Plumas County Releases Official Data on Job Vacancies

QUINCY — In response to a new state law that went into effect in January (AB 2561), Plumas County released its first official report on job vacancies at a public hearing during the August 19 meeting of the Board of Supervisors. Acting Human Resources Director Sara James presented data showing that 90 out of 423.75 full-time equivalent positions in county government are currently unfilled — an overall vacancy rate of approximately 21%.

The statistics James presented showed that the county’s largest employee bargaining units have the highest vacancy rates, as well as the most open positions: 30% of positions in the general unit, which represents most county workers outside of management, law enforcement and public works, and 24% of positions in the Sheriff’s Department were vacant as of June 30. She noted, however, that the situation in the Sheriff’s Department has improved significantly since 2023, due to increased compensation and signing bonuses for Deputies, Dispatchers, and Correctional Officers, and that new applications received since the data were collected may reduce vacancies even further. She also noted challenges in filling certain high-demand positions, including department heads and senior management, licensed professionals, such as nurses, social workers, and behavioral therapists, and public works and facilities services workers.

Among the factors contributing to job vacancies, James reported, are low pay, lack of opportunity for advancement, and understaffing, leading to burnout. Recent increases in the state minimum wage, combined with a lack of regular pay raises, have also contributed to a phenomenon of salary compression, where new hires can earn nearly as much as workers who have been in their jobs for years.

James explained that although working for Plumas County already offers a number of benefits, matching pay to market levels will be key to improving employee recruitment and retention. A comprehensive salary study scheduled to be completed by the end of the year will be an important part of that effort, she said, and the county is also exploring the use of incentives and working to create career ladders. Board Chairman Kevin Goss added that the county already has a program that provides assistance with down payments for employees who want to buy a home.