To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: MJ Tueros, Interim Human Resources Director
Prepared By: Fernando Salinas, Management Analyst II
TITLE:
Title
Classification Specification and Salary for Emergency Manager in the Fire Department
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution amending the City Classification Plan by adopting the new classification specification and salary range for Emergency Manager in the Fire Department.
Body
DISCUSSION:
During the annual budget process, the Human Resources Department received a new classification request from the Fire Department for an Emergency Manager to strengthen the City’s emergency management capabilities. On June 17, 2025, the City Council adopted the budget for Fiscal Years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 which included approving a new budgeted position of Emergency Manager in the Fire Department beginning Fiscal Year 2026/2027. The Fire Department requested the addition of a full-time Emergency Manager position to enhance staff preparedness for all types of emergencies, improve understanding of emergency plans, roles, and responsibilities, and provide job-specific training for key personnel. The Emergency Manager would also support the pre-development of emergency management objectives, updating of critical maps, and improving overall efficiency of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
In addition, the Emergency Manager would ensure compliance with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emergency management guidelines, thereby improving the City’s eligibility for disaster recovery funding and hazard mitigation grants. The role would enhance coordination among City departments, regional partners, and external agencies, ensuring a unified and effective response during emergencies. By proactively identifying vulnerabilities and implementing risk reduction strategies, the Emergency Manager would help minimize potential liabilities, reduce insurance claims, and protect residents, businesses, and City assets. Overall, this new classification reinforces the City’s commitment to preparedness and effective emergency management.
As a part of the class study for Emergency Manager, the Human Resources Department conducted a salary survey and classification analysis of several comparator agencies that maintain classifications with similar duties, skills and qualifications. Based on the data obtained from comparator agencies, as well as internal equity within the organization, staff determined that the determined that the Principal Management Analyst was the most appropriate comparison for internal equity based on 1) the technical knowledge necessary to understand, develop, and implement complex agency-wide programs, 2) the ability to interact with all levels of city employees, managers, elected officials, community groups, other governmental agencies and the public, and 3) the significant independent responsibility of the position.
Therefore, it is recommended that the City create a new classification of Emergency Manager to illustrate the programmatic duties of emergency management and preparedness. The proposed salary range of $127,719.94 - $154,294.57 is in alignment with the Principal Management Analyst salary, which is a management counterpart within the Fire Department.
The affected bargaining unit, Administrative, Managerial, and Professional Employees (AMP), was given an opportunity to review, and agreed with staff’s recommendations.
The new classification and salary range for Emergency Manager was reviewed by the Civil Service Commission at their regular meeting on May 18, 2026, and the Commission recommended Council approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
The funding for this position was approved with the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 Budget on June 17, 2025. There is no additional fiscal impact for this item.
CEQA:
The Human Resources Director has determined that the Recommended Action described in this Agenda Report is not subject to CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
ATCH 1 - Resolution
EX A - Classification Specification for Emergency Manager
NOTIFICATION:
Department Managers and Bargaining Unit