BOARD MEETING DATE: January 10, 2003
AGENDA NO. 14
Approve Classification Recommendations
SYNOPSIS:
Based on the results of a comprehensive consultant-conducted classification study of professional and other selected classes, staff recommends updates to class specifications, establishment of new classes, salary adjustments for selected classes, a number of position reclassifications, and reallocation of two classes to a different bargaining unit. The annual fifth-step salary cost, at current salary levels, of these recommendations is approximately $223,209. The total Fiscal Year 2002-03 cost to implement the changes is approximately $101,344.
COMMITTEE:
Administrative, December 13, 2002, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
- Adopt the reclassification recommendations described below and summarized in Exhibit A.
- Adopt the attached new and revised class specifications as part of AQMD’s classification plan.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
The AQMD is in the process of undertaking a systematic review of positions and classes. The recommendations included here continue the series of recommendations resulting from that review.
In December 2001, the Board approved a contract with Koff & Associates, Inc. to provide classification consulting services. Such services are needed to determine the effect organizational changes, past downsizing, and addition of new programs have had on AQMD classes and to develop a comprehensive classification plan that reflects current position duties and responsibilities and that meets AQMD operational needs. In this particular phase of the agencywide study, Koff & Associates, Inc., reviewed professional and other selected classes, including more than three hundred positions in twenty-six classes. The study involved review and analysis of information provided in employee-completed position description questionnaires, review of existing class specifications and relevant organizational data, and interviews with a representative sample of employees and with supervisors and management. Consultant findings and recommendations, which are summarized in Exhibit A, are described below.
Proposal
With respect to Information Management, consultants recommended reclassification of two Air Quality Engineer II positions to Systems Analyst and of one Air Quality Specialist and two Program Supervisor positions to Systems and Programming Supervisor. The two engineers were originally brought to the unit to apply their engineering backgrounds to specific automation projects, but, over time, assignments have evolved into those typical of the class of Systems Analyst. The two positions act as liaison between information management and end-user divisions to define system requirements and design, test, and implement practical, economical data management systems. They are assigned the same types of duties and responsibilities as other Systems Analysts in Information Management. The annual fifth-step salary cost of these two reclassifications is approximately $13,506.
Similarly, two Program Supervisor positions have the same responsibility for all technical aspects of systems development—including supervision of professional staff involved in systems analysis, design, programming, testing, and implementation—that characterizes other Systems and Programming Supervisors. These two reclassifications actually result in an annual fifth-step salary savings of approximately $46. With respect to the Air Quality Specialist, the position was assigned to address urgent Y2K issues relating to the AQMD’s finance and human resources information management systems as the lead person coordinating the PeopleSoft implementation. The level of duties and responsibilities, which include supervising large-scale systems projects, is the same as other Systems and Programming Supervisors. The annual fifth-step salary cost of this recommendation is approximately $15,801.
Consultants also recommended a title change for the AQMD’s single-position Information Resources Supervisor class, which is responsible for providing a variety of professional library reference and other customer services to AQMD staff and the public. The recommended title, Technical Information Center Librarian, is more descriptive of the professional library function. It is also recommended that the obsolete Information Resources Specialist class be deleted from the classification plan.
In Science and Technology Advancement, consultants recommended reclassifying two Air Quality Engineer II positions and two Transportation Specialist positions to Air Quality Specialist. All four positions are performing the same types of professional-level duties as are assigned to other positions in the Air Quality Specialist class. Similarly, the study recommended reclassifying one Air Quality Analysis and Compliance Supervisor position to Program Supervisor. These changes will create greater consistency within the unit with respect to job classes and will not result in a change in cost to the agency.
Additionally, in Science and Technology Advancement, consultants recommended replacing the existing Assistant Air Quality Chemist and Air Quality Chemist classes with new classes of the same titles that more closely match current levels of duties and responsibilities and adjusting salary levels of the two classes. The existing Assistant Air Quality Chemist class is a sub-professional, trainee-level class that no longer fits agency needs. As a result, new chemists have typically been hired at the higher-paid Air Quality Chemist level. Establishment of the new professional-level Assistant Air Quality Chemist class at a salary rate that is approximately 19% above the obsolete sub-professional class, but 11% below the current Air Quality Chemist class, will permit hiring inexperienced, but professionally degreed, chemists at a more appropriate and cost-effective pay rate. Additionally, the approximately 6.8% salary adjustment recommended for the new advanced journey-level Air Quality Chemist class recognizes the higher-level specialized expertise required to develop new analytical methods to meet changing laboratory and AQMD needs. This adjustment also recognizes the laboratory’s critically important role in carrying out the agency’s mission—for example, in support of compliance and rule-writing efforts, the MATES-II study, and environmental justice and children’s air quality agenda goals—and would bring the experienced professional chemist class into more appropriate alignment with the AQMD’s other professional classes. Consultants also recommend deleting the obsolete class of Microscopist. The annual fifth-step salary cost of these changes is approximately $99,044.
A number of reclassifications are recommended in Planning, Rules and Area Sources. Nine Air Quality Engineer II, one vacant Senior Air Quality Engineer, and seven Transportation Specialist positions are recommended to be reclassified to Air Quality Specialist. All positions perform duties similar in nature and complexity to other Air Quality Specialists. Except for the Senior Air Quality Engineer reclassification, which would be an annual fifth-step salary savings of approximately $5,740, these classes are at the same pay level and the recommended reclassifications would not result in a cost change to the agency, but would create greater classification consistency within the unit and across the AQMD. Also, for classification consistency, consultants recommended reclassifying one Air Quality Analysis and Compliance Supervisor to Program Supervisor, likewise a cost-neutral change.
The consultant also recommended reclassifying one Staff Specialist position to Air Quality Specialist and one Senior Transportation Specialist position to Senior Staff Specialist. With respect to the Staff Specialist, the position performs air quality-related analytical duties relating to area sources that are typical of the Air Quality Specialist class. With respect to the Senior Transportation Specialist, the position was reassigned from the transportation unit in a Districtwide reorganization and has been responsible for maintenance and administration of a local area network. The duties are consistent with the broad class of Senior Staff Specialist, which typically involves planning and supervising administrative and technical programs and projects. The annual fifth-step salary cost of the Staff Specialist reclassification is approximately $734. Based on the recommendation below to adjust the salary of the Senior Staff Specialist class, the Senior Transportation Specialist reclassification is cost neutral.
Additionally, in Planning, Rules and Area Sources, the consultant study identified two Transportation Specialist positions responsible for reviewing Rule 2202 employer transportation plans for compliance with program requirements and for providing training for employers on trip-reduction techniques and preparation of plans. Based on program changes that have occurred over time, resulting in work that is of a less complex, more routine nature, the consultant recommended establishment of a new class of Transportation Plan Reviewer, at a top-step salary of $52,403, and allocating the class, which does not require a college degree, to the Technical and Enforcement Bargaining Unit. Staff recommends reclassifying the current incumbents to the new class and, under existing Salary Resolution provisions, "Y-rating" their salaries at the current level until the salary for Transportation Plan Reviewer exceeds the "Y-rated" salary. While there would be no fiscal year cost savings because of the "Y-rating," reclassification of these two positions would, at current salary levels, ultimately result in an annual fifth-step salary cost savings of approximately $46,046. The consultant also recommended deleting the classes of Transportation Specialist and Assistant Transportation Specialist from the classification plan.
In Public Affairs, the consultant recommended revising the title of the Public Information Specialist class to the more descriptive title of Public Affairs Specialist and revising the class specification for this professional class to add a requirement that incumbents have a relevant bachelor’s degree. The consultant recommendation also included reclassification of one Air Quality Specialist position with budget and contract administration and other broad administrative responsibilities to Staff Specialist, which is consistent with other positions in that class. Based on the recommendation below with respect to the Staff Specialist salary, this reclassification would be cost neutral.
The following consultant recommendations are not confined to a single organizational unit. Based on an increase in job complexity and supervisory responsibility, a salary adjustment of approximately 2.2% is recommended for the Senior Air Quality Engineer class. This adjustment would also establish a more appropriate 10% differential between the subordinate Air Quality Engineer II class and the Senior Air Quality Engineer class and would result in an equally appropriate 10% differential between Senior Air Quality Engineer and the supervisor level over that class. The annual fifth-step salary cost of this adjustment for the thirty-one Senior Air Quality Engineer positions is approximately $55,428.
