To: Board of Supervisors
From: Warren Lai, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Report Title: Add Airport Safety Office II position in the Public Works Department
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Position Adjustment Resolution No. 26530 to add one (1) Airport Safety Officer II (9BVC) (represented) position at salary plan and grade T25 1400 ($5,852 -$7,113) in the Public Works Department.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action will result in an annual increase in salary cost of $101,830 which includes $16,474 in retirement cost. (100% Airport Enterprise Fund)
BACKGROUND:
The Public Works Airports Division operates and manages two general aviation airports, Buchanan Field and Byron Airport. Buchanan Field operates under a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 139 certificate that requires a higher level of safety, primarily through having Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services. Within the Airports Division, the Airport Safety Officer (ASO) classification is responsible for the ARFF response component, as well as airport operations and maintenance. With such a vast range of duties, the ASO classification plays a critical role in the airport’s safety and its ability to maintain regulatory compliance.
In the past, the Airports Division has maintained nine ASO positions between the two airports. Currently, there are seven ASO positions, with only four of them filled. With an active recruitment process nearing completion, the existing vacant positions are expected to be filled. However, to maintain adequate staffing coverage, accomplish routine maintenance, and to reduce ongoing overtime, the Director of Airports is requesting one additional ASO position, bringing the total to eight.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this position is not approved, the Airports Division will struggle to maintain adequate staffing without having to incur additional overtime costs.