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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2h - Revisions to Classification Specifications in Public Works Services Department DATE:August 1, 2017 TO:Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM:Hue C. Quach, Administrative Services Director By: Stephanie Luu, Human Resources Analyst SUBJECT:REVISIONS TO THE EXISTING CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION FOR PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR AND NEW CLASSIFICATION OF SENIOR PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR AS A FLEXIBLE STAFFING POSITION Recommendation: Approve SUMMARY In an effort to modernize and update position descriptions,the Public Works Services Department (“PWSD”) is recommending updates tothe current classification specification for Public Works Inspector to reflect new water certification requirements andproposing the new classification of Senior PublicWorks Inspector as a flexible staffing position to promote upward mobility for motivated employees and meet State Division of Drinking Water requirements. The proposed changes have been agreed by the Arcadia City Employees Association and approved by the Human Resources Commission onJuly 13, 2017. It is recommended that the City Council approve the revisions to the existing classification specification for Public Works Inspector and new classification of Senior Public Works Inspector as a flexible position. DISCUSSION The Public Works Inspector is an entry-level positon that is responsible to perform a variety of duties involved in inspecting public works projects in the public right-of-way, in particular improvements to the City’s water system.The current classification was created in 1999 and has not been modified to reflect the water certification requirements by the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water(“DDW”). Classification Specification for Public Works Inspector and New Senior Public Works Inspector Classification August 1, 2017 Page 2of 4 The DDW requires anyonemaking decisions on the installation of new water systems to possess the appropriate water distribution certification.This includes everything from making decisions on shutting down sections of the water system to inspecting the disinfection of a new section of water main. As a result, staff is proposing to remove the requirement of a Water Treatment Grade I certificate since this certificate is for employees who work in a water treatment facility.Due to the type of water systemthe City of Arcadia has, the current Public Works Inspector specification does not require the necessary level of water distribution certification. In addition,PWSD is recommending toupdatethe classification to create a flexible staffing position to include a Senior Public Works Inspector.Making this adjustment will provide the opportunity for the Department toencourage and fairly compensate employees for obtaining the higher-level Water Distribution Operator Grade D3. This will also allowtheDepartment to advance employees fromthe entry-level classification to thehigher-levelclassification when it has been determined that there is a needin the Departmentand the employee has met the necessary requirements of the flexible staffing series.This is in accordance with the City’sPersonnel Rules and Regulations, where the use of flexible staffing series’ is intended to make the process of responding to needs in Department operations more efficient and timely. To establish the flexible staffing series, the following modificationsto the Public Works Inspector job specification are being recommended. Public Works Inspector The current Public Works Inspector classification is an entry-level position. This position willperform most of the duties required at the Senior Public Works Inspector position, butwillnotbeexpected to function at the same skill level. The position will exercise less independent discretion and judgmentin matters related to work procedures and methods.Work is usually supervised in this position and requires two years of engineering construction inspection experience or five years of journey level construction trades experience. A Public Works Inspector must also have the possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, a Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certification from the State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Operator Certification Program. Senior Public Works Inspector The Senior Public Works Inspector Position will be included as a flexible staffing position and will require five years of experience as a Public Works Inspector or an equivalent position; and a Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Operator Certification Program. Classification Specification for Public Works Inspector and New Senior Public Works Inspector Classification August 1, 2017 Page 3of 4 The Senior Public Works Inspector will be a full journey level position in the Public Works Inspector class series and will require the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. This position will receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and will be fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Notable differences of a Public Works Inspectorto a SeniorPublic Works Inspector are noted in the table below: Senior Public Works QualificationsPublic Works Inspector Inspector Two yearsof engineering construction Fiveyears of experience as a inspection experience or five years of ExperiencePublic Works Inspector or an journey level construction trades equivalent position experience Possession of or ability to obtain a Water Possession of a Water Distribution Distribution Operator Grade D1 from the Operator Grade D3 from the State License or State Water Resources Control Board Water Resources Control Board Certificate Drinking Water Operator Certification Drinking Water Operator Program within one year after Certification Program appointment FISCAL IMPACT The salary range for the Public Works Inspector is $5,115/month to $6,386/month, with no recommended changeor fiscal impact. The proposed salary range for the Senior Public Works Inspector was included in the 2017-18 Fiscal Year Budget and was approved by the City Council during budget approval on June 6, 2017. The salary range is $5,643/month to $7,049/month. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council approve revisions to the existing classification specification for Public Works Inspector and new classification of Senior Public Works Inspector as a flexible position. Classification Specification for Public Works Inspector and New Senior Public Works Inspector Classification August 1, 2017 Page 4of 4 Attachment: Class Specificationfor Public Works Inspector/Senior Public Works Inspector CITY OF ARCADIA PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR SENIOR PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR DEFINITION Under direction(Public Works Inspector) or general supervision (Senior Public Works Inspector), to perform a variety of duties involved in inspecting public works and utilities, construction, projects, to ensure conformance with plans, specifications and departmental regulations; and to administer a variety of systems and programs for the City. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Public Works Inspector--This is the entrylevel in the Public Works Inspectorclass series. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Senior Public Works Inspectorlevel, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structureor pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class is often used as anentry level class, employees are required to have two years of engineering construction inspection experience or five years of journey level construction trades experience. Senior Public Works Inspector--This is the full journey level in the Public Works Inspector class series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Works Inspectorlevel by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Senior Public Works Inspectorlevel are normally filled by advancement from the Public Works Inspectorlevel with fiveyears of experienceor an equivalentpositionand meet the flexible staffing procedurals in the Personnel Rules & Regulations. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have fiveyears of experienceas a Public Works Inspector or an equivalent positionwhich allows the employee to meet the qualification standards of the position. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Public Works Inspector Exercises no supervision. Senior Public Works Inspector City of Arcadia Public Works Inspector/Senior Public Works Inspector (Continued) Page 2of7 May exercise supervisionover lower level staff. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Serve as project manager on assigned projects to insure that contractors meet designated construction schedules and commitments. Perform office and fieldwork involved in enforcing compliance with construction codes, ordinances, policies, and plans. Review plans and specifications of assigned projects including street, storm drain, curb, gutter, sidewalk, street, and alley pavement and grading, and water and wastewater distribution, collection and treatment systems installation and repair construction projects. Inspect all phases of construction of public works and private development projects; inspect materials for identificationas conforming to specifications and plans in accordance with City and State codes; collect field measurements and perform field tests; and monitor safety procedures. Record amounts of materials used and work performed; prepare necessary reports for progress payments; recommend acceptance of completed construction work or requirement of additional work upon completion of project; prepare and record change orders; and coordinate design alterations between City staff and contractors. Inspect adjacent properties for damage from construction activity; investigate public complaints and inquiries; confer with property owners regarding project schedule, hazards and inconvenience. Inspect and survey field design for drainage and City curbs, gutters and streets for hazards in need of repair; measure and record displacements; submit locations for repair; draft construction plans for street reconstruction and lighting reconstruction; perform various field inspection duties on street light repair and replacement projects and concrete improvements. Conduct pre-bid and pre-construction conferences; prepare contract documents; prepare cost and budget for projects. Conduct permit inspections, site inspections, and recommendation for development projects; field check permit applications; issue permits. Prepare daily activity records and reports; maintain complete and accurate files and databases. Perform surveying as directed. City of Arcadia Public Works Inspector/Senior Public Works Inspector (Continued) Page 3of7 Participate in the resolution of complaints received by the City; prepare work orders in response to complaints; schedule contract documents for work order projects. Perform underground locates of utilities. Issue permits and make inspections of utility companies performing work in the public right of way; approve barricading plans; and coordinate work with utilities and other City departments. OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Public Works Inspector Knowledge of: Materials, methods, techniques, principles and practices used in the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of public works and utilities systems and facilities, particularly water distribution systems and treatment operation. Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects. Defects and faults in construction. Engineering mechanics of construction. Engineering plans and specifications. Principles of surveying. Mathematical principles including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment. Principles and proceduresof record keeping. Materials sampling, testing, and estimating procedures. City of Arcadia Public Works Inspector/Senior Public Works Inspector (Continued) Page 4of7 Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of public works maintenance and inspection. Principles and practices of engineering construction inspection. Basic water distribution systems and treatment operation. Equipment, instruments, and techniques used to locate underground utilities. Safe driving principles and practices. Principles of cost analysis. Skill to: Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment. Operate construction field testing equipment. Operate a motor vehicle safely. Ability to: Detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied. Review and analyze construction plans, specifications and maps for conformance with City standards and policies. Deal firmly and tactfully with contractors, engineers and property owners. Inspect assigned areas for a wide variety of maintenance and repair issues. Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations. Apply laws, regulations, codes and departmental policies governing the construction and maintenance of public works and utilities systems and facilities. Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records. Prepare clear and concise technical reports. City of Arcadia Public Works Inspector/Senior Public Works Inspector (Continued) Page 5of7 Perform the entire range of construction inspection activities with direction and a minimum of supervision. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Experience and Training Guidelines: A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: Experience: Two years of engineering construction inspection experience or five years of journey level construction trades experience. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in construction inspection. License or Certificate: Possession of,or ability to obtain, an appropriate,a valid Class “C” Californiavalid driver’s license. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Grade I certificate in water treatment operation and/or Wwater Ddistribution Operator Grade D1from the State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Operator Certification Programwithin one (1) year after appointment. Special Requirements: Essential duties require the following physical skills and workenvironment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, push, and lift 25 lbs.; exposure to heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations. Senior Public Works Inspector City of Arcadia Public Works Inspector/Senior Public Works Inspector (Continued) Page 6of7 In addition to the qualifications of Public Works Inspector: Knowledge of: Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation. Complex principles and techniques of construction, installation, operation and maintenance of public works and utilities systems and facilities, particularly water distribution systems and treatment operation. Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics. Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, ordinancesand regulations enforced by the City, including the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards for water related improvements. Major types of building construction materials and methods. Accepted safety standards and methods used in construction. Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment. Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting. Ability to: Provide lead supervision and training to assigned staff. Interpret and apply laws, regulations, codes and departmental policies governing the construction and maintenance of public works and utilities systems and facilities. Read and interpret complex constructionplans, specifications and building codes. Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices. Advise contractors and developers on standard construction methods and requirements. Make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. City of Arcadia Public Works Inspector/Senior Public Works Inspector (Continued) Page 7of7 Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs. Experience and Training Guidelines: Experience: Fiveyears of experience as a Public Works Inspector or an equivalent position. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in construction inspection. License or Certificate: Possession of avalidClass “C”California driver’s license. Possession of a Water Distribution Operator Grade D3from the State Water Resources Control BoardDrinking Water Operator Certification Program Special Requirements: Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, push, and lift 25 lbs.; exposure to heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations. Effective Date:October, 1999 Revised Date: