HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 08-21-2007-4mORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 21, 2007
Action Agenda
Item No. ~-~
SUBJECT: Classification and Pay Plan Amendment -Add Class of Parks Conservation
Specialist/Turfgrass Manager
DEPARTMENT: Recreation & Parks/Personnel PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
8/02/07 Memo from The MAPS Group
Class Specification for Parks Conservation
Specialist/Turfgrass Manager
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lori Taft, Recreation & Parks
Management Director, 919-245-2673
Rod Visser, Interim Personnel Director
919-245-2552
PURPOSE: To amend the Classification and Pay Plan to add the new class of Parks
Conservation Specialist/Turfgrass Manager at Salary Grade 18.
BACKGROUND: As an element of the 2007-08 Orange County operating budget, the Board of
Commissioners approved on June 26, 2007 the creation of, and funding for, a new Parks
Conservation Specialist/Turfgrass Manager position, effective September 1, 2007.
With the ongoing development of the West Ten Soccer Center near Efland, this position will play
a vital role in developing, opening, and maintaining that facility with its anticipated recreation and
economic development benefits to the community. More broadly, the new position will be
responsible to:
• Provide timely agronomically and environmentally correct sports turf management
technical services and direction.
• Ensure safe and playable athletic facilities by providing and directing staff in the
performance of annual renovation projects such as: soil sampling, application of lime,
determining frequency and timing of aerating, fertilizing, broadleaf and pest
management, seeding, sprigging, sod installation, de-thatching, winter over-seeding,
establishing and maintaining turf grass for maximum possible usage, and repairing
irrigation systems.
Perform and direct specialized conservation, maintenance and operational functions
required for athletic and park facilities, for example: maintenance of irrigation
systems, timers, fencing, turfgrass management equipment, etc.
• Perform and direct maintenance and operations in order to maximize the appearance
and integrity of park structures and landscape -for example, mowing, trimming,
planting, establishing ground cover where erosion occurs, and cleaning, painting and
repair of picnic pavilions, play structures, picnic tables, park and player benches,
restrooms and trash receptacles.
• Order or construct and install, maintain, and repair signs and sign system in parks.
• Interact with park visitors, explain park policies, and provide a visible presence.
• Open and close the facility as the schedule dictates.
• Advise on maintenance and operational requirements for all related park facilities.
• Adhere to a schedule in the operation of lighting and irrigation systems.
• Recognize and correct problems such as excessive wear and drainage issues.
• Direct and perform complex field lining layouts for multiple sports and age groups.
This new position does not fit into an existing classification in the County's Classification and
Pay Plan. Accordingly, it was necessary to review and develop a proposed classification for the
position before recruitment and selection of an employee can be undertaken. As the County's
Classification & Pay Manager position is currently vacant, the County Manager approved a
contract with The MAPS Group to assist Personnel staff in matters pertaining to classification
and pay until that permanent position can be filled.
Supporting analysis conducted by The MAPS Group (as outlined in the accompanying memo
from Principal Pat Thomas), included:
• reviewing the duties and responsibilities of the position;
® comparing the duties and responsibilities to existing County positions; and
• conducting a market survey (although the available market data was limited because of
the relative scarcity of this type of position in other local government jurisdictions).
In concurrence with the foregoing analysis, Personnel staff recommend that the new position
previously approved by the BOCC be added to the Classification and Pay Plan as "Parks
Conservation Specialist/Turfgrass Manager" at Salary Grade 18. Salary Grade 18 has a hiring
range of $41,684 - $54,162.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funding for this position is included in the approved budget for FY 2007-
08. As outlined in materials previously distributed to the BOCC during June 2007 budget
deliberations, the estimated net cost (salary and benefits) of this position is $49,367 for FY
2007-08 and $59,832 for FY 2008-09.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board amend the Classification and
Pay Plan to add the new class of Parks Conservation Specialist/Turfgrass Manager at Salary
Grade 18.
