Appointments Committee

Item 11756 Item 11756 Item 11756  11797 City of Gardner - Executive Department Mayor Michael J. Nicholson February 26, 2026 Hon. George C. Tyros, Council President And City Councilors Gardner City Hall, Rm 121 95 Pleasant Street Gardner, MA 01440 RE: A Measure Approving the Job Description Change for the City’s Human Resources Director Dear Mr. President and Councilors, Section 6 of Chapter 3 of the Code of the City of Gardner requires City Council approval for job description changes. Attached, please find a proposal from the Administration to amend the job description for the Director of Human Resources removing oversight of the Greenwood Pool operations. This accompanies an additional measure that adds these duties to the job description of the Youth Center Director. Respectfully Submitted, Michael J. Nicholson Mayor, City of Gardner  11797 A MEASURE ATHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES ORDERED: That the attached job description of the Director of Human Resources be accepted and authorized as amended.  11797 HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR Position Purpose: Performs highly responsible professional and administrative work overseeing and administering the City’s comprehensive human resources programs for municipal and school employees. Responsibilities include wage and salary administration, benefits administration including health, life, dental, and Medicare, unemployment administration, labor relations and collective bargaining, employee assistance programs, workers’ compensation, recruitment and selection, performance management, disciplinary processes, personnel policies and procedures, training and development, and records management. Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting personnel administration. Supervision: Supervision Scope: Perform complex and responsible duties requiring independent judgment in ensuring compliance with applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, and City policies. Participates in the development of management plans and programs at the city-wide level. Work regularly requires coordination across multiple departments and functional areas. Supervision Received: The work is performed independently under the administrative direction of the mayor. Supervision Given: Provides direct supervision to Human Resources Department staff including hiring, assigning work, evaluating performance, and providing coaching and discipline consistent with City policies. Provides general guidance to all department heads regarding matters of personnel policies, procedures, and best practices. Participates in administrative processes related to hiring, discipline, and termination of City and School employees. Job Environment: Work is performed under typical office conditions within municipal facilities. Operates computer, telephone, copier, and other standard office equipment. Maintains frequent contact with employees, department heads, elected officials, job applicants, union representatives, legal counsel, consultants, insurance providers, and federal, state, and regional agencies. Contacts involve both routine matters and complex or sensitive issues requiring discretion, diplomacy, and sound judgment. Has access to highly confidential information such as personnel records, labor negotiations, investigations, and legal matters. Page 1 of 4 City of Gardner, MA Human Resources Director FLSA – Exempt  11797 Errors in judgment could result in significant legal liability, financial loss, operational disruption, or negative impact on employee morale and public trust. Essential Functions: (The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.) Administers and oversees all human resources functions including recruitment, selection, onboarding, classification and compensation, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance programs. Develops and implements human resources policies, procedures, and programs consistent with federal and state law and City policy including ADA, FLSA, FMLA, HIPAA, MCAD, and EEO requirements. Oversee recruitment and hiring activities including posting vacancies, screening applications, coordinating interviews, convening interview panels, administering examinations, coordinating pre-employment requirements, and overseeing new employee orientation. Maintains centralized personnel records and ensures accuracy and compliance with reporting requirements. Participates in collective bargaining including development of proposals, strategy support, contract administration, and grievance processes in collaboration with the mayor, department heads, and labor counsel. Administers and maintains classification and compensation plans including reviewing job descriptions, salary structures, and recommending updates. Ensures timely processing of personnel actions including hires, promotions, transfers, leaves, retirements, and separations. Administers Civil Service processes and serves as liaison with the Civil Service Commission including maintaining required documentation and records. Supports the annual budget process by ensuring accurate personnel and compensation projections. Oversees employee benefits programs for active employees and retirees including health, dental, life, and Medicare programs. Administers employee wellness programs, pre-employment physicals, and drug and alcohol testing programs. Page 2 of 4 City of Gardner, MA Human Resources Director FLSA – Exempt  11797 Develops and coordinates employee training programs including compliance training and leadership development. Conducts or oversees workplace investigations including harassment and employee relations matters. Serves as the City’s designated representative for compliance areas including workers’ compensation, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, EEO, and related programs. Serves as a strategic partner to department leadership in promoting effective workforce management and equitable employment practices. Maintains awareness of emerging trends, laws, and best practices in public sector human resources. Attends City Council meetings as needed regarding personnel matters. Performs similar or related duties as required. Recommended Minimum Qualifications: Education, Training and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Public Administration or related field with ten years of increasingly responsible local government management, human resources and labor relations experience that includes supervisory experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge skills and abilities for this job. A Master’s degree is preferred. Coursework in employment law is helpful. Special Requirements: Valid Driver’s License Certifications in SPHR or PHR is desired. Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Knowledge: Maintains knowledge of personnel administration programs; insurance, safety and loss control principles; human resources trends. Practical knowledge of city management and the mandates affecting human resources in local government. Practical knowledge of administrative, managerial and supervisory practices and techniques. Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, regulations, and applicable Federal and State laws relating to personnel administration in the public sector. Thorough knowledge of position classification, compensation and benefits, recruitment, selection, training, risk management, safety practices, and labor relations. Knowledge and understanding of FMLA, ADA, FLSA, COBRA, Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employment, and HIPAA. Knowledge of legal and legislative practices in MA. Ability: Ability to interact in a positive and effective manner with personnel at all levels. Ability to demonstrate objectivity, sensitivity, and a balanced perspective regarding employee concerns and organizational expectations. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, in writing and Page 3 of 4 City of Gardner, MA Human Resources Director FLSA – Exempt  11797 orally. Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records. Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive reports. Ability to interpret and analyze union contracts. Skill: Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills. Proficiency with computer systems and common office software applications. Strong organizational and problem solving skills. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to work at a desk; regularly communicate with City/School employees and applicants to identify and exchange information; regularly move about inside the office to access file cabinets and office machinery; traverse stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, such as supplies, folders and books. Ability to operate a keyboard and calculator at efficient speed and to view computer screens for extended periods of time. Ability to discern numerical details such as pay scales. Ability to operate a motor vehicle to attend business meetings. (This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.) Page 4 of 4 City of Gardner, MA Human Resources Director FLSA – Exempt  11798 City of Gardner - Executive Department Mayor Michael J. Nicholson February 26, 2026 Hon. George C. Tyros, Council President And City Councilors Gardner City Hall, Rm 121 95 Pleasant Street Gardner, MA 01440 RE: A Measure Approving the Job Description Change for the City’s Youth Center Director Dear Mr. President and Councilors, Section 6 of Chapter 3 of the Code of the City of Gardner requires City Council approval for job description changes. Attached, please find a proposal from the Administration to amend the job description for the Youth Center Director adding oversight of the Greenwood Pool operations. This accompanies an additional measure that removes these duties to the job description of the Director of Human Resources. Respectfully Submitted, Michael J. Nicholson Mayor, City of Gardner  11798 A MEASURE ATHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE YOUTH CENTER DIRECTOR ORDERED: That the attached job description of the Youth Center Director be accepted and authorized as amended.  11798 Job Title: Director of Youth Center Services Position Status: Exempt Report to: Mayor Date: February 2026 Position Purpose: The Director of Youth Center Services is responsible for the overall management, planning, and daily operations of the City's Youth Center, which serves students in grades 6 through 12. The Director will develop and implement engaging programs, supervise staff and volunteers, foster partnerships with schools and community organizations, and ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all youth participants. Supervision: Supervision Scope: Performs a variety of very responsible functions requiring the exercise of judgment, initiative and discretion in dealing with the public and in interpreting and applying relevant state laws and city ordinances. Supervision Given: The Director of Youth Center Services provides direct supervision to departmental staff and volunteers including assigning work, monitoring performance, and ensuring programming is completed in a safe, timely, and efficient manner. Supervision Received: Works under general direction of the Mayor, referring specific problems to supervisor only when clarification or interpretation of policy or procedure is required. Works according to established department and city policies and procedures, standards, or special directives, instructions and intent. Job Environment: Majority of work is performed indoors with possible exposure to weather extremes of hot and cold temperatures and inclement weather. Work may be performed outside of normal business hours and on the weekends. Operates standard office equipment to include personal computer, calculator, telephone, copier, etc. Operates miscellaneous equipment relating to position specific programming. Make frequent contact with school age children, parents, school department, community groups, vendors, and all other persons/organizations associated with the duties of the position. Has access to department-related confidential information. Errors could result in danger to public, personal injury, confusion, delay or loss of services, and cause adverse public relations, and have financial and/or legal repercussions. Essential Functions: (The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of 1|Page Employee Initials ___  11798 work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.) • Oversee the daily operations of the Gardner Youth Center, including