Chapter 78. Personnel

The city council elects to have all employees as defined in V.T.C.A., Government Code § 851.001(8)(A) to participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System as provided in V.T.C.A., Government Code § 851.001 et seq., and all the benefits and obligations of such system are accepted.

(Ord. No. 635, § 1, 9-14-61; Code 1967, § 2-74)

The city shall remit to the board of trustees of the Texas Municipal Retirement System, at its office in Austin, Texas, the city's proper contributions to the system and the amounts that shall be deducted from the compensation or payroll of employees, all as required by the act creating such retirement system.

(Ord. No. 635, § 5, 9-14-61; Code 1967, § 2-78)

Those certain rules contained in the "City of Baytown Personnel Policy Manual," prescribing rules, policies and procedures concerning employees of the city, of which a copy is on file in the office of the city clerk, are adopted and incorporated as fully as if set forth at length in this section.

(Code 1967, § 2-89; Ord. No. 2023, § 2, 6-10-76)

The city council has adopted the civil service law, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq., which is included in this article by reference.

(a) The civil service commission shall be appointed and serve as provided in V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.006.

(b) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation.

(c) The members of the commission shall hold regular quarterly meetings as may be required in the proper discharge of its duties.

(Ord. No. 154, §§ 15, 16, 8-28-52; Code 1967, §§ 8-7, 8-8; Ord. No. 2296, § 3, 8-25-77)

(a) Status. The position of police officer trainee is a non-civil-service employee position governed by city policy.

(b) General statement of duties. A police officer trainee shall perform training and administrative duties while awaiting entrance into a police academy. A police officer trainee shall be assigned as soon as reasonably practicable after being hired by the city to the police academy for basic police officer training, as required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

(c) Distinguishing features of the class. The police officer trainee is a noncertified, newly hired employee awaiting entrance into or attending a police academy. The police officer trainee shall attend and successfully complete a certified police academy. Probation for the police officer trainee begins on the trainee's date of hire.

(d) Examples of work. The police officer trainee shall assist police department personnel and regularly attend all classes at the police academy and shall complete the required physical fitness requirements and successfully qualify at the shooting range.

(e) Qualifications. The police officer trainee shall meet the entrance requirements from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE); the qualifications established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq.; and the civil service rules of the city. The police officer trainee shall possess a valid Texas driver's license.

(Ord. No. 560, §§ 1, 2, 10-8-59; Ord. No. 661, § 1, 10-25-62; Ord. No. 710, § 1, 10-10-63; Ord. No. 877, 6-13-67; Ord. No. 6627, §§ 1, 2, 5-13-93; Ord. No. 12,990, § 2, 10-8-15)

(a) General statement of duties. A patrol officer enforces the law to protect and serve the public and provides aid to citizens while rendering basic police services to the public.

(b) Distinguishing characteristics of work. A patrol officer patrols a specified area of the city to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crime and to enforce motor vehicle operations and parking regulations. The patrol officer shall assist in personnel-related issues, crime prevention tasks, training programs and other specialized assignments.

(c) Examples of work. The patrol officer shall investigate and report criminal offenses, shall assist in the investigation of misdemeanor and felony offenses, shall apprehend suspects and shall assist in the prosecution of offenders. A patrol officer prepares educational programs and classes for the public on crime prevention and for the academy. A patrol officer shall perform administrative duties as assigned.

(d) Qualifications. A patrol officer shall have the ability to work under stressful conditions and the ability to deal courteously with the public. A patrol officer shall have knowledge of civil, traffic and criminal laws and city ordinances and shall have knowledge of geography. The patrol officer shall have a high school diploma and 45 semester hours of college or shall have successfully completed academy training from a certified program or shall have prior police officer experience as a certified peace officer. A patrol officer shall have basic police officer certification obtained from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), shall have a valid Texas driver's license and shall have all other qualifications of a patrol officer as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq. and the civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 560, §§ 1, 2, 10-8-59; Ord. No. 661, § 1, 10-25-62; Ord. No. 710, § 1, 10-10-63; Ord. No. 877, 6-13-67; Ord. No. 6627, §§ 1, 2, 5-13-93; Ord. No. 12,990, § 3, 10-8-15)

(a) General statement of duties. A sergeant supervises and coordinates general activities of assigned personnel on a squad and enforces laws to protect and serve the public.