,.^Y
TO: Rod Visser, Interim Human Resources Director
FROM: Pat Thomas, Principal, The MAPS Group
SUBJECT: Recommendation: Classification for New Position in Recreation and Parks
Department
DATE: August 2, 2007
At the County's request I reviewed the new position called Parks Conservation Specialist /
Turfgrass Manager for the appropriate new grade. The department head recommended grade 18
(2007 range $41,684 to $66,639) for two reasons:
Grade 18 would be halfway between the grades for divisional personnel, with the Parks
Conservation Technicians at grade 14 and the division head Parks Services Director at
grade 22. Since this position would have more technical expertise than the Technicians, as
well as having some oversight responsibilities over all the crews, it would be a higher grade
than the Technicians, but would not have as much programmatic and supervisory
responsibility as the Parks Services Director. Grade 18 was a middle point.
Data collected in a report called "NC Municipal and County Parks and Recreation Services
Study - 2005-2006" (2 fiscal years old) for Parks Maintenance Supervisors and Parks
Managers showed a median low salary actually paid in the Piedmont of about $32,000 and
a median high salary of about $50,000. Although not specific to a Turf Management
position, she suggested a salary of approximately $40,000 might be competitive based on
this survey.
Salary data:
We made several calls to local governments in the area and found the following:
Town of Cary - contracts out their turf management role at the new SAS Soccer Park. However,
their classification of Facility Specialist (Landscape) has a hiring rate of $40,996
City of Raleigh -formerly had a position of Athletic Field Management Supervisor requiring a
college degree; now that classification has been folded into the Parks Operation Supervisor class
at a hiring rate of $33,490. However, they indicated that the pay rates were likely low in the
market.
City of Durham -Durham has 2 positions with some similar elements
Horticulture Supervisor (not specializing in turf issues). College degree not required but 2-
3years of college and 5 years of experience required. Hiring rate $40,914
Landscape Architect - a professional level (exempt) employee with registration as a
Landscape Architect. Also supervises a crew. Position somewhat stronger than the
Orange County position is likely to be due to the professional requirement. Hiring rate
$44,968
"T
City of Winston-Salem: Classification of Golf Course Maintenance Supervisor has an entry rate
(90% of market) of $40,680 and a market rate (average actually paid) of $45,200
City of Charlotte's head of Landscape Management (John Lojko), who formerly served as Parks
Superintendent both in Cary and Durham, indicated that Charlotte didn't have a comparable
position. Based on his knowledge of similarly skilled positions in his own organization and across
the state, he thought that a range of $35,000 to $50,000 would be indicated, with a salary of
around $40,000 competitive.
Mecklenburg County's Parks and Recreation department staff said that the county has a
classification called Maintenance and Operations Supervisor, with one position heading the Turf
and Irrigation Division. He said the duties and skills of this position sounded similar to the Orange
County one. The hiring range for this job is $37,000 (which is 80% of the market, or average-paid
rate) to $46,000. $46,000 is figured to be the average actually paid in the area.
Based on the information gathered, we concur in the recommendation of the Director that salary
grade 18, with a hiring rate of $41,684 is indicated. However:
- It should be made clear to the employee that the grade is based on the assumption of crew
/ supervisory responsibilities in the future, and the position would not justify reclassification
when these supervisory tasks are added.
Alternatively, the County could set the position at grade 17 (hiring rate $39,677), then
increase the job to grade 18 when the employee takes on the additional direct supervisory.
role over a crew. However, since the turf management and technical skills may be the
higher part of the job, the County would likely be paying more than $39,677 to attract a
skilled and experienced candidate. Therefore, starting at grade 18 may be the best
alternative.
Internal class relationships:
Although there are no directly relevant comparisons outside the department, within the County's
pay plan grade 18 does not appear inappropriate. It places the position one grade lower than the
Soil Conservationist, atechnical and office management position that is likely a more responsible
position. It would be equivalent to the Erosion Control Officer II and one grade higher than the
Environmental Health Specialist, a position that also requires a college degree and experience and
provides technical consultation and inspections.