program planning, scheduling, staffing, and facility management. • Develop and implement afterschool, evening, and occasional weekend programs that support academic achievement, social-emotional growth, recreation, and life skills development. • Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of youth center staff, part- time employees, and volunteers. • Establish and maintain strong relationships with local schools, youth- serving organizations, city departments, and community stakeholders. • Manage the Youth Center's budget, including purchasing, expense tracking, and seeking out grant funding or sponsorship opportunities. • Ensure the Youth Center operates in compliance with all applicable city, state, and federal regulations, including safety and health codes. • Maintain accurate record and provide reports on program attendance, outcomes, and community impact. • Promote the Youth Center through outreach, marketing campaigns, and social media. • Serve as a mentor and positive role model for youth, encouraging participation, leadership, and personal development. • Serves as the Pool Facilities Manager for the City. Oversees the operations of the pool facility. Processes all facilities related repair requests and work orders. Responds to inquiries from staff and personnel via phone, email, and in person concerning maintenance issues. Analyze and take corrective action on reported and preventative pool facility maintenance issues. Schedules pool usage. Coordinates and schedules the work of repair staff. May assist and train personnel. 2|Page Employee Initials ___  11798 Recommended Minimum Qualifications: Education, Skills and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Recreation, Public Administration, or a related field. Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience working with youth in an educational, recreational, or community setting. Master's degree in a related field and familiarity with the Gardner community and regional youth resources preferred. Special Requirement: Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license. CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire). Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Knowledge: Thorough working knowledge of applicable Massachusetts General Laws, city ordinances and town bylaws. Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of youth development, positive youth engagement, and trauma-informed programming. Working knowledge of adolescent social, emotional, and behavioral development. Knowledge of program planning, implementation, and evaluation methods. Knowledge of applicable federal and Massachusetts laws, regulations, and policies related to youth services, including child safety, mandated reporting requirements, CORI/SORI compliance, and public procurement requirements. Ability: Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive youth programming that meets diverse community needs. Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate full-time, part-time, and volunteer staff. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, families, school officials, community partners, elected officials, and the public. Ability to manage a departmental budget, monitor expenditures, and pursue grant and alternative funding opportunities. Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and decision-making in sensitive situations involving minors. Skill: Skills in operating above-mentioned equipment. Excellent problem-solving skills. Strong leadership and team-building skills. Program development and strategic planning skills. Financial management and organizational skills. Grant writing and fundraising skills. Interpersonal and community engagement skills. Crisis intervention and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in standard office software and data tracking systems. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 3|Page Employee Initials ___  11798 Frequent light to moderate physical effort is generally required in performing duties. Very good mobility and physical conditioning required to spend the majority of shift actively engaging in programming and using hands to operate all tools and equipment. Ability to talk and hear sounds. Regularly lifts up to 30 pounds; occasionally lifts and/or moves objects weighing up to 100 pounds. Accesses all levels of structures/offices. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges. Selection Guidelines Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference checks; job related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. (This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.) Employee Signature: _________________________________________________________ Printed Name: ______________________________________________________________ Approved by Human Resources: _____________________ Date: ______________________ Approved by Department Head: _____________________ Date: _______________________ Approved by Mayor: ______________________________ Date: _______________________ The City of Gardner is an EOE/AA employer: Pay Equity/Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer. 4|Page Employee Initials ___  11839 City of Gardner - Executive Department Mayor Michael J. Nicholson June 1, 2026 Hon. George C. Tyros, Council President And City Councilors Gardner City Hall, Rm 121 95 Pleasant Street Gardner, MA 01440 RE: A Measure Authorizing a Job Description for a New Transfer Station Safety Program Development and Compliance Coordinator Position for the Gardner Health Department Dear Mr. President and Councilors, With the current vacancy in the Transfer Station Monitor position, the Director of Public Health has been reviewing the efficiency and effectiveness of the current staffing levels of the Transfer Station Facility. During this review the Director believed that work could be done to improve compliance with OSHA and other safety standards that are required to be adhered to at the location. As such, the Director is proposing to reduce the number of hours for the Transfer Station Monitor position and utilize those savings to fund a new Safety Program Development and Compliance Coordinator position whose job it would be to ensure full compliance with safety standards and training. A proposed job description for the position and letter from the director are attached. Respectfully Submitted, Michael J. Nicholson Mayor, City of Gardner  11839 A MEASURE AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A NEW JOB DESCRIPTION FOR A POSITION IN THE GARDNER HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO BE ENTITLED “SAFETY PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR” VOTED: That the attached job description for the position of “Safety Program Development and Compliance Coordinator” be adopted and approved, per the provisions of Section 6 of Chapter 3 of the Code of the City of Gardner. 