Salary Plan Administrative Guidelines.8.27.18
Administrative guidelines are designed to maintain the competitiveness, appropriateness, integrity and
consistency in application of Teton County’s salary plan for County employees who are not dispatchers or
sworn officers*. These guidelines address the method of revising the pay structure and managing employee
movement through the range to maintain a structure that is internally equitable and externally competitive.
*The Step & Grade pay structure adopted for dispatchers and sworn law enforcement officers is described in
Attachment A to these Guidelines.
ANNUAL SALARY PLAN ADMINISTRATION
During the preparation of the new fiscal year budget, Board of County Commissioners will consider the
following:
1. Budget a market adjustment to the salary schedule every one or two years. A market adjustment
increases the market rates of the pay plan, and thus moves the entire pay structure’s minimum, market
and maximum rates. This part of budgeting is usually considered part of the cost of doing business
similar to adjusting for increases in fuel or supplies. A market adjustment does not provide an
automatic increase to employees.
2. Budget a merit adjustment for those employees who are consistently exceeding job standards and
expectations, or for special cases where employees provided specific extra performance during the
past year while continuing to meet overall expectations. The merit adjustment is usually budgeted as a
separate line item and is maintained in the Commissioner’s budget.
To determine the percentage increases for market and merit adjustments, the County (or its human
resources consultant) should contact the same employers that participated in the salary and benefits survey,
and ask them what adjustments they are making to their pay plans. The County should then average the data
received and use that average as the basis for the above increases; this method will ensure that the County is
maintaining a competitive position with other employers in its market area and with regional price increases.
The county may contact BDPA, or other consultants who maintain salary adjustment information, to obtain
general trend information at no charge.
SALARY RANGE STRUCTU RE
The salary range is designed based on a pay for performance philosophy.
The salary range structure consists of a series of salary guidelines with minimum and maximum dollar
values that represent the lowest and highest salaries the County would normally pay employees in jobs
assigned to each range. Based on standard compensation methodology, each range is approximately 40% wide
from minimum to maximum and each range is divided into four target areas: Hiring Range, Proficient Range,
Market Range and Superior Performance Range.
Range Minimum Market Point Range Maximum
↓ ↓ ↓
< 5% > < 5% > < 15% > < 10% >
5% below & 10% above market
Hiring Range Proficient Range Market Range Superior Performance
Range
Revision: 4
Date: 8/27/18
Original Issue Date: 8/23/10
Number of Pages: 9
Approved: BOCC
TETON COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
Salary Plan Administrative
Guidelines
Teton County Administrative Policies: SALARY PLAN ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES Page 2 of 9
The salary structure design includes:
• Hiring range is 86-90% of market point
• Temporary/Seasonal Employees (who receive no benefits) may be hired at 95% of
market point their first season and re-hired at 100% for subsequent seasons. If a
Temporary/Seasonal Employee becomes a Full Time Regular Employee with
benefits, their pay will be decreased to match the approved percent of Market Rate
for their years of service since being hired.
• Part Time Regular Employees who receive no benefits, or PERSI-only benefits,
may be: (1) Hired at 91% of Market Point; (2) Earn 93% of Market Point after six
months; (3) Earn 95% of Market Point after 12 months; and (4) Earn 96% of Market
Point after 18 months; (5) Earn 97% of Market Point after 24 months; (6) Earn
98.5% of Market Point after 30 months; and (7) Earn 100% of Market Point after 36
months. Pay increases will become effective only once per year, at the beginning
of the fiscal year. If a Part Time Regular Employee becomes a Full Time Regular
Employee with benefits, their pay will be decreased to match the approved percent
of Market Rate for their years of service since being hired.
• Proficient performance is 91 to 95% of market point
• Market Range is 96% to 110% of Market Point
• Consistent Superior Performance is 111 to 120% of Market Point
The market range represents the general average of what other employers are paying for similar jobs in the
County’s market area. The market area is defined as the area in which the county competes for qualified
applicants and employees, understanding that it could be different for various types of jobs. It includes the
local area, public and private employers, and counties of similar size and economic conditions within the
regional area or state of Idaho.
The market range is a 15% range that is 5% below and 10% above the market point. It represents external
competitiveness and will directly impact the County’s ability to attract and retain qualified employees. At least
every two years and preferably every year, the County will evaluate the need for a market adjustment to the
pay structure to ensure it remains competitive in the market area. A market adjustment is an adjustment to the
pay scale, not to individual salaries unless the individual falls below the minimum of the salary range.