(b) Distinguishing characteristic of work. A sergeant shall be responsible for the direct supervision and control of patrol officers assigned to areas of the city to meet basic law enforcement needs, patrol officers assigned to investigations and those individuals assigned to crime prevention.

(c) Examples of work. A sergeant supervises, coordinates, plans and organizes the work of the assigned personnel and supervises operations of patrol units, detectives and other specialized units of the department. The sergeant performs investigations, develops training methods, conducts training and performs administrative duties. A sergeant evaluates the performance of his subordinates.

(d) Qualifications. A sergeant shall have the ability to communicate both orally and in writing and shall have the ability to work under stressful conditions. The sergeant shall have knowledge of civil, traffic and criminal laws and city ordinances; knowledge of methods of law enforcement tactics and policies; knowledge of city streets and geography; and knowledge of departmental policies, methods and procedures. A sergeant shall have a high school diploma or the equivalent, shall have a state peace officer's license and shall be a sworn officer for the city. The sergeant shall have two years of experience in the position classification immediately below and shall meet all other requirements as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq. and the civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 560, §§ 1, 2, 10-8-59; Ord. No. 661, § 1, 10-25-62; Ord. No. 710, § 1, 10-10-63; Ord. No. 877, 6-13-67; Ord. No. 6627, §§ 1, 2, 5-13-93)

(a) General statement of duties. A lieutenant supervises, coordinates and directs assigned personnel on a specific shift and enforces laws to protect and serve the public.

(b) Distinguishing features of the class. A lieutenant shall be responsible for exercising command over and integrating field activities of subordinate supervisors in meeting basic law enforcement needs, investigations and administrative procedures. A lieutenant shall direct police activities, training, public education and other activities as required.

(c) Examples of work. A lieutenant reviews, discusses and analyzes general work orders, specific instructions and routine work activities and special assignments of subordinates. A lieutenant gives written and oral instructions to subordinates and ensures compliance with standard operating procedures, regulations and standards. A lieutenant assists with the divisional budget and evaluates the performance of subordinates.

(d) Qualifications. A lieutenant shall have the ability to work under stressful conditions, meet time deadlines and communicate orally and in writing. A lieutenant shall have the ability to maintain a tactful, cooperative relationship with the public and other police authorities. A lieutenant shall have a knowledge of civil, traffic and criminal laws and city ordinances and a knowledge of departmental policies, methods and procedures. A lieutenant shall have a high school diploma or the equivalent, shall have a state police officer's license and shall be a sworn officer for the city. A lieutenant shall have two years of experience in the position classification immediately below and shall meet all other requirements as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq. and the civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 560, §§ 1, 2, 10-8-59; Ord. No. 661, § 1, 10-25-62; Ord. No. 710, § 1, 10-10-63; Ord. No. 877, 6-13-67; Ord. No. 6627, §§ 1, 2, 5-13-93)

(a) General statement of duties. An assistant chief/captain assists the chief of police in the complex task of overall planning, directing and supervising divisions of the police department. The assistant chief/captain shall assume the police chief's administrative duties during the police chief's absence. The assistant chief/captain enforces laws to protect and serve the public.

(b) Distinguishing features of the class. An assistant chief/captain manages and administers the overall operations of the divisions where assigned, including personnel deployment, budget concerns and policy enforcement. The assistant chief/captain regularly reviews operations to ensure effectiveness and conformity with established strategies.

(c) Examples of work. An assistant chief/captain shall assist the chief of police in analyzing and studying work activities. An assistant chief/captain plans, organizes and coordinates the work of field units through subordinate levels of line supervision. The assistant chief/captain advises, trains and develops subordinate supervisors in the knowledge and understanding of rules, regulations, laws and techniques of the law enforcement process. An assistant chief/captain responds to emergency incidents and assumes commands if necessary. An assistant chief/captain prepares the divisional budget and assists in the departmental budget. The assistant chief/captain evaluates the performance of subordinates.

