Difference between revisions of "Staffing & Overtime"

Revision as of 14:43, 1 March 2016

Section 1 - ADMINISTRATIVE

110.23 Satffing & Overtime

PURPOSE:

To establish a baseline directive to maintain an adequate staffing level through the use of overtime assignments. This policy is designed to set forth a scheduling plan to distribute overtime hours fairly.

PROCEDURE:

Staffing Guidelines

• A minimum of eleven (11) personnel is required per shift. Of that 11, one must be a Battalion Chief or qualified ride-up Battalion Chief, one must be a shift Lieutenant or qualified relief Lieutenant, one must be a Paramedic assigned to each rescue vehicle, and one must be an Engineer or relief driver assigned to drive the engine and quint. Whenever possible, attempts should be made to maintain at least one Lieutenant at all times, (avoid two simultaneous ride-ups).
• Shift members are typically scheduled to work 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty. The standard shift begins at 0700 and ends at 0700 hours the following day. All shift members, regardless of their schedule, are expected to be present and available during their entire shift.
• Two (2) shift members may be permitted to be on personal leave when the leave does not create overtime.* If one person creates overtime due to staffing circumstances (i.e. only Paramedic on shift), then no other vacation will be approved. Vacation requests will be taken at any time. However, time off will not be officially approved until 60 days prior to the time off. In the event that circumstances change relating to shift staffing (FMLA or W/C absences), then the second person off may be cancelled up to one shift before the scheduled leave date. The first person approved will be granted the time off even if it requires overtime as long as the position can be covered. Mandatory OT will be avoided at all costs. No more than 5 shifts in a 10 shift period will be granted off, inclusive of time trades.

Special circumstances may be approved by Fire Administration.

∗This was amended to allow a second person off with the understanding that it will not always be possible and at times there may be lengthy periods of time that certain shifts will not enjoy this benefit. All members employed as of July 1, 2010, agree and understand the limitations and unanimously voted to continue the practice even if the benefit will be limited.