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HomeMy WebLinkAbout16 - Reclassification of GIS AnalystCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Agenda Item No. 16 March 11, 2008 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Human Resources Department Barbara Ramsey, Human Resources Director 949 -644 -3303, bramsey (cDcitv.newi)ort- beach.ca.us Homer Bludau, City Manager 949 -644 -3000, hbludau @city.newport- beach.ca.us SUBJECT: Reclassification of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst position in Planning Department to Planning Systems Administrator RECOMMENDATION: Approve the City Manager's recommendation to reclassify one position in the Planning Department from Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst to a newly created classification of Planning Systems Administrator, and establish the salary. BACKGROUND In the past, the Human Resources Department or an outside consultant conducted classification and compensation studies, and the findings were either approved or disapproved by the City Manager. The recommendation would then be implemented mid -year if the department to which the position was assigned had sufficient funds in their budget to cover the increase. The classification or compensation change would then be approved by the City Council during the next year's budget process. As stated in the IT Job Titles and Compensation Changes report, staff was asked to bring these compensation issues to the City Council for approval. This is the second study that is being presented to City Council for approval in accordance with this new change in procedure. DISCUSSION: At the end of fiscal year 2006 -07, Human Resources hired a consultant to study various information technology positions throughout the City. Included in that comprehensive study was a review of one GIS Analyst position in the Planning Department. The Information Technology (IT) study has been completed and the resulting compensation recommendations are being presented to the City Council under separate report. Because the recommendation for the GIS Analyst position in the Planning Department Reclassification of One Planning Department Position March 11, 2008 Page 2 requires the reclassification and establishment of a new position, it is being presented under a separate report. The Planning Department currently has one GIS Analyst on staff. The GIS Analyst position assigned to the Planning Department functions as a member of the leadership team, performs complex administrative and technical work, and is assigned professional planning duties. The position plays a strategic role within the Planning Department and can be called upon to analyze information, prepare reports and present to the City Council and Planning Commission. In order to effectively perform these duties, the position requires an advanced understanding of the principles and practices of city planning, zoning, and community development, as well as significant experience in the field of planning and zoning. In addition to the planning industry knowledge and experience that is required, the incumbent must have a strong understanding of GIS concepts and systems. Retaining the classification as a GIS Analyst is no longer appropriate as the scope of the position is much broader than GIS work and encompasses the full range of planner duties. Based on the study conducted, it has been determined that there has been a material change to the normal duties regularly assigned to this position. As such, it is recommended the GIS Analyst position in the Planning Department be reclassified to a newly created position of Planning Systems Administrator. A survey of the labor market was conducted to determine how other Orange County agencies compensate positions similar to the proposed Planning Systems Administrator position. Due to the unique skill set and job duties of the position we found no positions in other Orange County agencies that perform comparable work. The duties most likely are performed by a Planner in conjunction with a GIS or IT position. Because of this, the salary recommendation must then be based on a comparison with other positions within the City. Given the advanced planning industry knowledge and experience required as well as a lead role in the department, it is recommended the salary be set equal to Senior Planner. The current top step salary for GIS Analyst is $6,669 per month. The top step salary for Senior Planner is $7,902 per month. In compliance with our Employee Policy Manual and the Professional Technical Employees MOU, the employee would be placed in the new salary band at a Step that is at least 5% higher than his current salary and would be eligible for annual salary increases until he reached the top to the salary band. Human Resources has consulted with representatives from the Professional and Technical Association and they concur with the recommendation to reclassify the position. The City Manager has reviewed the complete report and approved the proposed change. Funding Availability: Reclassification of One Planning Department Position March 11, 2008 Page 3 The anticipated cost associated with the above recommendations is $5,200 for the remainder of FY07 -08. The anticipated cost for FY08 -09 is $11,400. The Planning Director has indicated there are sufficient funds in the current budget, due to salary savings of vacant positions, to accommodate the increase. The funding increase anticipated for FY08 -09 will be submitted through the budget review process. Prepared & Submitted by: Submitted by: ii o, , �ri , Human Resources Director Zarnager /P7�—