(d) Qualifications. An assistant chief/captain shall have the ability to work under stressful conditions, meet time deadlines and communicate orally and in writing. An assistant chief/captain shall have the ability to maintain a tactful, cooperative relationship with the public and with other police authorities. An assistant chief/captain shall have knowledge of civil, traffic and criminal laws and city ordinances and shall have knowledge of departmental policies, methods and procedures. An assistant chief/captain shall have a high school diploma or the equivalent, shall have a state peace officer's license and shall be a sworn officer for the city. An assistant chief/captain shall have two years of experience in the position classification immediately below, if the position is one filled by testing. An assistant chief/captain shall meet all other requirements as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq. and the civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 560, §§ 1, 2, 10-8-59; Ord. No. 661, § 1, 10-25-62; Ord. No. 710, § 1, 10-10-63; Ord. No. 877, 6-13-67; Ord. No. 6627, §§ 1, 2, 5-13-93)

Section 1: That Appendix "I" of Chapter 8, Art. II of "Classification Plan for Classified Service" of the Code of Ordinances, City of Baytown, Texas, is hereby amended by renaming the classification immediately below Chief of Police of the Baytown Police Department from "Assistant Chief of Police" to "Captain."

Section 2: That the City Council of the City of Baytown hereby prescribes for a total of five Captain positions in the City of Baytown Police Department.

Section 3: That the two existing persons in this classification retain the title of Assistant Chief until their retirement.

Section 4: That upon the two existing positions in this classification becoming vacant the positions shall be filled with Captains by testing as provided by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq.

(a) Status. The position of fire cadet is a non-civil-service employee position governed by city policy.

(b) General statement of duties. A fire cadet performs training duties while assigned to the administrative offices.

(c) Distinguishing features of the class. A fire cadet is a noncertified, newly hired employee awaiting entrance into a recruit training academy. The civil service probation period for a fire cadet does not begin until the fire cadet is assigned as a fire academy trainee.

(d) Examples of work (illustrative only). A fire cadet reads and studies fire department and city rules, regulations, policies and procedures. A fire cadet assists staff personnel as required and attends training classes with shift personnel. The fire cadet shall receive uniforms and equipment in preparation for recruit training.

(e) Qualifications. A fire cadet shall meet entrance and future certification requirements of (i) a firefighter from the Texas Fire Commission and (ii) an emergency medical technician-paramedic from the state department of health or national registry. A fire cadet shall possess a valid Texas driver's license. A fire cadet shall meet other qualifications as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq.

(Ord. No. 560, §§ 1, 2, 10-8-59; Ord. No. 661, § 1, 10-25-62; Ord. No. 710, § 1, 10-10-63; Ord. No. 877, 6-13-67; Ord. No. 6627, §§ 1, 2, 5-13-93; Ord. No. 12,222, § 1, 3-28-13)

(a) Status. The position of fire academy trainee is a non-civil-service employee position governed by city policy.

(b) General statement of duties. A fire academy trainee shall be assigned to a recruit fire academy for basic firefighter training, as required and regulated by the state fire commission. A fire academy trainee shall be assigned to an appropriate training facility for emergency medical training.

(c) Distinguishing features of the class. A fire academy trainee shall attend a fire academy as assigned and shall successfully complete all assignments. The fire academy trainee shall attend emergency medical training classes. The probation period for a fire academy trainee begins on assignment as a fire academy trainee.

(d) Examples of work (illustrative only). The fire academy trainee shall attend classes; complete academic and physical requirements; and perform firefighting, rescue and emergency medical functions under the supervision of an instructor.

