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Revised Classification Specifications: SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR
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Contact Person/Dept: Serena Wright/Human Resources
Phone Number: 310-253-5640
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: (Email Meeting Agenda, 1/19/16);
Department Approval: Serena Wright, Human Resources Director, 1/29/16
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Civil Service Commission approve the revised classification specifications for Environmental Coordinator and Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor.
BACKGROUND
The Public Works Department is comprised of four divisions: Administration, Engineering, Maintenance Operations and Environmental Programs and Operations.
The Environmental Programs and Operations (EPO) Division is responsible for refuse collection and disposal, and environmental programs related to sustainability, recycling and waste reduction, and water quality.
The Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day activities of refuse collection, disposal and recycling. The Environmental Coordinator oversee activities related to hazardous waste management, recycling program development and outreach, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local government regulations pertaining to waste management and storm water quality. Both of these classifications currently report to the Environmental Programs and Operations Manager.
Revisions to the Environmental Coordinator and Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor classifications are being recommended in order to 1) reassign the lines of supervision, 2) revise the scope of the positions and 3) update various sections to reflect actual job duties and responsibilities.
DISCUSSION
In accordance with Civil Service Rule 3.3 (b), it is important that the City appropriately classify employees when duties and responsibilities of a position are significantly modified. Following are specific changes that are being proposed for each classification.
Environmental Coordinator
The Environmental Coordinator classification has historically reported to the Sanitation Manager. During the 2007-2008 budget process the City Council approved the consolidation of all environmental programs including wastewater, storm water, and solid waste operations under the newly created Environmental Programs and Operations Division within the Public Works Department. The motivation behind this decision was to provide one position, the Sanitation Manager, with oversight and responsibility to coordinate all environmental programs and to ensure that all regulatory mandates were being followed.
The Sanitation Manager classification was subsequently reclassified to Environmental Programs and Operations Manager and modified to reflect the new duties and responsibilities associated with oversight of the City’s wastewater, storm water and environmental programs. The revised classification continued to have responsibility over management of the solid waste operations such as strategic planning, work plans and operating budgets. However, the day-to-day oversight of the solid waste operations was transferred to the Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor. The solid waste operations includes the collection, transfer and disposal of commercial and residential solid waste and recycling.
A significant proposed change on the Environmental Coordinator classification specification is changing the direct reporting relationship from the Environmental Programs and Operations Manager to the Solid Waste and Recycling Supervisor.
The Environmental Coordinator has a vital role in the day-to-day solid waste operations. This classification is responsible for administering programs related to waste reduction, recycling and employee safety. These activities directly support the goals, objectives and overall responsibilities of the Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor. It is important that the Environmental Coordinator classification report to the Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor so that their objectives are aligned; and decisions that relate to staff and the operations are approved by the Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor.
Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor - Proposed title: Senior Solid Waste and Recycling Crew Supervisor
During the 2007-2008 budget process the City Council also approved reclassifying the Senior Sanitation Supervisor classification to Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor in recognition of the aforementioned changes to the Environmental Programs and Operations Division. As mentioned the Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor was given the duties of running the daily solid waste operations program.
The proposed amendments to the Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor classification specification clarify the job duties currently being performed and also specifies the knowledge required to perform said duties.
It is also being proposed to change the title of the classification to Senior Solid Waste and Recycling Crew Supervisor. This change, as well as the increased education and experience, provides a clear career path for employees and is organizationally aligned with other professional positions within the department and the City.
AUTHORITY
In accordance with Civil Service Rule 3.3(a), the Civil Service Commission shall consider the establishment of a new classification or reclassification upon the recommendation of the Human Resources Director and the affected department head.
Civil Service Rule 3.3(a) Processing:
The establishment of a new classification or a reclassification may be requested by any member of the City Council, Commission, appointing authority or any employee of the City. The request shall be prepared and submitted to the Human Resources Director and the affected department head, and attached thereto shall be a description of the duties to be performed, and such information or attachments as may be necessary to consider the case. The Human Resources Director shall review the requested action with the requesting party and make such recommendations to the Commission as the Human Resources Director deems appropriate.
The Human Resources Director’s recommendations shall be communicated to the originator, the affected appointing authority and employee organization. If any party disagrees with the Human Resources Director’s recommendations, such objection may be presented in writing or verbally to the Commission at the time for consideration of the recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Attachment 1 - Revised Class Spec for Environmental Coordinator
2. Attachment 2 - Revised Class Spec for Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor
3. Attachment 3 - Organizational Chart for the Environmental Programs and Operations
MOTION
That the Civil Service Commission:
Approve the Revised Classification Specifications for Environmental Coordinator and Solid Waste and Recycling Operations Supervisor