AgdaPkt 2007-09-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.4A Page 1 REPORT . , ". To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager . . September 24,2007 SUBJECT Revisions to the classification of Urban Forestry Specialist RECOMMENDATION Approve revisions to the classification of Urban Forestry Specialist BACKGROUND Larry Barwacz, Public Works Services Director, requested revisions to the existing job specification of Urban Forestry Specialist to better emphasize the arboriculture and urban forestry responsibilities. Human Resources conducted a review of the classification and determined that other enhancements were necessary to meet the changing needs of the Urban Forestry Program, ensure consistency with the labor market trends, and to expand recruitment opportunities. While the proposed revisions do not substantively alter the definition, characteristics and typical duties for the class, revisions have been made to clarify and elaborate on these elements. Specifically, the changes that were made to the Urban Forestry Specialistelass include: adding language to illuminate the specialized arboriculture knowledge required; clarifying responsibility for providing technical direction to contractors, developers and permit applicants; adding a substitution pattern that allows for a Bachelor of Science degree to be substituted for one year of experience; and changing the professional license requirements to expand the usefulness of the class. Also, the years of experience has been changed from five years to three years, as this is more realistic for this level of position based on an internal review and an analysis of current market trends. In past years, recruitment for this classification has proven to be challenging, given the difficulties in locating and retaining qualified candidates. It is expected that the recommended changes will enhance the city's recruitment efforts and result in an increase in the number of qualified applicants for the position. Attached for your review is the revised job specification of Urban Forestry Specialist (see attachment 1.) ALTERNATIVES The council could take no action. This will result in the continued use of the existing classification.