HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11d - Principal Civil Engineer, City Engineer and Building Official Salary AdjustmentsPrincipal Civil Engineer, City Engineer & Building Official Salary Adjustments
January 16, 2024
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DATE: January 16, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Paul Cranmer, Public Works Services Director
By: Carmen Masud, Deputy Public Works Director
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 7542 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 7383
ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION AND RELATED BENEFITS FOR CITY
COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT, MANAGEMENT, AND
UNREPRESENTED CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES FOR JULY 1, 2021,
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024 (PRINCIPAL CIVIL ENGINEER, CITY
ENGINEER, AND BUILDING OFFICIAL)
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Adopt
SUMMARY
Due to the challenge of recruiting a qualified candidate for the Principal Civil Engineer in
the Public Works Services Department (“PWSD”), a salary survey was conducted to help
gain a comprehensive understanding of this position and ensure that it is competitive
amongst similar agencies. It is recommended that the City Council increase the salary for
the Principal Civil Engineer position as well as for the City Engineer and Building Official
positions, in order to avoid compaction between those three responsibilities, and adopt
Resolution No. 7542 amending Resolution No. 7383 establishing compensation and
related benefits for City Council, Executive Management, Management, and
Unrepresented Confidential Employees for July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024 (Principal
Civil Engineer, City Engineer, and Building Official).
BACKGROUND
The PWSD has been recruiting for a Principal Civil Engineer since May 2022. The first
recruitment ran for six months before hiring a candidate who left the City shortly after. The
second recruitment ran for five additional months to no avail. The challenge in recruiting
and retaining a qualified candidate prompted a salary survey and review of the Principal
Civil Engineer classification specification. As a result of the completed evaluation, minor
modifications to the classification specification have been made and approved by the City
Manager. Furthermore, the survey showed that the current compensation range is below
comparable cities in the area, which is likely affecting the candidate pool. The Principal
Civil Engineer is a highly specialized position, and with many private engineering
companies and cities offering a significantly higher salary for such a position, amending
the salary range should help attract top talent for the City and fill a vital role in the PWSD.
Principal Civil Engineer, City Engineer & Building Official Salary Adjustments
January 16, 2024
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DISCUSSION
When completing the salary survey for the Principal Civil Engineer, 11 municipalities were
surveyed. The City of Arcadia’s top step for Principal Civil Engineer is under the average
by 8% ($11,660 annually). For this reason, it is recommended to increase the Salary
Range from 79M to 83M. At 83M, the top step will be slightly above average by 1.77%
($2,643.81 annually). In consideration of the minimum qualifications of the classification,
the technical specialization of the position, the complex nature of the duties as well as the
supervisory responsibilities, it is appropriate to revise the salary range for this position.
Range 83M is approximately 9.28% more than the existing salary range ($14,767
annually).
This proposed step for the Principal Civil Engineer roughly yields a 5% difference between
the salary ranges of the City Engineer and Building Official. Maintaining only a 5%
difference between these classifications could create some challenges, given that the
responsibilities of the City Engineer and the Building Official are more complex, including
the requirement of the City Engineer to legally sign-off on the work of the Principal Civil
Engineer. To prevent compaction between positions, it is recommended that the City
Engineer and the Building Official positions be raised from Salary Range 85M to 86M.
This transition can be accomplished without creating significant budgetary impacts and
will provide a potential growth opportunity between two of the ranges, should a Principal
Civil Engineer incumbent wish to advance to the City Engineer role in the future.
It should be noted that during the previous salary negotiations, the City Council approved
market-based increases to many technical engineering positions. The increases were
authorized in response to unusual turnover in these roles and the salaries being
uncompetitive, especially when compared to the private sector. These adjustments were
not extended to the Principal Civil Engineer, City Engineer, or Building Official positions,
which are all in the Unrepresented Management classifications. This omission has led to
the issues identified with recruiting and maintaining the Principal Civil Engineer position
over the past few years. By adjusting the salary ranges, the City will better compete for
qualified candidates, retain existing talent, and provide a path for upward mobility within
the organization.
Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution 7542 amending
Resolution No. 7383 establishing compensation and related benefits for City Council,
Executive Management, Management, and Unrepresented Confidential Employees for
July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024 (Principal Civil Engineer, City Engineer, and Building
Official).
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the
environment. As such, this matter is exempt under CEQA.
Principal Civil Engineer, City Engineer & Building Official Salary Adjustments
January 16, 2024
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FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed change to the existing salary range for Principal Civil Engineer is
approximately 9.28% more than the existing salary range ($14,767 annually). Likewise,
the increase in salary range for the City Engineer and the Building Official is approximately
2.3% more than the existing salary range ($5,108 annually, each). At the top step, these
three changes would have a total annual budget impact of $24,983. No additional funding
is requested at this time; these increases will largely take effect in the next Fiscal Year
and beyond, with the addition of substantial salary savings from the extended vacancy in
the Principal Civil Engineer position.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this action does not constitute a
project and is, therefore, exempt under, the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”); and adopt Resolution No. 7542 amending Resolution No. 7383 establishing
compensation and related benefits for City Council, Executive Management,
Management, and Unrepresented Confidential Employees for July 1, 2021, through June
30, 2024 (Principal Civil Engineer, City Engineer, Building Official).