With this salary structure, pay rate increases will be based on good, competent performance and
consistency of performance over time. Longevity plays a very small part in pay recognition. While length of
service often results in increased job knowledge and capability, the County will focus on how that knowledge,
capability and skill is demonstrated through job performance.
The pay for performance philosophy provides an opportunity for every employee to receive increases
based on individual performance. Increase amounts will be determined based on allocated and budgeted funds
for performance increases.
PAY STRUCTURE REVISION
Salary ranges should be updated on a regular basis either annually or every other year to continue to reflect
the County’s market competitiveness.
The salary range updates are designed to relieve any upward pressure on range minimums, midpoints and
maximums that may impede the County’s ability to attract, motivate and retain its workforce. Updates to the
salary structure are referred to as “Market Adjustments.” Market Adjustments differ from the common Cost of
Living Increases because they are not automatic increases for employees. The Market Adjustment will realign
the salary pay ranges to competitive levels; employees will re-earn or gain their position in the updated range
based on performance.
The salary structure is dynamic; it needs to be revised at regular intervals based upon market conditions to
maintain the County’s market competitiveness. The goal is to keep the structure’s market rates on track with
market data. As such, it is important for the County to continue to monitor market rates to attract and retain
qualified employees. The County shall conduct a formal salary survey based upon the established benchmark
positions and labor market employers at least every four years. In the “off” years, it is advisable to contact
market employers to obtain data on the market adjustments they will make to their salary schedules for an
appropriate adjustment.
Market adjustments will be applied to the salary schedule at least every two years.
Teton County Administrative Policies: SALARY PLAN ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES Page 3 of 9
The market adjustment will be built into a salary merit matrix (explained under “Merit Increases” below).
The matrix is designed each year based on funding; it may provide for a market adjustment to the salary
schedule and pay for performance increases to some employees.
MANAGING EMPLOYEE MOVEMENT THROUGH THE RANGE
The salary range, for administrative purposes, is divided into four target areas that are used in conjunction
with objective performance appraisal procedures.
Target Area A is the Hiring Range (86-90% of market). This target area includes a 5% hiring range (from
the minimum to 90% market ratio); it represents the pay rates for which applicants may be hired based on
individual qualifications, background and experience. Salaries paid within the hiring range typically apply to
those employees who are newly hired, or are comparatively inexperienced and in the process of developing
toward a more complete performance of their job duties and responsibilities. It is expected that most
employees with good, competent performance will move through this part of the range rather quickly as they
progress in their jobs during the first year or two of employment. Note: There may be occasion to hire a new
employee at a rate greater than the hiring range and a supervisor may do so with proper justification and
prior approval of the County Commission.
Target Area B is the Proficient Range (91-95%) of market. This range is a 5% area that represents
employees who are proficiently progressing in their job. Typically, this range represents employees with
good, competent performance who have been on the job for 2-4 years.
Target Area C is the Market Range (96-110% of market). This target area includes a range of 5% below
and 10% above the market rate. Salaries paid within this range represent employees who are doing the job
they were hired to do. They are meeting the County’s needs for work completed and they are meeting all
performance objectives. It is within this target area where the County will see the majority of salaries
clustered. This is the area that represents competitive wages and impacts the County’s ability to attract and
retain qualified employees. Given good competent performance, employees may expect to reach this portion
of the range within 4-6 years of employment, based on County funding. Because the salary schedule will be
adjusted at least every two years, most employees will probably stay within this target area, being rewarded for
their good performance and being able to receive at least 10% above the market rate.
Target Area D is the Superior Performance Range (111-120% of market). This portion of the salary range
represents employees who have demonstrated consistently superior performance over time; these employees
are the stars of the organization who have been with the County for eight or more years. A range spread of
10% is allocated for salary growth opportunities within this portion of the range. It is expected that 3-5% of
Teton County employees will fall within this range.
It is important to remember that salary adjustments should not be made over the Range Maximum.
However, if an outstanding performer’s salary is at the maximum of the range and an additional increase is
warranted based on continued superior performance, a pay for performance increase may be awarded but will
be paid to the employee in a lump sum that does not increase the employee’s base pay.
*No pay cuts have been recommended for implementation. As a result, some employees are being paid in a target
range that may or may not reflect performance and/or years of service. This should correct itself over time.
