As you may have heard, questions have been raised concerning the appropriateness of the classification of Supervisory Fire Engine Operators, GS-8 and Fire Engine Operators, GS-7 in California. A team of position classification specialists and union representatives will travel to California the week of February 26 to review a sample of positions to verify if work is being performed to support the higher grades and to conduct fact gathering in anticipation of a request for a special salary rate for these positions. The team will be comprised of classification specialists from the Washington Office, R-5 Regional Office, the Bureau of Land Management, and, possibly from the Department of Agriculture and the Office of Personnel Management, with union representatives and representatives from the Fire community acting as observers.

We ask that you cooperate with the team during their visit. Questions can be directed to
Sheila Turbinton at (707) 642-2673.

/s/ Margaret S. Pasholk

MARGARET S. PASHOLK
Director, Human Resources