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NOTIFICATION OF ACTION TAKEN BY THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES APPROVING TWO NEW CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATIONS FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND FIRE SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
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RECOMMENDATION
This item is informational only. No action is required.
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Summary
This report is to inform the Civil Service Commission of action taken by the Director of Human Resources to create two new civilian classification specifications for Emergency Communications Manager and Fire Services Administrator. Per Rule IV, section 5(b) of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations for Miscellaneous Employees, the Director of Human Resources shall approve all new or amended class specifications. A specification shall be deemed approved when the Director of Human Resources affixes his or her signature thereon and it is filed with the Secretary of the Commission.
These new classification specifications stem from a request made by the Stockton Fire Department as an integral part of a necessary reorganization of the department’s management structure. This reorganization is a critical component of a larger anticipated initative under the CENCAL Fire Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Authority and these new classifications create a clear and sustainable management framework to support the Fire Department’s growing service portfolio and the complex administrative and technical functions associated with the anticipated expansion.
DISCUSSION
Background
Pursuant to Stockton City Charter, Section 2537 Classified Service, “As the legislative body of the City, the Council may provide for the placing of any of the other employees of the City of Stockton, not mentioned or specified anywhere in this act, under civil service and under the jurisdiction of the Civil Service Commission. . .”
A draft classification specification for Emergency Communications Manager was completed and is a single, non-sworn, classified position, exempt under the Fair Labor and Standards Act (FLSA) and represented by the B&C - Supervisory Level bargaining unit. The draft was sent for review and the union concurred, expressing no concerns about proceeding (Attachment A).
A draft classification specification for Fire Services Administrator was completed and is a single, non-sworn, classified position, exempt under the Fair Labor and Standards Act (FLSA) and assigned to the Unrepresented - Middle Management bargaining unit (Attachment B).
Human Resources and the Fire Department brought to the City Council meeting of January 27, 2026, a resolution creating two new classified positions. In the same resolution, Council was provided with the salary ranges for the positions of Emergency Communications Manager and Fire Services Administrator in accordance with Stockton Municipal Code section 2.36.040. The positions were approved by unanimous vote of the Council via Resolution 2026-01-27-1207.
The approved classification specifications were signed by the Director of Human Resources on January 28, 2026, and are included in this report (Attachment C).
Present Situation
The Fire Department’s current structure assigns a wide range of administrative and technical responsibilities to sworn command staff who are already fully engaged in the operational management of the department. As emergency service delivery expands, the complexity of administrative and communications oversight has increased significantly. The Deputy Fire Chiefs appropriately focus on operational command, emergency readiness, and personnel leadership, core responsibilities essential to public safety. However, the administrative and technical workload associated with the Fire Department’s growing service portfolio requires sustained management attention beyond what can reasonably be supported within the current organizational framework.
AUTHORITY
Rule IV, section 4(a) of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations for Miscellaneous Employees provides the Director of Human Resources the authority, on behalf of the Civil Service Commission, to maintain and approve class specifications making up the Classification Plan.
Per Rule IV, section 5(b) the Director of Human Resources shall approve all new or amended class specifications and file with the Secretary of the Commission.
Attachment A - Class Spec - Final - Emergency Communications Manager
Attachment B - Class Spec - Final - Fire Services Administrator
Attachment C - Official Classification Specifications, signed by the Director of HR January 28, 2026