MERIT INCREASES
Merit or performance-based increases are earned by employees on the basis of individual performance
over an established period of time. Merit increases may be awarded on an annual basis. The merit increase
amount is dependent on performance, location of the employee’s salary within the pay grade (position in the
salary range) and available funding.
Teton County supports a pay for performance philosophy where increases may be awarded based on
meritorious achievements and other individual performance factors. Other considerations in addition to
Teton County Administrative Policies: SALARY PLAN ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES Page 4 of 9
individual performance include current position of salary within the range and internal equity. Also, increases
may be delayed or withheld if a performance issue exists.
By combining the influences of performance, market adjustments to the salary scale, employee position in
the range and budgetary constraints, a merit administration matrix will be established each year to determine
the percentage amount of merit pay increases. In other words, the amount of increase may vary by individual,
based on performance, and funding allocated by the Board of County Commissioners.
It is to the County’s advantage to adjust salaries closer to the market rate in an expedited manner in order
to retain good, qualified employees. Thus, a merit administration matrix will be developed to guide increases
within a salary range. This idea is to provide higher salary increases to those employees whose performance is
exceptional and whose current salary is low in the range. The salary administration matrix is designed to
move salaries closer to the targeted market range, paced by an individual employee’s performance. The better
the performance, the faster the salary moves to market levels.
The following example is provided for illustrative purposes only and includes a built-in market adjustment
that may be applied to the salary schedule. It should be noted that the merit increase is typically awarded to
employees for good, competent or higher performance; increases in the “needs improvement” performance
rating are ONLY awarded after the performance is brought to the good, competent level, and sustained over a
specific period of time.
The percentage increases shown below are provided as an example only; percentages will change each
year based on allocated funding. Percentages are likely to vary each year.
SAMPLE ONLY: Merit Administration Matrix
C U R R E N T R A T E O F P A Y
Hire Range
(86-90%)
Proficient Range
(91-95%)
Market Range
(96-110%)
Superior
Performance Range
(111-120%)
Superior
Performance
Market
Adjustment,
+ 4% - 5%
Market
Adjustment,
+ 3% - 4%
Market Adjustment,
+ 2% - 3%
Market Adjustment + 2 or
3% (not to exceed range
max) or one-time lump
sum increase not added to
base
Exceeds
Expectation
Market
Adjustment
+ 3 or 4%
Market
Adjustment
+ 2 or 3%
Market Adjustment
+ 1% - 2%
Market Adjustment
+ 1% - 2%
Fully
Competent –
Meets
Expectations
Market
Adjustment
+ 2 or 3%
Market
Adjustment
+ 1 or 2%
Market
Adjustment
Slightly less than
Market Adjustment
Needs
Improvement
No
Adjustment
No
Adjustment
No
Adjustment
No
Adjustment
Teton County Administrative Policies: SALARY PLAN ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES Page 5 of 9
Fails to Meet
Expectations
No
Adjustment
No
Adjustment
No
Adjustment
No
Adjustment
OTHER PAY INCREASES
Situations that call for other pay increases may occur for purposes of recognizing special assignments or
correcting inequities. Other pay increases may be awarded as base pay increases or one-time lump-sum
payments.
Equity Adjustments. Equity increases are typically internally focused and adjustments are made in order to
improve or correct pay relationships between individuals in the same or related jobs. Equity adjustments are
normally added to base pay.
Temporary Assignments. These are special increases that may be granted to regular employees who agree to
perform special temporary assignments at the request of the Department Head, with concurrence of the County
Commissioners. Examples of temporary assignments may include substituting for an absentee supervisor for
three or more months, or assignment to special projects for three or more months. The amount of the
temporary increase depends on various criteria and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Considerations
will include duration of assignment, amount of increase, type of assignment, internal equity, amount of time
spent on added responsibilities and other factors. Temporary assignment pay may be added to base pay on a
temporary basis or may be a one-time lump sum payment.
PAY FOR PART-TIME WORKERS
Typically the hourly pay of part-time employees is determined in the same manner as that of a full time
employee in the same job.
To promote equity and consistency, especially in cases of temporary, seasonal and casual workers
performing a similar job to regular workers, the County will determine temporary workers’ pay based on the
assigned salary range. The county will use BDPA, Inc. or another firm to evaluate these positions and assign
them to an appropriate salary range based on the duties and responsibilities of the job.
CONTRACT WORKERS
Contract workers are not covered by the county’s salary plan.
