Request for Qualifications - Compensation Study May 2026

The Town of Essex is seeking a professional consultant or firm to perform a compensation analysis for all non-police Town employees. The selected consultant will be responsible for performing a comprehensive, regionally based compensation analysis for approximately 50 total positions, reviewing current job descriptions, identifying areas of internal inequity, and providing recommendations for best practices to improve pay transparency, equity, competitiveness, and employee retention. The consultant will also be required to provide a draft report and a final written report, and give a presentation to the Selectboard. The project is expected to be completed within 3-4 months of contract execution, which is expected within 30 days of the submittal deadline. • The consultant will analyze the compensation packages of the Town's employees and compare them to similar municipalities/employers. • The consultant will review current job descriptions and ensure existing pay and grade classifications remain appropriate. • The consultant will identify areas of internal inequity amongst similarly skilled and staffed positions. • The consultant will provide recommendations for best practices to improve pay transparency, equity, competitiveness, and employee retention. • The consultant will provide a draft report to the Manager's Office for comment 30 days ahead of planned presentation with Selectboard. • The consultant will give a presentation regarding study outcomes to Selectboard. • The consultant will provide a final written report within 30 days of presentation.