(e) Qualifications. A fire academy trainee shall meet entrance and future certification requirements of (i) a firefighter from the state fire commission and (ii) an emergency medical technician-paramedic from the state department of health or national registry. A fire academy trainee shall possess a valid Texas driver's license. The fire academy trainee shall meet other qualifications as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq., and civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 560, §§ 1, 2, 10-8-59; Ord. No. 661, § 1, 10-25-62; Ord. No. 710, § 1, 10-10-63; Ord. No. 877, 6-13-67; Ord. No. 6627, §§ 1, 2, 5-13-93; Ord. No. 12,222, § 2, 3-28-13)

(a) General statement of duties. A non-fire paramedic protects lives by performing advanced life support by providing patient care and performing any other functions required to protect and assist the public.

(b) Distinguishing features of the class. A non-fire paramedic performs manual tasks of a hazardous nature involving patient care and emergency first aid and/or advanced life support under the immediate supervision of superior officers. A non-fire paramedic performs routine maintenance and custodial work on the station and the equipment under general supervision.

(c) Examples of work (illustrative only). A non-fire paramedic provides advanced life support to patients by utilizing emergency medical equipment and protocols. Non-fire paramedics lift patients and transport patients utilizing motorized equipment.

(d) Qualifications. A non-fire paramedic shall have the ability to work under stressful conditions. A non-fire paramedic shall have knowledge of hazardous materials and emergency medical procedures and shall maintain at all times during employment an emergency medical technician - paramedic certification. The non-fire paramedic shall possess a class B Texas driver's license. The non-fire paramedic shall meet other qualifications as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq., and civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 12,222, § 3, 3-28-13)

(a) General statement of duties. A firefighter protects lives and property by extinguishing fires, performing rescues, conducting emergency first aid and/or advanced life support and performing any other functions required to protect and assist the public.

(b) Distinguishing features of the class. A firefighter performs manual tasks of a hazardous nature involving firefighting, rescue, control of hazardous materials and emergency first aid and/or advanced life support under the immediate supervision of superior officers. A firefighter performs routine maintenance and custodial work on the station and the equipment under general supervision. When assigned, a firefighter performs the duties of the fire equipment operator.

(c) Examples of work (illustrative only). A firefighter suppresses fires by stretching fire hoses, making entry into structures, climbing ladders and applying water. A firefighter cleans and assists in performing maintenance on equipment, tools, apparatus and facilities. A firefighter participates in fire prevention/public education activities. A firefighter operates motorized apparatus for training, maintenance or other occasional duties. A firefighter provides basic and/or advanced life support utilizing emergency medical equipment.

(d) Qualifications. A firefighter shall have the ability to work under stressful conditions. A firefighter shall have knowledge of firefighting, hazardous materials and emergency medical procedures and shall maintain at all times during employment either (i) an emergency medical technician - basic certification if hired before January 7, 2013, or (ii) an emergency medical technician - paramedic certification if hired on or after January 7, 2013. The firefighter shall possess a basic firefighter's certification and a class B Texas driver's license. The firefighter shall meet other qualifications as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq., and civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 12,222, § 3, 3-28-13)

(a) General statement of duties. A fire equipment operator provides safe operation of the apparatus transporting personnel and equipment to emergency and nonemergency incidents.

(b) Distinguishing features of the class. A fire equipment operator operates motorized apparatus, pumps and aerial apparatus and calculates fire flows and friction losses. A fire equipment operator performs operational surveys of equipment and performs routine maintenance and custodial work on the station and the equipment under general supervision. When assigned, a fire equipment operator performs the duties of the lieutenant.

(c) Examples of work (illustrative only). A fire equipment operator maintains a thorough knowledge of streets and the features of assigned districts. A fire equipment operator drives motorized apparatus on routine assignments and emergency responses. A fire equipment operator establishes and maintains a proper water supply for fire hoses. A fire equipment operator conducts daily operational evaluations on vehicles, equipment and facilities. A fire equipment operator assists in firefighting, as required.