In most cases, if the county provides office space, equipment and supervision, the worker is an employee
and not a contractor. Managers are encouraged to consult with the County Clerk to be certain the county stays
in compliance with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
SALARY GRADE ASSIGNMENT FOR NEW POSITIONS
New positions may be developed from time to time based upon Teton County needs. The County will
determine and identify the responsibilities and requirements of the job to develop a new class specification
(job description) or fit the job into an existing class. Then the job valuation factors may be used to analyze the
job for proper placement into a salary grade based on internal equity.
Job valuation is a means to evaluate dissimilar jobs based on common criteria to establish internal equity
of positions. It determines the relative value of jobs in the County based on the compensable factors as stated
in the Equal Pay Act of 1963 (skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions) and it documents the relative
value as required by the Lilly Ledbetter Act of 2009. Job valuation essentially has little relationship with
specific compensation, except that the process of valuing a job results in that job being assigned to a pay
grade.
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Teton County will request BDPA (or another qualified HR consultant) to develop the new class
specification, or fit the job into an existing classification and recommend an appropriate pay grade assignment
upon request. The following guidelines shall be followed for new positions or changes in responsibility:
1. Complete a Position Description Questionnaire. For a new position, the questionnaire should be
completed by the department manager or supervisor and reviewed and approved by the department
head or Elected Official. The PDQ will be sent to BDPA or another outside compensation firm by the
HR Coordinator or County Clerk. BDPA will draft a description, based on information supplied by the
questionnaire. The description will be returned to the department for a final review.
2. HR Consultant will look at the new job in its entirety. The primary purpose/function of the job and the
required knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform the job must be reviewed; consider whether
the job might be placed within the department’s hierarchy based on “reasonableness”, “best fit” and
“common sense”. This is called the “whole job” method of valuation because jobs are viewed
globally in terms of importance to the function of the organization.
3. HR Consultant will review the job valuation factors that have been established by the County (see
below). In cooperation with the requesting department, HR Consultant will consider how this job
relates to other positions within the department and the County. For example: Does the position have
a greater level of responsibility than other similar jobs? Does performance of the job’s duties contain
a high degree of risk or impact if a mistake is made? Does the position include authority to make
decisions or does it have to confer with a supervisor or manager? Does the position have significant
autonomy or are the duties required to be performed with others?
4. HR Consultant will determine where the position fits within the County-wide Pay Grade Chart (Kinds
and Levels Chart). This determination will be made after reviewing other positions in that same pay
grade and positions within pay grades above and below, using the job valuation factors. Are the
minimum acceptable qualifications similar? Is the required level of job knowledge generally alike?
Do the positions handle information in a similar way?
TETON COUNTY JOB VALUATION FACTORS
Knowledge. Consideration of any special knowledge, skills or abilities which may be required for the
employee to perform and comprehend the work performed. Knowledge may have been gained through
education, life or work experience, on-the-job training or other method (e.g. licensure, certification, etc.).
Responsibility & Impact. Consideration of the primary ownership of job responsibility and the extent to
which performance of those duties may impact convenience to others or result in rework, disruption of work
and additional expense. Includes budget size, control, oversight and development.
Communication & Customer Service. Consideration of responsibility for working with and through others to
get results; considers the method and purpose of contacts, both inside and outside the work area.
Complexity. Consideration of the scope, nature of duties and complexity of problem solving and decision
making, including the degree of analysis required to process information and data for effective decisions.
Measures judgment, reasoning, self-reliance and independent action required in making decisions and the
extent to which duties performed are standardized by practice, procedure or instruction.
Supervision. Consideration of supervisory or managerial responsibility for oversight of people, function or
organizational unit. Includes consideration of the type and frequency of supervision received and given; the
level of independent action, free of supervision; and the level of authority for hiring, disciplining and
conducting performance evaluations.
Teton County Administrative Policies: SALARY PLAN ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES Page 7 of 9
Working Conditions. Consideration of the work environment and physical demands of the job. Includes
noise, temperature, hazards or exposure to hazards, weather conditions, potential for injury, physical demands,
strength/endurance and dexterity.
JOB VALUATION OF POSITIONS THAT CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY
The classification plan for the County is based on the mission and needs of the County and departmental
goals, translated down to the responsibilities and duties of a particular job. As County goals and objectives
change and department needs are re-identified or enhanced, the duties and responsibilities of a job may also
change. Effective administration of the classification plan and identification of changing needs will require the
cooperation of every department head and Elected Official.
