201 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite 501
Anaheim, CA 92805
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Fax: (714) 765-5215
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
DATE: APRIL 22, 2025
FROM: HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO SECTION .030 OF CHAPTER 1.05 OF THE
ANAHEIM MUNICIPAL CODE (SECOND READING) AND
CREATION OF A NON-REPRESENTED NON-MANAGEMENT
CLASSIFICATION FOR FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 16
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council take the following actions:
1. By Ordinance, amend Section .030 of Chapter 1.05 of the Anaheim Municipal Code.
2. By Resolution, establish the Firefighter Trainee job classification, rates of compensation, and pay policies, effective April 25, 2025; and
3. By Resolution, amend the Personnel Rules to establish benefits and other terms and conditions of employment for unrepresented, non-management Firefighter Trainee classification, effective April 25, 2025.
DISCUSSION:
On March 25, 2025, the City Council approved actions to expand the Ambulance Operator (AO) Program to support the creation of a direct pipeline for qualified Ambulance Operators to move directly into the Anaheim Firefighter Academy. This action supports City Council’s Strategic Plan Goal D – Foster a High-Organization, Strategy 1 – Expand our professional development program for departments to build a pipeline of new talent and support professional growth.
Ordinance No. 6605, introduced at the March 25, 2025 meeting is necessary to allow for the designation of classifications to exempt status. The adoption of Ordinance No. 6605 will vest the Human Resources Director with the authority to designate classifications as exempt from classified service by resolution duly adopted by the City Council. Approval by resolution will allow exempt designation to be accomplished in one reading, thereby expediting the process in support of operational and department efficiency.
Firefighter Trainee:
The companion step to complete the process of an AO Pipeline Program is to establish the new classification, Firefighter Trainee. Chapter 1.05 of the Anaheim Municipal Code Amendment to Section .030 of Chapter 1.05 of the Anaheim Municipal Code and Creation of Firefighter Trainee Classification April 22, 2025
establishes the City’s Personnel System and vests the Human Resources Director with the responsibility for ensuring the appropriateness of classifications based upon the type and level of duties and responsibilities performed.
In accordance with Section 1.05.020 of the Municipal Code, the Human Resources Director concurs with the department’s request and recommends that the following classification be created based on the following:
Staff recommend creating the Firefighter Trainee classification within the Fire & Rescue Department and designating it as a Non-Represented Non-Management position. This position will be a non-safety, exempt trainee-level position and incumbents will perform various training evolutions simulating emergency and rescue duties as they prepare for a sworn Firefighter position. It is recommended that the salary for the classification of Firefighter Trainee be assigned to a new salary grade consisting of a single step ($37.81/hour). The structure is consistent with the labor market for candidates in the fire academy and will aid in retaining and encouraging Anaheim’s trained AOs to apply for the Firefighter Trainee classification. Human Resources consulted with the bargaining unit that may have an interest in this classification, and there were no objections raised regarding its unrepresented status.
Staff also recommend making necessary amendments to the Personnel Rules to incorporate the addition of the Firefighter Trainee classification. This final step is necessary to establish this new classification and establish the terms and conditions of employment. In summary, the proposed conditions establish compensation, benefits, and terms and conditions, that include work schedule, paid leave and other related terms and conditions of employment for at-will city employees, including recent amendments to Section .030 of Chapter 1.05 of the Anaheim Municipal Code, amendments from Resolution No. 2025-002, an amendment to allow for an additional six (6) month extension of promotional eligibility lists (Battalion Chief classification), and other appropriate updates.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The proposed changes will not have an impact to the general fund. The creation of the Firefighter Trainee classification does not increase the FTE; Trainees will underfill vacant Firefighter positions. Firefighter Trainees who do not successfully complete the Anaheim Fire Training Academy will not be appointed to the classification of Firefighter I and will be subject to termination of their Trainee status.
Respectfully submitted, Respectfully submitted,
Linda N. Andal Pat Russell
Human Resources Director Fire Chief
Attachments:
1. Ordinance Amending Municipal Code
2. Resolution – Establishing Firefighter Trainee Classification
3. Resolution – Amending Personnel Rules
4. Personnel Rules – Final (Exhibit to Resolution)
5. Personnel Rules – Tracked Changes