(d) Qualifications. A fire equipment operator shall have the ability to work under stressful conditions, meet time deadlines, and communicate effectively. A fire equipment operator shall have knowledge of firefighting, hazardous materials, human relations and emergency medical procedures and shall maintain at all times during employment either (i) an emergency medical technician - basic certification or (ii) an emergency medical technician - paramedic certification. A fire equipment operator shall possess a basic firefighter's certification and a class B Texas driver's license. A fire equipment operator shall have two years of experience. A fire equipment operator shall meet other qualifications as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq., and civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 12,222, § 3, 3-28-13)

(a) General statement of duties. A lieutenant coordinates, supervises and directs fire protection/emergency response related activities as assigned.

(b) Distinguishing features of the class. A lieutenant commands activities at emergency incidents. A lieutenant provides input to assist in the preparation of the divisional budget. A lieutenant directs fire prevention inspections, training, public education and other activities and directs personnel, as assigned, coordinating work assignments with superior and peer officers. A lieutenant performs the duties of the battalion chief, when assigned.

(c) Examples of work (illustrative only). A lieutenant performs firefighting, emergency medical and other emergency functions. A lieutenant inspects facilities, personnel and equipment under his control; participates and directs training activities; ensures compliance with standard operating procedures, regulations and standards; and responds to emergency incidents. A lieutenant resolves conflicts between members. A lieutenant makes work assignments and conducts investigations related to fire cause determination. A lieutenant evaluates the performance of subordinates.

(d) Qualifications. A lieutenant shall have the ability to work under stressful conditions, meet time deadlines and communicate effectively. A lieutenant shall have knowledge of firefighting, hazardous materials, instruction techniques, human relations and emergency medical procedures and shall maintain at all times during employment either (i) an emergency medical technician - basic certification or (ii) an emergency medical technician - paramedic certification. A lieutenant shall have a basic firefighter's certification and shall have a basic fire investigator, fire inspector, peace officer certification, if responsible for those areas. A lieutenant shall possess a class B Texas driver's license. A lieutenant shall have four years of experience and shall meet other qualifications as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq., and civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 12,222, § 3, 3-28-13)

(a) General statement of duties. A non-fire paramedic supervisor shall have the ability to work under stressful conditions, meet time deadlines and communicate effectively. A non-fire paramedic supervisor shall have knowledge of hazardous materials, instruction techniques, human relations and emergency medical procedures and shall maintain at all times during employment an emergency medical technician - paramedic certification. A non-fire paramedic supervisor shall possess a class B Texas driver's license. A non-fire paramedic supervisor shall have six years of experience and shall meet other qualifications as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq., and civil service rules of the city.

(b) Distinguishing features of the class. A non-fire paramedic supervisor performs manual tasks of a hazardous nature involving patient care and emergency first aid and/or advanced life support under the immediate supervision of superior officers. A non-fire paramedic supervisor shall supervise other paramedics at medical scenes and ensure proper medical protocols are followed. Non-fire paramedic supervisors shall review medical reports for their assigned shifts for quality assurance.

(c) Examples of work (illustrative only). A non-fire paramedic supervisor provides advanced life support to patients by utilizing emergency medical equipment and protocols. Non-fire paramedic supervisors lift patients and transport patients utilizing motorized equipment.

(d) Qualifications. A non-fire paramedic supervisor shall have the ability to work under stressful conditions. A non-fire paramedic supervisor shall have knowledge of hazardous materials and emergency medical procedures and shall maintain at all times during employment an emergency medical technician - paramedic certification. The non-fire paramedic supervisor shall possess a class B Texas driver's license. The non-fire paramedic supervisor shall meet other qualifications as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq., and civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 12,222, § 3, 3-28-13)

(a) General statement of duties. A battalion chief coordinates, supervises and directs fire protection/emergency response related activities in an assigned division.

(b) Distinguishing features of the class. A battalion chief commands activities at emergency incidents; assists in the preparation of the divisional budget; and directs fire prevention inspections, training, public education and other activities as required. As assigned, a battalion chief directs personnel within a division.

(c) Examples of work (illustrative only). A battalion chief inspects facilities, personnel and equipment under his control; develops, participates and directs training activities; ensures compliance with standard operating procedures, regulations and standards; and responds to emergency incidents. A battalion chief evaluates the performance of subordinates.

