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:
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Human Resources Director Zarnager /P7�—