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Report regarding a resolution approving Amendment 4 to the City’s wage and salary schedule for fiscal year 2025-2026 to establish the salary range for the new classification of Plant Operations Supervisor and incorporate the local minimum wage update for January 2026 (Yvette Mindeguia, Senior Human Resources Analyst and Leah Lockhart, Human Resources Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving Amendment 4 to the City’s wage and salary schedule for fiscal year 2025-2026 to establish the salary range for the new classification of Plant Operations Supervisor and incorporate the local minimum wage update for January 2026.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In accordance with the City’s Personnel Rules and Regulations, the City maintains a salary and wage schedule (“salary schedule”) for all positions of employment with the City, and any amendments to the schedule are subject to City Council approval. The salary schedule is typically updated at the beginning of each fiscal year, and as needed to implement negotiated rate increases or other recommended additions or changes to job classifications and wage/salary ranges.
Plant Operations Supervisor Classification
The Public Works Department has added a new position of Plant Operations Supervisor to distribute the supervisory span of control more evenly at the Water Quality Control Plant. Previously, the Water Quality Control Plant was staffed with an Assistant Plant Superintendent, whose responsibilities included direct supervision of plant operations as well as management oversight of environmental compliance, plant maintenance, and laboratory functions. The Plant Operations Supervisor will be dedicated to the Plant Operations Program responsible for the 24/7 operation of the City’s wastewater treatment plant and sanitary sewer pump stations. This position will report directly to the Plant Superintendent.
This new classification reflects the division’s current operational needs, ensures appropriate leadership coverage, and supports effective management over plant operations without duplicating the broader responsibilities of the Plant Superintendent. In the Plant Superintendent’s absence, the Plant Operations Supervisor will serve as the Chief Plant Operator legally responsible for the overall operation of the wastewater treatment plant, including compliance with effluent limitations established in waste discharge permit per CA Water Code, Div. 7, § 13625. This class is distinguished from the next lower-level classification of Lead Plant Operator in that the latter provides technical and functional line level oversight over assigned personnel or area.
Staff recommends establishing the Plant Operations Supervisor as a regular, full-time position at forty hours per week (1.0 full-time equivalent). This position would be included in the classified service under the City’s Personnel Rules and Regulations and is considered a non-sworn, professional and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exempt position represented by the Mid-Management Unit, Teamsters, Local 856.
To establish the recommended wage range for the position, staff conducted a salary survey of the City’s benchmark cities of Alameda, Daly City, Hayward, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Leandro, and San Mateo. Of the 9 comparator agencies surveyed, three had a comparable classification, Daly City, San Leandro, and San Mateo. In addition to external benchmarks, staff reviewed existing City positions to ensure appropriate internal alignment with positions of similar scope and complexity of duties and required qualifications. As a result of this analysis, staff recommends that the Plant Operations Supervisor position be set at ten percent (10%) below the Assistant Plant Superintendent classification, with a range of $13,312-$16,180 monthly. This range is in line with the compensation for the comparator agencies identified. Staff met and conferred with representatives of Teamsters Local 856 and reached tentative agreement on the proposed salary range and employment terms, subject to City Council approval.
Minimum Wage Adjustment
In accordance with City Ordinance 1587 §2, the South San Francisco local minimum wage will increase to $18.15 per hour effective January 1, 2026. The amended wage and salary schedule includes adjustments to the minimum wage for hourly positions with general ranges, including Recreation Instructors, Interns, and Miscellaneous unclassified positions. All current City employees earn a wage above the new minimum wage, therefore no actual wage adjustments are necessary.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Plant Operations Supervisor position was included as a regular full-time position in the Public Works Department’s 2025-2026 fiscal year operating budget and is funded by the Sewer Enterprise Fund. The estimated cost for salary and benefits is approximately $23,000 higher than the amount initially budgeted for the position, the elimination of the vacant Assistant Plant Superintendent position will offset this additional cost. There is no direct cost associated with the minimum wage adjustment.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
This action supports the City’s strategic plan by ensuring that the City maintains appropriate staffing levels and compensation packages to attract and retain high-performing employees to carry out the strategic goals and priorities of the City.
CONCLUSION
If approved, the amended wage and salary schedule will allow the City to fill the position of Plant Operations Supervisor on a regular full-time basis and ensure that the City maintains competitive and equitable compensation for the position. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the resolution to amend the City’s wage and salary schedule for these changes to take effect.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Plant Operations Supervisor - Class Description