Attachment:
Recommended new class specification for the position, based primarily on information provided to
the Commissioners explaining the duties of the job.
JOB TITLE: Parks Conservation Specialist / Turfgrass Manager
DEPARTMENT: Recreation and Parks
JOB SUMMARY: This position provides technical guidance and oversight for turf management at
fields and parks in the County, and supervises staff maintaining specific fields and complex
facilities.
MAJOR DUTIES
o Provides timely agronomic ally and environmentally correct sports turf management
technical services and direction.
o Insures safe and playable athletic facilities by providing and directing staff in the
performance of annual renovation projects such as: soil sampling, application of lime,
determining frequency and timing of aerating, fertilizing, broadleaf and pest
management, seeding, sprigging, sod installation, de-thatching, winter over-seeding,
establishing and maintaining turf grass for maximum possible usage, and repairing
irrigation systems.
o Performs and directs specialized conservation, maintenance and operational functions
required for athletic and park facilities, for example: maintenance of irrigation systems,
timers, fencing, turfgrass management equipment, etc
o Performs and directs maintenance and operations in order to maximize the appearance
and integrity of park structures and landscape. For example, mowing, trimming,
planting, establishing ground cover where erosion occurs, and cleaning, painting and
repair of picnic pavilions, play structures, picnic tables,. park and player benches,
restrooms and trash receptacles.
o Orders or constructs and installs, maintains and repairs signs and sign system in parks.
o Interacts with park visitors, explain park policies and provide a visible presence. Open
and close the facility as schedule dictates.
o Advises on maintenance and operational requirements for all related park facilities.
o Adheres to a schedule in the operation of lighting and irrigation systems.
o Recognizes and corrects problems such as excessive wear and drainage issues.
o Directs and performs complex field lining layouts for multiple sports and age groups.
o Performs other related duties as assigned.
Parks Conservation Specialist / Turfgrass Manager -Recreation and Parks
Page 2
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:
o Knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques of athletic turf maintenance and best
management practices
o Knowledge and ability to identify turf grass weeds, pests, insets and diseases and their
controls, including knowledge of integrated pest management practices and appropriate
chemical uses related to sports fields.
o Knowledge of electrical, mechanical and automated turf irrigation systems and their
components and the capability to program systems and perform repairs to electrical and
mechanical components as well as computer controllers.
o Ability to direct and instruct in the performance of routine and specialized maintenance
of turf maintenance vehicles, equipment and tools.
o Knowledge and ability to read blueprints, specifications and plans.
o Ability to recognize cause and effect of management practices and results on turfgrass.
o Ability to determine appropriate solutions for resulting problems.
o Knowledge and ability in budgeting, specifying and negotiating for serves, equipment
and supplies.
o Ability to build positive relationships, advise, teach and/or assist crews and crew chiefs
with other aspects of their turfgrass facilities management to include proper mowing,
fertilizing, irrigation practices, etc.
o Good communication and supervisory skills.
o Ability to review specifications and oversee proper turfgrass area design and
construction.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, bending,
crouching or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light objects, occasionally
lifts heavy objects, climbs ladders, and uses tools and equipment requiring a high degree of
dexterity.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is performed both indoors and outdoors. The employee
may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, irritating chemical and
inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks or gloves.
Parks Conservation Specialist /Turfgrass Manager -Recreation and Parks
Page 3
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position has supervision over
crew personnel and makes assignments and provides technical guidance to staff on other crews.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
o Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a
baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to Agronomy, Turfgrass Management
or related field.
o Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the objectives and functions of the
department and the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and
resolve problems, usually associated with two to four years experience or service.
o Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of
North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated
o Possession of or ability to obtain Pesticide Applicator license