CITY OF SAN MATEO
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 19 Section Name: CONSENT CALENDAR Account Number: 10-1311 File ID: 26-11519 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Human Resources Department
MEETING DATE: August 17, 2026
SUBJECT:
Civilian Investigator Classification Series Job Specification and Salary Schedule; Revisions to the Golf Services Manager and Parks and Landscape Manager Job Specifications – Approval RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution to: 1) approve the establishment of the Civilian Investigator I-II-III merit classification series; 2) approve the job specification and salary ranges for the Civilian Investigator I, II, and III classification series; and 3) approve the revisions to the job specifications for the Golf Services Manager and Parks and Landscape Manager classifications.
BACKGROUND:
Police Department Civilian Investigator Classification Series:
The Police Department has historically relied on retired annuitants to conduct pre-employment background investigations and assist with follow-up investigations and cold cases. This model has become increasingly difficult to sustain due to a declining pool of qualified retirees, CalPERS post-retirement employment limitations, and increased competition for experienced investigators. As a result, delays in background investigations have the potential to affect the Department's ability to recruit and hire sworn personnel efficiently.
To address these challenges, the Police Department requests approval to establish the merit Civilian Investigator classification series, consisting of three classifications: Civilian Investigator I, an entry-level classification responsible for conducting pre-employment background investigations and providing administrative investigative support; Civilian Investigator II, a journey-level classification responsible for conducting independent investigations and case follow-up; and Civilian Investigator III, an advanced-level classification responsible for complex investigations, including cold cases, sensitive administrative investigations, and program oversight. The request also includes approval of the associated job specifications and annual salary ranges as follows:
Civilian Investigator I: $105,587.99 - $125,915.64 annually Civilian Investigator II: $116,146.78 - $138,507.20 annually Civilian Investigator III: $127,761.46 - $152,357.92 annually The proposed classification series creates a dedicated career path for civilian investigative staff, reducing reliance on retired annuitants while providing continuity in investigative services. It also supports the timely completion of background investigations, strengthens recruitment efforts, and enables sworn personnel to focus on enforcement and high-priority investigative work.
The creation of Civilian Investigator classification series will serve as a replacement for the retired annuitant positions, and the Department currently intends to only hire per diem employees funded through the cost savings realized from the retired annuitant program.
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Parks and Recreation Department Revisions to Job Specifications:
The Parks and Recreation Department currently has one (1) Golf Services Manager position and one (1) Parks and Landscape Manager position. Following recent resignations, the Department conducted a comprehensive review of its operations to evaluate the roles and responsibilities of its merit staff and ensure that position classifications accurately reflect current operational needs.
As part of this review, the Department determined that the Golf Services Manager job specification had not been comprehensively updated since 2002 and no longer reflected the full scope of the position's responsibilities. The proposed revisions update the job specification to accurately capture the breadth of duties performed and the level of leadership, service, and operational standards required to effectively manage the City's golf facilities and programs.
For the Parks and Landscape Manager position, minor revisions are proposed. These edits are intended to improve consistency by aligning the job specification with the responsibilities and expectations of other management positions within the Parks and Recreation Department.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The creation of the new Civilian Investigator I-II-III classification does not include the addition of any new full-time merit positions and, therefore, has no impact on the City’s budget. The Police Department intends to utilize the classification solely for per diem employees using budget savings generated by vacant retired annuitant positions. No additional appropriation is required. There is no budget impact associated with the revisions to the job specifications of Golf Services Manager and Parks and Landscape Manager.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
These classification updates are not subject to CEQA, because they will not cause a physical change in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4).)
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE:
This staff report supports the Organizational Health and Good Governance initiative.
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Proposed Resolution
Exhibit A – Job Specifications
Exhibit B – Merit Salary Schedule
Att 2 – Job specifications with tracked changes
STAFF CONTACT
Aracelia G. Esparza, Human Resources Director
[email protected]
(650) 522-7260