In an earlier agreement with Technical and Enforcement Bargaining Unit representatives, management agreed to study the Engineering Technician class at the same time the engineering series was studied. As a consequence of significant organizational downsizing, several reorganizations, and the need to process a greater number of permits in a shorter period of time, positions in the Engineering Technician class have, over time, taken on duties typical of the Assistant Air Quality Engineer class. As a consequence, consultants recommend reclassifying the four Engineering Technician positions to the budgeted level of Air Quality Engineer II. Incumbents would "under fill" positions at the Assistant Air Quality Engineer level and would be eligible for consideration for promotion within the engineer series when they meet the minimum requirements for the class, including possession of a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
In response to an official request to reallocate the Staff Specialist and Senior Staff Specialist classes from the Technical and Enforcement to the Professional Bargaining Unit, consultants reviewed these two classes with respect to community-of-interest considerations and concluded that, with the addition of a bachelor’s degree requirement, this broad administrative and technical class series shares sufficient characteristics and interests to be allocated to the Professional Bargaining Unit. To adjust for the different terms and conditions of the two labor contracts with respect to salary adjustments and AQMD medical benefits contributions, staff recommends the salaries of the two classes be adjusted by approximately 1%. The annual fifth-step salary cost of this adjustment for the seven Staff Specialist and three Senior Staff Specialist positions is approximately $7,508.
A classification review was also conducted on a Senior Administrative Secretary position reporting to the Executive Officer. Based on the position’s serving as confidential secretary to the Executive Officer, as well as acting as liaison with Board Members, the consultant recommended reclassifying the position to Executive Secretary. The annual fifth-step salary cost of this reclassification is approximately $6,528.
Since incumbents affected by these changes have been performing the duties on which recommendations are based for a significant period of time, it is recommended they be reclassified with their positions in accordance with AQMD policy. Further, since addition of bachelor’s degree requirements to some classes would result in several employees no longer being eligible for the degree-related pay provided under the AQMD’s skill-based pay program (i.e., pay to those in classes that do not require a degree who have a college degree), staff recommends "grandfathering" this pay for those who are reclassified to a class that now requires a degree and who would otherwise have a reduction in pay, i.e., those currently earning skill pay for bachelor’s degrees who are in the classes of Transportation Specialist, Senior Transportation Specialist, Staff Specialist, Senior Staff Specialist, Public Information Specialist, and Meteorologist. The annual cost of this recommendation to continue existing payments that are included in the fiscal year budget is approximately $12,600.
Staff recommends the Board approve the actions listed under "Recommended Actions" at the beginning of this Board letter and described in greater detail above and summarized in the attached Exhibit A. If approved, the actions recommended here would be effective at the beginning of the pay period following Board action.
All recommendations that affect AQMD bargaining unit classes have been discussed with labor representatives, i.e., for the Professional Bargaining Unit, South Coast Professional Employees Association, and, for the Technical and Enforcement Bargaining Unit, Teamsters Local 911. Both employee representatives have indicated their concurrence with these recommendations.
Resource Impacts
The annual fifth-step salary cost, at current salary levels, of these recommendations is approximately $223,209. The FY 2002-03 cost is approximately $101,344. Sufficient funds exist within the approved FY 2002-03 Budget to cover the cost increase of these recommendations.
Resolution
Exhibit A
Class Specifications (16)
RESOLUTION NO. 02-
A Resolution of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board amending AQMD’s Salary Resolution to establish a salary range of $47,858 – 59,268 for the Assistant Air Quality Chemist class, of $57,487 – 71,195 for the Air Quality Chemist class, of $66,974 – 82,969 for the Senior Air Quality Engineer class, of $60,886 – 75,426 for the Staff Specialist class, of $65,523 – 81,166 for the Senior Staff Specialist, and to reallocate the latter two classes from the Technical and Enforcement Bargaining Unit to the Professional Bargaining Unit, and, for the Transportation Plan Reviewer class, to establish a salary range of $42,306 – 52,403 and to allocate the new class to the Technical and Enforcement Bargaining Unit.
