Total Compensation Study

Posted At:Mon, Apr 20, 2026 2:34 PM
Sealed Bid Process:Yes (Bids Sealed / Pricing Sealed)
Private Bid:No

The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District is seeking Proposals for Total Compensation Study . Proposals are to be submitted through the Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/lvmwd , no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 .

The last total compensation study was conducted in 2023. The study was a “refresh” of the last full total compensation study that was conducted prior to that, in 2017. The 2023 refresh was limited to updating the salary figures of the market comparator classifications that were identified in the 2017 study, with the exception of adding seven new benchmark classifications and two new market comparator agencies. The District seeks to complete a new study at this time (not just a refresh) to ensure market competitiveness and the ability to continue to attract and retain a highly skilled work force. The District desires to complete a total compensation study that compares (1) base salaries; (2) benefits; and (3) total compensation both together and separately to understand its place in the market in regard to both pay and benefits.

Currently, there are a total of 105 classifications. There are two bargaining units represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) (the General Unit and the Office Unit) and two bargaining units not represented by a national union (the Supervisor, Professional, and Confidential (SPC) Unit and the Management Unit.) There is also an unrepresented group.

There are five distinct groups of employees with corresponding benefit levels which will need to be analyzed separately.

• SEIU General Unit (58 employees)
• SEIU Office Unit (18 employees)
• Supervisor, Professionals, and Confidential Unit (34 employees)
• Management Unit (9 employees)
• Unrepresented Group (7 employees)

Additionally, the General Manager has their own employment contract.

Existing Salary Structure

For SEIU positions, the District uses a system of salary ranges with each range having a 7-step increase of approximately 6.27% between steps. The spread from minimum to maximum is 37.63%. Benchmark jobs are placed in ranges in accordance with market. Non-benchmark jobs are placed by comparing them to benchmark jobs.

All other positions have salary ranges without steps. The salary spread from minimum to maximum varies based on groups.

Study Comparator Agencies

Previously, the District used 18 agencies, representing both cities and special districts, in surveying benchmark jobs and benefits. During the 2023 refresh, two benchmark agencies were added, totaling 20 benchmark agencies. All agencies have either water, sanitation or both levels of operations. They represent a cross section of local, regional and statewide organizations. The selected consultant will use these 20 comparator agencies for the study.

Job Descriptions

Job descriptions were last fully updated in 2010. However, job descriptions are periodically updated as needed, such as when a vacancy for that classification takes place or as the need arises based on other factors. Any changes to job descriptions are approved by the District and the represented employee groups.

The District may include classifications for an in-depth job evaluation. The purpose of this job evaluation is to determine whether the current classification is appropriate, including determining its exempt or non-exempt status.

Term of Engagement

The District requests that prospective firms include in their proposal a proposed timeline of completion with project milestones. The following are proposal milestones.

Proposal Due Date	May 20, 2026
Finalists Identified	May 27, 2026
Consultant Interviews	Week of June 8, 2026
Consultant Selection and Contract Preparation	Week of June 15, 2026
Award of Contract	July 7, 2026
Kick Off Meeting	July 21, 2026
Anticipated Completion	June 2027

The selected consultant will prepare an overall project schedule including monthly updates that may be presented verbally or in writing.