11839 11839 11839 11839  11839 CITY OF GARDNER OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH ROOM 29, CITY HALL GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS 01440 (978) 630-4013 FAX (978) 632-4682 April 17, 2026 Dear Mayor Nicholson, I am writing to respectfully submit a proposal to create a new stipend position for the City of Gardner Health Department. I am proposing the addition of a Safety Program Development and Compliance Coordinator to support the landfill/transfer station. This role will address important safety guidelines for municipal employees at our waste management facility and capped landfill and contribute to the overall safety of our employees and members of the public. In June of 2022 the Massachusetts Occupational Safety and Health Program (OSHA) in partnerships with the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) released a state plan narrative and guidance documents. Prior to this initiative, DLS and OSHA worked to ensure workplace safety to private sector employees. This new initiative gives DLS the authority to expand these protections to cover all state and local government employees, including any municipal and county employees. The Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) State plan for public employees was officially approved on August 18, 2022, initiating a three-year development period. DLS had until approximately August 2025 to adopt OSHA standards to fully implement all state plan components. Our department has done the initial work to come into compliance with this new Workplace Safety and Health Program (WSHP) at our transfer station and landfill, but I feel this requires more attention to ensure we always remain in full compliance with state guidelines. As you will see from the proposed stipend position job description below, our safety program will need a lot of attention and oversight to be effective and compliant. Position Summary - The Safety Coordinator supports safe, compliant, and efficient operations at the transfer station and landfill by developing, implementing, and monitoring the facility’s Workforce & Safety Plan in alignment with Massachusetts regulations, OSHA standards, and municipal policies. The role ensures staff competency, hazard reduction, emergency readiness, and consistent documentation to protect employees, the public, and the environment. Essential Duties - Safety Program & Compliance • Maintains the facility’s written Workforce & Safety Plan in accordance with MA requirements, MassDEP rules, and OSHA standards.  11839 • Ensures required safety postings, permits, and compliance documentation are current and accessible. • Reviews and updates safety policies, procedures, and SOPs. Training & Staff Readiness • Conducts onboarding safety orientations and recurring staff training on PPE, equipment operation, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures. • Maintains training logs, certifications, and refresher schedules. Hazard Identification & Risk Reduction • Performs routine inspections of work areas, equipment, and public access zones to identify hazards and ensure corrective actions. • Oversees safe practices including lockout/tagout, confined space precautions, and equipment operation protocols. • Monitors weather-related risks and implement protective measures. Responsible for oversight of winter weather events and gives directive to other transfer station employees regarding snow removal. Incident Response & Reporting • Serves as the primary contact for workplace injuries, near-misses, and safety concerns. • Conducts incident investigations and root-cause analyses; develops corrective action plans. • Prepares required reports for the Director of Public Health, HR, and regulatory agencies. Equipment & Facility Oversight • Ensures heavy equipment, vehicles, and tools are inspected, maintained, and operated safely. • Coordinates with mechanics and vendors on repairs affecting safety or compliance. • Oversees traffic flow, signage, and public safety controls. Waste Handling & Regulatory Requirements • Ensures safe handling, storage, and disposal of solid waste, recyclables, hazardous materials, and special waste streams. • Maintains accurate operational and regulatory records required by MassDEP. Emergency Preparedness • Maintains and updates emergency action plans for fire, chemical exposure, equipment failure, and severe weather. Public & Contractor Safety • Ensures residents, haulers, and contractors follow site rules and safe disposal practices. • Provides safety briefings and oversight for contractors performing on-site work. Documentation & Continuous Improvement • Maintains safety logs, inspection sheets, training records, and compliance documentation. • Prepares quarterly safety summaries and recommends improvements to reduce risk and enhance operations. • Participates in citywide safety committees and supports municipal workforce safety initiatives.  11839 The estimated time commitment per week will be 9 hours per week. This proposed stipend position will have no impact on the department’s current operating budget as we are proposing to reduce hours in the already part-time transfer station monitor position to reallocate those dollars to fully fund the stipend position. We feel this safety coordinator position should take priority, as health and safety is always at the forefront of our daily operations. I appreciate you taking the time to review this proposal and would be happy and available to discuss further and answer any questions you may have. Sincerely, Lauren Saunders , RS Director of Public Health 11621 11640 11642 11655 11660 11661 11662 11667 11669 11671 11672 11674 11675 11676 11828