Each time the duties and responsibilities of any position change significantly enough to warrant a re-
evaluation, a new position questionnaire should be completed and a review of the kinds and levels chart (pay
grade chart) should be conducted. Typically, BDPA (or another qualified HR consultant) will conduct a re-
evaluation and analysis of the position’s duties and responsibilities. A recommendation will be presented to the
County Commission for their approval. There are varied potential results to any position review, such as:
• No change is necessary or recommended (this is frequently the result).
• The position may be assigned to an existing classification at a higher or lower level or to another class
on the same level. This means the position is responsible for nearly the same duties and
responsibilities, and has very similar acceptable qualifications commensurate with those duties, as an
existing classification specification; thus, there’s not a need for a new classification and the position
under review can be “slotted” into an existing classification.
• The position may be properly aligned internally, but the duties have changed sufficiently to warrant
revising the class specification. In this case, the position would not be adjusted to a new pay grade but
the classification specification would be modified to reflect changing primary responsibilities.
• The position changes may warrant the development of a new classification and re-evaluation under the
job evaluation process to allocate the job to the appropriate level internally. The appropriate level
could be higher or lower.
It is important to remember that the classification plan is established based on internal equity of County
positions. Caution should be exercised in plan administration and maintenance:
• Do not agree to a reallocation of a position on the basis of a verbal statement without conducting a
thorough analysis of duties and responsibilities, and evaluating the job compared to other jobs in the
organization; review the County-wide Kinds and Levels Chart;
• Be sure to evaluate jobs based on the job’s overall responsibility, essential job functions and minimum
qualifications required; DO NOT evaluate the job based on the incumbent’s personality, qualifications
or experience;
• “More” work of the same or similar nature does not necessarily translate to additional complexity,
diversity or a change to the minimum qualifications of a job or compensable factors of a job;
• Avoid reallocating positions because the current job incumbent may leave or the salary is at the
maximum of the range;
• Do not reallocate positions merely because a specific program or service is financed through a grant or
other program.
If an existing job has changed substantially, resulting in a new position, the employee would complete the
questionnaire first, with the supervisor and department head providing additional information and approval.
The HR Consultant will draft a description based on information supplied by the questionnaire, and return it to
the department for review. The HR Consultant will then review the position for internal equity and follow the
steps outlined herein to determine the appropriate pay grade.
Teton County Administrative Policies: SALARY PLAN ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES Page 8 of 9
HANDLING EMPLOYEE STATUS CHANGES
There is no easy answer when dealing with pay issues related to employee status changes. The best
approach is to review each case individually and make as appropriate and consistent a decision as possible.
The following guidelines are recommended for consistency in pay administration.
Effect of Promotion on Pay. The County Clerk, HR Officer and Department Head will evaluate internal
equity to recommend an adjusted salary for promotions to the County Commission.
A promotion is typically defined as movement from one level in the organization to the next; it usually
results in movement to a job with significantly different job content, accountability and responsibility.
A common guideline for promotional increases is to increase the salary by a minimum of one-half of the
grade progression. Thus, if an employee is promoted from a position in grade 5 to a position in grade 6, the
employee may receive a promotional increase of approximately 4% (or one-half of the 8% grade progression).
However, depending upon the incumbent’s current pay and internal equity with current employees with the
same job, more or less may be required. Internal equity is an important consideration in determining an
appropriate promotional increase. In some cases, it may be determined that the employee should maintain
range position and receive the full 8%.
Teton County will consider the following administrative review criteria for promotional increases:
a. Employee’s placement in the new range in relation to the midpoint;
b. Pay grade difference between old and new position;
c. Internal equity of department.
Effect of Demotion on Pay. Pay determinations made on the basis of demotion will be handled on a case by
case basis determined by the County Clerk, HR Officer and Department Head with a recommendation to the
County Commission and a review by the County’s attorney.
A demotion is movement from the current job to a job in a lower salary grade. Situations that may result
in a demotion include:
• Employee requests to be moved back to a lower-graded job due to personal reasons, inability to
perform current job or merely a preference for the type of work;
• The County acknowledges the employee’s poor performance on the current job and demotes the
employee to a lower-level job in which the employee can perform adequately or better.
