To: Board of Supervisors
From: Esa Ehmen-Krause, County Probation Officer
Report Title: Network Administrator I to Network Administrator II
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Position Adjustment Resolution 26329 to reclassify one (1) Network Administrator I (LNSA) (represented) position #16277 at salary plan and grade ZA5 1694 ($8,393 - $10,202) and incumbent, to Network Administrator II (LNSB) (represented) position at salary plan and grade ZA5 1787 ($9,203 - $11,186) in the Probation Department.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action would result in an approximate annual cost of $11,800. It will be entirely funded by the General Fund.
BACKGROUND:
The Probation Department’s information technology unit consists of four employees; one Information Systems Technician, two Network Technicians and one Network Administrator I. This unit is responsible for supporting a department of 370 staff at five separate locations. The Network Administrator I supervises the Information Systems Technician and the two Network Technicians who monitor daily operations.
Previously, this unit was overseen directly by a sworn executive employee. However, due to the lack of subject matter expertise in information technology, it was difficult for the sworn employee to effectively manage this unit. The Network Administrator I became the more appropriate classification for this responsibility and has provided meaningful oversight and development. In addition to this supervision task, the Network Administrator I is charged with selecting new computer equipment, procuring it and ensuring it is mapped to Probation’s needs. This decision-making responsibility being funneled through one individual allows for equitable distribution of quality industry standard equipment department wide. Moreover, this also allows for a designated point of contact for the department. Other significant changes that have impacted this classification include the addition of the Office of Reentry and Justice and all its databases, the launch of a new case management system and converting all historical data. This position has continuously been forced to think about technology on a more strategic level as Probation executes its mission. Additionally, as technology continues to change and security needs increase over time, the Information Technology unit must be agile in keeping up with these needs. Recently, the unit has developed and implemented physical and virtual servers, developed a consistent backup process, managed internal applications with a security risk mindset, and upgraded all staff to the latest Microsoft 365 version. The incumbent in this position has been performing all these duties as the Department’s needs have evolved.
The reclassification from Network Administrator I to Network Administrator II reflects the latitude necessary from this position within the probation department in determining independent work methods and assignments. Incumbents must possess a significant level of specialized, technical, and functional expertise and often exercise independent judgement in the performance of their duties.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If unapproved, the incumbent would not be properly compensated, and the department would not have a classification suitable to perform essential high-level duties.