WHEREAS, the Governing Board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District exercises its duty to review and determine appropriate wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment provided to employees.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, State of California, in regular session assembled on January 10, 2003, does hereby amend AQMD’s Salary Resolution to establish a salary range of $47,838 – 59,268 for the Assistant Air Quality Chemist class, of $57,487 – 71,195 for the Air Quality Chemist class, of $66,974 – 82,969 for the Senior Air Quality Engineer class, of $60,886 – 75,426 for the Staff Specialist class, of $65,523 – 81,166 for the Senior Staff Specialist, and to reallocate the latter two classes from the Technical and Enforcement Bargaining Unit to the Professional Bargaining Unit, and, for the Transportation Plan Reviewer class, to establish a salary range of $42,306 – 52,403 and to allocate the new class to the Technical and Enforcement Bargaining Unit.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
DATE:
_________________________________________
Jackie Dix, Clerk of the Board
EXHIBIT A
RECOMMENDATION TO RECLASSIFY POSITIONS
|
Organizational |
Existing Class |
Current |
No. |
Recommended |
Proposed |
Recommendations |
Net |
|
Information |
AQ Engineer II |
$75,426 |
2 |
Systems Analyst |
$82,179 |
4, 5 |
$13,506 |
|
AQ Specialist |
$75,426 |
1 |
Systems & Programming Supervisor |
$91,227 |
4, 5 |
$15,801 |
|
|
Program Supervisor |
$91,250 |
2 |
Systems & Programming Supervisor |
$91,227 |
4, 5 |
[$46] |
|
|
Information Resources |
$59,175 |
1 |
Technical Information Center Librarian |
$59,175 |
6 |
No Cost |
|
|
Information Resources |
$52,918 |
0 |
3 |
No Cost |
|||
|
Science & Technology Advancement |
AQ Engineer II |
$75,426 |
2 |
AQ Specialist |
$75,426 |
4, 5, 6 |
No Cost |
|
Transportation Specialist |
$75,426 |
2 |
AQ Specialist |
$75,426 |
3, 4, 5, 6 |
No Cost |
|
|
Air Quality Analysis & Compliance |
$91,250 |
1 |
Program Supervisor |
$91,250 |
4, 5, 6 |
No Cost |
|
|
Air Quality Chemist |
$66,693 |
22 |
AQ Chemist |
$71,195 |
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
$99,044 |
|
|
Assistant Air Quality Chemist |
$49,812 |
0 |
Assistant Air Quality Chemist |
$59,268 |
1, 2, 3, 6 |
No Cost |
|
|
Microscopist |
$66,693 |
0 |
3 |
No Cost |
|||
|
Planning, Rules, & Area Sources |
AQ Engineer II |
$75,426 |
9 |
AQ Specialist |
$75,426 |
4, 5, 6 |
No Cost |
|
Sr. AQ Engineer |
$81,166 |
1 |
AQ Specialist |
$75,426 |
4, 5, 6 |
[$5,740] |
|
|
Transportation Specialist |
$75,426 |
7 |
AQ Specialist |
$75,426 |
3, 4, 5, 6 |
No Cost |
|
|
Air Quality Analysis & Compliance Supervisor |
$91,250 |
3 |
Program Supervisor |
$91,250 |
4, 5, 6 |
No Cost |
|
|
Staff Specialist |
$74,692 |
1 |
AQ Specialist |
$75,426 |
4, 5, 6 |
$734 |
|
|
Sr. Transportation Specialist |
$81,166 |
1 |
Sr. Staff Specialist |
$81,166 |
4, 5, 6 |
No Cost |
|
|
Transportation Specialist #1164, 1126 |
$75,426 |
2 |
Transportation Plan Reviewer |
$52,403 |
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
[$46,046] |
|
|
Assistant Transportation Specialist |
$54,133 |
0 |
3 |
No Cost |
|||
|
Public Affairs & Transportation Programs |
Public Information Specialist |
$56,204 |
6 |
Public Affairs Specialist |
$56,204 |
6 |
No Cost |
|
AQ Specialist |
$75,426 |
1 |
Staff Specialist |
$75,426 |
4, 5, 6 |
No Cost |
|
|
Various Organizational Units |
Sr. AQ Engineer |
$81,166 |
31 |
Sr. AQ Engineer |
$82,954 |
2, 6 |
$55,428 |
|
Engineering Technician |
$56,303 |
4 |
AQ Engineer II (Incumbents will "under fill" as Asst. AQ Engineer) |
$75,426 |
3, 4, 5, 6 |
$76,492 |
|
|
Staff Specialist |
$74,692 |
7 |
Staff Specialist |
$75,426 |
2, 6 |
$5,138 |
|
|
Sr. Staff Specialist |
$80,376 |
3 |
Sr. Staff Specialist |
$81,166 |
2, 6 |
$2,370 |
|
|
Executive Office |
Sr. Administrative Secretary #0310 |
$54,953 |
1 |
Executive Secretary |
$61,471 |
4, 5 |
$6,528 |
|
Annual Fifth-Step Salary Cost $223,209 |
|
*Incumbent salaries will be set in accordance with AQMD Salary Resolution provisions NOTES: |
/ / /