The pay treatment for each situation is similar. Typically, salary adjustments as a result of a demotion will
be made to the same placement in the new (lower) range, but should be based on the following criteria:
a. The reason for the demotion;
b. Employee placement in the new range in relation to the market;
c. Pay grade difference between old and new position;
d. Internal equity of department.
Effect of Other Employee Status Changes on Pay. Pay determinations will be handled on a case by case
basis determined by the County Clerk and HR Officer, in cooperation with the Elected Official or Department
Head over the position, who will make a recommendation to the County Commission. The County
Commission shall approve any employee status change.
TRANSFER. A transfer occurs when an employee moves from one job to another job in the same salary
grade. In this case, there is typically no pay adjustment, salary increase or salary decrease because the two
jobs are valued at the same level and have similar internal worth to the organization. It usually is not
necessary to change the pay because the employee is not changing the level or complexity of job
responsibilities.
RECLASSIFICATION. Typically, a reclassification occurs when the duties and responsibilities assigned
to a position have changed substantially in degree of difficulty, level of accountability and/or qualification
requirements to warrant a change in the job’s salary grade assignment and alignment within the internal
organizational structure. A reclassification may be upward or downward. An employee occupying the position
that has been reclassified downward through no fault of his/her own will typically maintain their current salary
in the new range. There could be occasion that an employee’s salary will decrease as a result of
Teton County Administrative Policies: SALARY PLAN ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES Page 9 of 9
reclassification, determined by the County Commissioners in cooperation with the appropriate Elected
Official. An employee whose position is reclassified to a higher level/grade may receive a salary adjustment
based on similar criteria as that used for promotional purposes, depending on employee performance and
position within the new salary range.
CERTIFICATION PAY
A “certification” is often received for completing specific course-work and passing a test. Generally,
some certifications may be required as part of a job, not unlike an educational requirement of a bachelor’s
degree for some positions or a license for an Engineer position.
Some employers choose to reward employees by increasing base pay when a certification is received for
job-related training or testing. However, when other employees receive job-related training that does not
specifically result in a “certification” (such as an accounting specialist who takes a college level semester
course in accounting), they do not receive the recognition of an increase to base salary. For this reason,
certification pay can be applied inequitably.
Teton County used the weighted average to calculate the market rate for jobs. The weighted average is the
actual salary paid to employees. For example: salary data requested for Sheriff’s positions was based on the
weighted average, (i.e., the average of actual salaries paid to all Law Enforcement Officers; some officers have
a Basic certification and others may have an Intermediate or Advanced certification; regardless, all salaries
were averaged together for the “weighted average.”) Therefore, Teton County will consider certification pay
in only the case to reach proficient range.
However, Teton County believes in continued education for all employees. Elected Officials and
Department managers should budget specific staff training when preparing their budgets. Not only does
continued education promote growth within a current job, it often prepares an employee to accept additional
responsibilities that could result in a promotion. For employees above the proficient range, the County will
consider rewarding certifications through a one-time lump sum award for obtaining the certification.
Typically, the one-time lump sum amount does not add on to base salary but recognizes the accomplishment
by the employee.
ALTERNATIVE AWARDS
The purpose of an alternative reward program differs from the goals and objectives of other aspects of
total compensation. Salary is payment for doing the job; benefits are designed to protect the employee’s well
being; and alternative rewards or incentives can direct, motivate and reward the achievement of specific
performance goals. Alternative rewards do not need to be expensive or provide any cost liability to the county.
When monetary recognition is awarded it is offered as a one-time check (which is taxable) or gift card and is
not added to base salary. Elected Officials and Department managers are encouraged to use alternative awards
to recognize and thank employees.
Teton County has two types of alternative awards; both are paid with Contingency Funds and require
BOCC approval. Teton County’s alternative award plans include:
Spot Awards. This program is designed for those employees who have gone “above and beyond the call of
duty.” It is used to recognize one time achievement, rather than sustained performance over a period of time.
A common award for this type of program is an “on-the-spot” cash reward or a gift certificate from a local
business for $25, $50 or $100. Spot Awards must be requested by a Department Head or Elected Official and
submitted for BOCC approval.
Noteworthy Performance Awards. This program focuses on exemplary or noteworthy performance which is
more than “above and beyond the call of duty.” Job performance qualifying for this award must be
documented and reviewed by the BOCC. The performance to be recognized will vary but should be
performance beyond the employee’s usual job description and/or extraordinary effort on their own initiative.
