title
APPROVE RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A NEW CLASSIFIED/UNREPRESENTED CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION OF FIRE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER FOR THE STOCKTON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND APPROVE THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution establishing a new classified/unrepresented position of Fire Department Administrative Manager for the Stockton Fire Department and assign the salary range.
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Summary
City Council is being asked to establish the proposed new single-incumbent, non-sworn, managerial level classification titled Fire Department Administrative Manager and the proposed salary range. Establishing a new Fire Department Administrative Manager position will assist the Fire Department with hiring a well-qualified employee to perform the overall management of specialized and intricate administrative functions specific to fire department operations. The Fire Department Administrative Manager position will be included in Civil Service, be unrepresented, and designated as “exempt” from provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Fire Department plans to fill and fund the proposed position during Fiscal Year 2024-25 by reclassifying an allocated Program Manager II position.
DISCUSSION
Background
Several California fire departments have successfully implemented a similar Fire Department Administrative Manager role, underscoring its pivotal role within the modern fire service landscape. The need for this position stems from the complex nature of fire department operations, where effective management requires a deep understanding of unique fire department processes, protocols, and regulations. This role requires specific knowledge in critical areas, including National Fire Protection Association standards, unique fire department technologies, suppression staffing, as well as compensation requirements, labor agreements, and a substantial aptitude for data analytics to assist the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chiefs in optimizing resource allocation and identifying training needs.
Present Situation
Currently, the Fire Department’s administrative responsibilities rely on the versatile Program Manager classification, which has proven too broad to address the specific expertise of fire operations. Creating the Fire Department Administrative Manager position offers a cost-effective alternative to assigning additional Fire Captains or Battalion Chiefs to administrative duties and investing extensive time in developing the necessary administrative skills. Long-tenured suppression personnel excel in firefighting techniques, tactical decision-making, and leadership. Program Managers bring expertise in administrative functions such as budgeting, human resources management, strategic planning, and organizational development. This position bridges the gap between long-tenured suppression personnel and standard Program Managers.
Classification
The proposed Fire Department Administrative Manager classification is a single, non-sworn, management position responsible for developing, proposing, and implementing policies, procedures, goals, objectives, and managing staff and activities of a specialized nature within the assigned scope of responsibility. Incumbents have extensive contact with sworn personnel, department administrative staff, City employees, various public and private organizations, and the public. This position will report to the Deputy Chief of Administration and Department Finance Officer on a day-to-day basis while also having responsibilities requiring direct reporting to the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief of Operations, Emergency Communications Division Chief, Training (DOT) Division Chief, and Fire Prevention Division Chief.
Salary
Human Resources staff completed an external market survey as well as an internal equity evaluation. Based on analysis of the information collected, staff recommends the following salary range:
|
JOB CLASSIFICATION |
BASE MONTHLY SALARY BY STEP |
|
|
Step 1 |
Step 2 |
Step 3 |
Step 4 |
Step 5 |
Step 6 |
|
Fire Department Administrative Manager |
$8,849.38 |
$9,291.84 |
$9,756.43 |
$10,244.25 |
$10,756.47 |
$11,293.16 |
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The table below reflects the FY2024-25 annual salary and benefit cost of the proposed Fire Department Administrative Manager classification at each step.
|
JOB CLASSIFICATION |
FY2024-25 BASE ANNUAL SALARY BY STEP |
|
|
Step 1 |
Step 2 |
Step 3 |
Step 4 |
Step 5 |
Step 6 |
|
Fire Department Administrative Manager* |
$167,549.97 |
$175,243.85 |
$183,322.55 |
$191,805.19 |
$200,712.12 |
$210,044.56 |
The finacial impact of the position reclassification from a Program Manager II postion to the Fire Department Administrative Manager is a base salary difference of approximately $1,213.88 per month and the position will be incorporated in the Fire Department’s FY2024-25 annual budget.