Commission approves new park technician job series; forwards pay exhibit to governor

The Louisiana Civil Service Commission on April 2 approved a classification change that creates a new park technician job series for employees now in the parks building and grounds attendant title.

Janelle Haynsworth, compensation program manager, told commissioners the new series creates a career progression and supervisory structure intended to help recruit and retain workers who perform custodial, clerical, customer-service and basic maintenance duties at state parks. Haynsworth said 187 classified employees currently hold the attendant title and most will move into Park Technician A at the same pay grade; four employees whose pay falls below the new minimum will generate an estimated $7,519.20 in annualized additional cost.

Commissioner Hughes moved to approve Exhibit A of General Circular 2025-016 and forward it to the governor for signature; the motion was seconded and carried with no objection. Commissioners also approved Exhibit D, authorizing the director to set an effective date no later than 10 days after gubernatorial approval of Exhibit A.

Why it matters: the change centralizes hiring and training expectations for park maintenance roles and establishes a supervisory and career-progression path to reduce turnover, the staff said. Exhibit A requires both the Commission's approval and the governor's signature before implementation; Exhibit B was approved by the Commission but will not be implemented without gubernatorial approval of Exhibit A.

The Commission invited public comment before voting and reported no public comments had been received on the exhibits. The director of State Civil Service will issue a subsequent general circular to notify agencies of the effective date once approvals are complete.