An example of noteworthy performance would be the identification of significant cost-savings outside of
an employee’s basic job responsibilities, or the excellent performance of duties not typically required of a
position.
Noteworthy Performance Awards must be requested by a Department Head or Elected Official and
submitted for BOCC approval.
Sheriff's Sworn Law Enforcement Positions
Step Grade Rank/Title Level Steps %Notes
LT III Lieutenant III Mangement
Minimum Mgt. Cert Supervisor 3%
LT II Lieutenant II Mangement
Supervisor
3%
LT I Lieutenant I Mangement
Minimum Supv. Cert Supervisor 7%
Sgt. III
SGT III Sergeant III Supervisor
Minimum Adv. Cert Advanced 3%
SGT II Sergeant II Supervisor
Advanced 3%
Intermediate
SGT I Sergeant I Supervisor Sgt Level includes Detectives
Minimum Int. Cert Advanced
Intermediate 7%
from Sr. DEP V
DEP V Senior Dep. Sheriff Masters
(5 years certified Advanced
continuous service)Intermediate
minimum Int. Cert 5%
DEP IV Deputy Sheriff IV Advanced
Intermediate
Basic
5%
DEP III Deputy Sheriff III Advanced
or lateral entry 5+ yrs.Intermediate
Basic
10%
DEP II Deputy Sheriff II Advanced
or lateral entry 3-5 yrs Intermediate
Basic
5%
DEP I Deputy Sheriff I Advanced
of lateral entry 1-3 yrs Intermediate
Basic 7%
DEP REC Deputy Recruit No Certification
After 5 years career deputies
would receive market
adjustments only unless
promoted to higher rank
Third year 10% jump for
retention of trained deputies
Sheriff's Dispatch Positions
Step Grade Rank/Title Level Steps %Notes
DS III Dispatch Supervisor III Master
Supervisor 3%Minimum of Supervisor Cert.
DS II Dispatch Supervisor II Supervisor
Advanced 3%Minimum of Advanced Cert.
Advanced
DS I Dispatch Supervisor I Intermediate 10%Minimum of Intermediate Cert.
DIS V Dispatcher V Advanced
Intermediate 5%
DIS IV Dispatcher IV Advanced
Intermediate
Basic 5%
DIS III Dispatcher III Intermediate
Basic Minimum of Basic Certification
7%
DIS II Dispatcher II Intermediate
Basic
No Certification
or lateral entry with Post Cert. 7%
DIS I Dispatcher I - No Certification
Minimum of Intermediate
Certification
After 5 years, employees receive
market adjustment only
POST
Certification
Earned
ONE TIME LUMP SUM LONGEVITY AWARDS
at 20 years $2,000
at 15 years $1,500
at 10 years $1,000
The Step and Grade pay structure moves a newly hired DISPATCHER through 5 steps in 5
years, or less, afer being hired. A newly hired dispatcher (DIS I) can become a DIS II in less
than one year by completing Basic POST certification. Additional step and salary increases
take effect 12 months after hire, or Basic certification, not at the start of a fiscal year. The
pay scale rewards additional certifications by specifying increased pay rates for dispatchers
who earn Intermediate, Advanced or Supervisor POST certification. The DIS III step requires
Basic POST certification. The DIS V step requires Intermediate POST certification. Since steps
are not awarded after the fifth year, annual market adjustments will take effect only at the
start of a fiscal year. One-time lump sum service awards are provded at 10, 15, and 20 years.
The pay scale encourages/rewards increased certifications at each step level.
To implement the new structure, dispatchers and deputies will be placed at the closest step
above their current rate of pay, including the $600 housing allowance. However,
dispatchers/deputies assigned to a higher step than earned by their certification and/or years
of service will remain at that step, and receive market adjustments only, until their
certification and years of service qualifies them for promotion to the next step.
A DEPUTY RECRUIT becomes a DEP I after Basic POST certification is received. After
becoming a DEP I, the Step and Grade pay structure moves a new deputy through 5 steps in 5
years. All step and salary increases take effect 12 months after the date of Basic certification,
not at start of a fiscal year. However, since steps are not awarded after the fifth year, annual
market adjustments will take effect only at the start of a fiscal year. One-time lump sum
service awards are provided at 10, 15, and 20 years. The pay structure rewards additional
certifications by specifying increased pay rates for officers who earn Intermediate, Advanced,
Supervisor or Management POST certification. These pay increases take effect when the new
certification is received. The DEP V step requires Intermediate POST certification.