HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.E.1. Amending the Hiring Policy for Paid-on-call Firefighters-Res. No. 6984
City of Shakopee S; E. J.
Memorandum
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TO: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
FROM: Kris Wilson, Assistant City Administrator ~
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SUBJECT: Amending the Hiring Policy for Paid-on-Call Firefighters
DATE: January 29,2010
Introduction
The Council is asked to adopt Resolution No. 6984, amending the City's Hiring Policy for Paid-
on-Call Firefighters.
Background
In the fall of 2007 the City Council adopted a series of administrative policies intended to guide
certain functions of the Fire Department. One of those policies spells out the hiring process to be
followed for paid-on-call firefighters.
Since that time the Department has transitioned to a full-time Chief and the City has adjusted its
hiring practices as it relates to the timing of pre-employment background checks. Therefore,
staff is seeking Council approval of an amended policy that grants more discretion to the Fire
Chief in the naming of the interview panel and moves the background check step up in the
process so that it occurs prior to the conditional offer of employment.
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Council adopt the attached resolution.
Relationship to Vision: This is a housekeeping item.
Requested Action: If the Council concurs, it should offer Resolution 6984, a Resolution
Amending the Hiring Policy for Paid-on-Call Firefighters, and move its adoption.
RESOLUTION No. 6984
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE HIRING POLICY
FOR PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 6674, adopted October 16,2007, adopted a Hiring Policy for the
Shakopee Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, the Department has since transitioned to a mix of full-time and part-time employees
and to a full-time Chief; and
WHEREAS, the City has since changed the timing of pre-employment background checks to
allow for their completion prior to the extension of a conditional offer of employment.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SHAKOPEE, MINNESOTA, that the Hiring Police for Paid-on-Call Firefighters is hereby
amended as reflected on the attached.
Adopted in regular session of the City Council of the City of Shakopee, Minnesota, held
this 3rd day of February, 2010.
Mayor of the City of Shakopee
ATTEST:
City Clerk
I SHAKOPEE FIRE DEPARTMENT
POLICY NO.1:
I HIRING PROCESS for P AID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS
At any time that the total number of firefighters falls below the staffing level authorized
by the City Council, the Chief has the authority to begin the hiring process.
Notice that applications for the position of firefighter are being accepted shall be placed
in the employment section of the Shakopee Valley News and posted on the employment
section of the City's website. Additional advertising may be used at the discretion ofthe
Chief and/or the Assistant City Administrator.
All postings of openings for the position of firefighter shall include an application
deadline. The application deadline shall be no sooner than ten business days after the
posting date. Applications shall only be accepted when a position is posted and shall not
be held over or retained when there is no active posting for the position of firefighter.
Applicants shall be required to complete a City application form. Application forms must
be submitted to Human Resources at City Hall. They shall not be accepted at any fire
station.
The Assistant City Administrator shall perform an initial review of all applications to
determine if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position, as specified
in the approved job description.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications shall be invited to participate in the
following testing process. The results of each component shall be weighted as indicated
in parenthesis.
l. Oral Interview. (65%) Interviews shall be conducted by a panel
I appointed by the Fire Chief. consisting of the Chief, Training Chief
and two other individuals selected by the Chief.
2. Physical Fitness Testing. (25%)
3. Quantitative Scoring of the applications by Human Resources. (10%)
Following the completion of the testing process outlined above, points for Veteran's
Preference shall be awarded to qualifying applicants.
The top scoring candidates will then advance to a background check. A total score of 75
percent is required in order to be placed on the eligible register.
I The Assistant City Administrator shall extend aA written, conditional offer of
employment shull be extended to candidates successfully completing the background
I Adopted by City Council, Resolution No. 6674, Oct. 16, 2007.
Amended bv Citv Council. Resolution No. 6984. Februarv 3.2010.
I check. individuals in the order they appear on the eligible register. The City shall not
extend conditional offers of employment to more candidates than there are openings
available, but may elect to extend conditional offers to fewer candidates than there are
openings, based on the operational needs and capacity of the Fire Department.
The conditional offer of employment shall be contingent on successful completion of the
following:
a) a background,l dri','er's license check
B1&-a pre-employment physical, which includes a drug / alcohol test
e1.bl-a pre-employment psychological evaluation
All pre-employment screenings shall be completed by the City-approved provider and
paid for by the City of Shakopee.
The Chief will recommend to the City Council the hiring of those candidates that have
successfully completed all pre-employment screenings.
I Adopted by City Council, Resolution No. 6674, Oct. 16,2007.
Amended bv City Council. Resolution No. 6984, February 3, 2010.