(d) Qualifications. A battalion chief shall have the ability to work under stressful conditions, meet time deadlines and communicate effectively. A battalion chief shall have knowledge of firefighting, hazardous materials, instruction techniques, human relations and emergency medical procedures and shall maintain at all times during employment either (i) an emergency medical technician - basic certification or (ii) an emergency medical technician - paramedic certification. A battalion chief shall possess a basic firefighter's certification; a basic fire instructor's certification; a basic fire investigator, fire inspector, peace officer certification, paramedic certification, if responsible for those areas; and a class B Texas driver's license. A battalion chief shall have six years of experience and shall meet other qualifications as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq., and civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 12,222, § 3, 3-28-13)

(a) General statement of duties. An EMS coordinator assists the fire chief with the management of personnel, facilities and equipment and assumes the fire chief's administrative duties in the fire chief's absence.

(b) Distinguishing features of the class. An EMS coordinator is responsible for the planning, control and general supervision of the activities of all medical and related personnel within an assigned division in meeting the emergency first aid and/or advanced life support or other emergency needs of the citizens and visitors in the response areas. An EMS coordinator gives major attention to scheduling and deploying of resources to meet needs and does related work as required.

(c) Examples of work (illustrative only). An EMS coordinator establishes work schedules for subordinates to comply with applicable regulations. An EMS coordinator responds to emergency incidents and assumes command if necessary and develops programs to educate the public in medical safety. An EMS coordinator coordinates the inspection and repair of fire department facilities and equipment and prepares the divisional budget and assists in the development of the departmental budget. An EMS coordinator evaluates the performance of subordinates.

(d) Qualifications. An EMS coordinator shall have knowledge of emergency medical procedures, equipment, ordinances, laws, codes and standards, rules and regulations, human relations, hazardous materials and chemistry. An EMS coordinator shall have the ability to communicate effectively, to handle stressful situations, to analyze data and to establish priorities. An EMS coordinator shall possess a paramedic certification and a class B Texas driver's license; and shall meet other qualifications as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq., and civil service rules of the city.

(Ord. No. 12,222, § 3, 3-28-13)

(a) General statement of duties. An assistant fire chief assists the fire chief with the management of personnel, facilities and equipment and assumes the fire chief's administrative duties in the fire chief's absence.

(b) Distinguishing features of the class. An assistant fire chief is responsible for the planning, control and general supervision of the activities of all fire and related personnel within an assigned division in meeting the fire prevention, investigation, inspection, suppression or other emergency needs of the citizens and visitors in the response areas. An assistant fire chief gives major attention to scheduling and deploying of resources to meet needs and does related work as required.

(c) Examples of work (illustrative only). An assistant fire chief establishes work schedules for subordinates to comply with applicable regulations. An assistant fire chief responds to emergency incidents and assumes command if necessary, supervises the inspection of establishments to ensure compliance with fire regulations and develops programs to educate the public in fire safety. An assistant fire chief coordinates the inspection and repair of fire department facilities and equipment and prepares the divisional budget and assists in the development of the departmental budget. An assistant fire chief evaluates the performance of subordinates.

(d) Qualifications. An assistant fire chief shall have knowledge of firefighting, emergency medical procedures, equipment, ordinances, laws, codes and standards, rules and regulations, human relations, hazardous materials and chemistry. An assistant fire chief shall have the ability to communicate effectively, to handle stressful situations, to analyze data and to establish priorities. An assistant fire chief shall possess a basic firefighter certification; a basic fire investigator, fire inspector, peace officer certification, paramedic certification if responsible for those areas; a class B Texas driver's license; and shall meet other qualifications as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 143.001 et seq., and civil service rules of the city. An assistant chief shall also be required to maintain at all times during employment with the city either (i) an emergency medical technician - basic certification or (ii) an emergency medical technician - paramedic certification.

(Ord. No. 12,222, § 3, 3-28-13)