Glendale Civil Service Commission approves job bullets and class specs; HR report shows large applicant pools for some roles
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Summary
The commission approved updates to a principal power system operator class, job bulletins for fire captain and wireless systems technician, and a new Technology Manager classification; HR reported 37 open recruitments and that a power plant apprentice recruitment drew 682 applicants.
The City of Glendale Civil Service Commission on Feb. 11 approved a series of human resources actions and heard routine reports on recruitment and evaluations.
HR reported 37 open recruitments across city departments. Staff noted 12 eligible lists were established since the January meeting: three open lists, seven promotional, and two open/promotional. As an example of recent recruitment volume, HR said a Power Plant Control Operator Apprentice recruitment drew 682 applicants; of those, 40 passed the written exam, 258 failed, 384 applicants either withdrew or did not show, and 37 names were placed on the eligibility list, underscoring hiring challenges for specialized roles.
The commission approved an amended class specification for Principal Power System Operator at Glendale Water and Power that will require applicants to hold the appropriate NERC operator certificate at appointment rather than during probation. Dan Gorza, assistant general manager at Glendale Water and Power, told commissioners the department contracts with a firm that "provides the training for this certification" and supports continuing education.
The commission also approved a promotional job bulletin for Fire Captain (to be posted Feb. 17–Mar. 2, 2026) and an open recruitment bulletin for Wireless Systems Technician for the police department; staff said the 2023 promotional recruitment for the wireless role produced only one promotional candidate. Gordon Arnold, wireless systems manager for the police department, said the FCC license is not the main limiting factor for hiring and that the department is aiming to hire for aptitude and provide technical training on the job.
Council earlier approved a new Technology Manager classification for information technology on Dec. 9, 2025; the commission approved the class specification as presented, which consolidates several IT management roles and establishes an assignment area for artificial intelligence. The Glendale Management Association and other bargaining units were notified and reportedly did not express concerns where noted.
Votes at a glance
• Approval of Jan. 14, 2026 minutes — motion moved and seconded; roll call recorded unanimous approval by commissioners present (yes = 3).
• Approve Principal Power System Operator class specification — motion moved and seconded; roll call recorded unanimous approval by commissioners present (yes = 3).
• Approve Fire Captain job bulletin (posting Feb. 17–Mar. 2, 2026) — motion moved and seconded; roll call recorded unanimous approval by commissioners present (yes = 3).
• Approve Wireless Systems Technician job bulletin (open recruitment) — motion moved and seconded; roll call recorded unanimous approval by commissioners present (yes = 3).
• Approve Technology Manager class specification — motion moved and seconded; roll call recorded unanimous approval by commissioners present (yes = 3).
The meeting included informational reports on employee performance evaluation return rates and a temporary acting assignment extension for Andre Akmalian as acting Construction Services Manager; staff said oral interviews were conducted Feb. 3 and the eligible list is expected shortly. No items were continued to closed session and the commission adjourned at the end of the agenda.
