenance Worker;
2) Revise the Parks Division department-specific River Instructor - Extra Help class specification; and
3) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 059-2024 to:
a) Approve the Job Class Number, bargaining unit, and salary range for the new Parks Division department-specific classification of Sr. Parks Trail Maintenance Worker;
b) Approve, due to an upward reclassification of one Parks Trail Maintenance Worker allocation and incumbent (position number 4222), the deletion of 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) Parks Trail Maintenance Worker allocation and the addition of 1.0 FTE Sr. Parks Trail Maintenance Worker in Parks; and
c) Waive the requirement for filling the Sr. Parks Trail Maintenance Worker position through a competitive examination process, allowing the incumbent to be appointed to the position as provided for in Section 507.1.2 of the Personnel Rules.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Parks Division requested HR review the Parks Trail Maintenance Worker class as demands for skilled trail maintenance work within our county's park system continues to grow. HR’s review, with agreement from the Parks Division, determined there is a need for a specialized position that addresses the intricacies and challenges of this field. Currently, there is no existing job class that encompasses the senior-level duties outlined in the job specification provided for the Sr. Parks Trail Maintenance Worker position.
The Sr. Parks Trail Maintenance Worker position is essential due to its focus on the highly challenging, intricately skilled, and heavily physical work involved in repairing and maintaining trails, specifically the Rubicon Trail and others within El Dorado County. This role requires not only advanced technical skills but also leadership abilities as incumbents may act as lead workers for trail staff, coordinating specific program activities, and serving as a point of contact for volunteers and park staff.
The recommended job specification delineates the advanced nature of the tasks involved, from planning and prioritizing daily work assignments to performing skilled maintenance, construction, and repair work for various trails. Additionally, the position entails responsibilities such as servicing portable restroom facilities, coordinating external agencies and volunteers, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and best management practices. The Sr. Parks Trail Maintenance Worker must possess advanced knowledge of trail maintenance techniques, familiarity with relevant laws and regulations, and the ability to operate specialized equipment, including 4-wheel drive vehicles on challenging terrain.
In HR’s assessment, a class study of a Parks Trail Maintenance Worker incumbent was conducted and determined that both the duties performed, and the skill level required align closely with those outlined in the proposed Sr. Parks Trail Maintenance Worker job class. Therefore, it has been concluded that the position and incumbent should be upwardly reclassified into the new Sr. Parks Trail Maintenance Worker class.
Furthermore, HR is recommending revisions to the River Instructor - Extra Help class. Currently, this classification only serves as a job title and salary without an accurate and complete job class specification. Revisions are necessary to establish clear guidelines and expectations for individuals holding this position, ensuring consistency and fairness across multiple employment roles within the park system. By establishing the Sr. Parks Trail Maintenance Worker class and revising the River Instructor - Extra Help class, we can ensure that the County's park system operates efficiently and effectively, meeting the needs of both employees and the community. These actions will provide clarity, structure, and opportunities for career advancement within our workforce, ultimately contributing to the continued success and sustainability of our parks.
In conclusion, the creation of the Sr. Parks Trail Maintenance Worker position and the revision of the River Instructor - Extra Help class are critical steps toward enhancing the professionalism and effectiveness of our park maintenance operations. These actions align with our commitment to workforce excellence and our dedication to providing service excellence to the residents and visitors of El Dorado County.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve the recommendations and direct Human Resources to make revisions or conduct additional analysis.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
CAO - Parks
Operating Engineers Local #3 - Trades and Crafts
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The approximate cost for the remainder of FY 2023-24 for the upward reclassification is $1,400 with an approximate annual cost of $7,280.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon Board adoption and approval, please provide a copy of the executed Resolution to Heather Andersen in Human Resources.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Workforce Excellence
Priority: Enhance Employee Retention
Action Item: Attract and retain the best employees by providing competitive compensation, training, and advancement opportunities, and creating a positive and thriving culture.
CONTACT
Joseph Carruesco, Director of Human Resources