Attachments: Resolution No. 7542
Revised classification specification for Principal Civil Engineer
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CITY OF ARCADIA
PRINCIPAL CIVIL ENGINEER
DEFINITION
Under general direction, to direct, manage, supervise and coordinate the Engineering Section of
the Public Works Services Department, to perform highly complex and professional engineering
administration duties in water, sewer, street, storm drain, street lighting, and parks improvement
projects; to plan, direct, and supervise a variety of engineering projects and programs; and to
conceptualize, develop, design, and implement all phases of difficult design and engineering
research projects. Coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and outside
agencies.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Direct preparation and execution of Capital Improvement Projects and budgets. Direct the work
of others managing major projects involving preparation of designs, specifications, plans,
estimates and reports involved in the construction and operation of a wide variety of waterworks
systems, sewer systems, streets, street lighting and parks projects.
Supervise preparation of reports required by Federal, State, and County agencies; research new
and existing sources of County, State, and Federal Funds and prepare applications; oversee the
preparation and revision of maps, storage, and filing of various records and project files.
Attend meetings and make presentations to City committees and commissions. Represent the
section and/or department in interagency meetings and negotiations. Develop and maintain
effective working relationships with contractors, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and City
staff; represent the City at outside functions.
Assume responsibility for ensuring the duties of the section are performed in a safe and efficient
manner.
Plan, organize, direct, and review the work of professional and para-professional engineering
teams in the preparation of engineering plans, specifications, designs, and cost estimates; review
and set requirements for various types of development projects, easements and legal descriptions,
plan checks, construction inspections, and materials testing for a wide variety of construction and
maintenance projects.
Oversee other project managers or project engineers and serve as project manager on capital
improvement projects; prepare descriptions; define job scope; prepare cost estimates and
projections; develop schedules, procedures, and timelines; prepare right of way plans, acquisition
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and environmental documents and reports; review and approve purchases; and confer with other
professional and technical staff.
Coordinate engineering activities with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies,
contractors, and consultants.
Develop and monitor systems and procedures for contract administration to ensure compliance with
technical and legal requirements; prepare bid documents; review proposals; participate in the
selection of consultants and contractors; prepare, review, and approve contract documents, reports,
plans and specifications; estimate construction costs and time requirements; provide engineering
services and consultation to a variety of field and office personnel; oversee the construction
inspection and survey of various types of maintenance and construction projects; review and
approve progress payments and change orders; and review contract close out.
Perform advanced engineering work, contract administration, highly specialized design, research,
analysis, and economic evaluations; prepare and submit a variety of documents and reports
including agenda and project reports; prepare complex grant applications for project funding from
various governmental agencies; maintain administrative and engineering records.
Develop operational and maintenance schedules; participate in the development of Master Plans
for the City’s infrastructure.
Participate in the development and administration of the Capital Improvement Program and
Operating division budgets; monitor and ensure cost containment within project and section
constraints; and formulate cash flow projections.
Select, train, motivate, supervise, and evaluate assigned engineering personnel; provide or
coordinate staff training and professional development programs; and implement discipline
procedures.
Review plans prepared by developers, consultants, and utility companies.
Research new materials and techniques; and monitor current developments in engineering.
Coordinate water, sewer, street lighting, park, and street maintenance engineering projects with
other City departments and outside agencies.
Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group
meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of engineering.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive engineering inquiries and complaints. May serve
as an expert witness or a subject matter expert on litigation cases related to civil engineering
matters.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
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JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Current principles and practices of organization, management and supervision.
Thorough knowledge of current principles and practices of utility and civil engineering.
Principles and practices of engineering economics, project management and special
benefit assessment districts.
Contract administration, project management and evaluation.
Theories, principles and techniques of equipment used in various engineering projects.
Complex budget preparation and administration.
Supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations relating to engineering and
the environment.
Principles of research, business letter writing, complex report preparation and procedures;
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Skill to:
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Ability to:
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Interpret and explain City and Department policies and programs.
Plan, organize, supervise, train and evaluate professional and technical engineering staff.
Negotiate and administer contracts.
Coordinate and manage assigned projects.
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Conduct studies, review and evaluate data, and form accurate conclusions and
projections.
Prepare and/or direct the preparation of complex plans, specifications and legal contracts.
Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports.
Make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to top
management, public groups, and/or boards of directors, and city councils.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive, harmonious, and cooperative working
relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Perform difficult research, analyze complex engineering problems, evaluate alternatives
and recommend effective action.
Use computerized engineering programs.
Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge,
skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. The
incumbent will possess the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience, as
demonstrated in past and current employment history. A typical example includes:
Experience:
Five years of increasingly responsible professional engineering and/or
management experience in Civil Engineering or water resources including two
years of project management, supervisory, and administrative responsibility.
Training:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course
work in civil engineering or a related field.
License or Certificate:
A valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of California
is required. Professional Civil Engineer registration or equivalent is preferred.
Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory
driving record.
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Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to work in a standard office environment; exposure to outdoors; ability to travel to
different sites and locations.
Effective Date: January 2023