1.  What is a position?

A position is a specific job, whether occupied or vacant, consisting of all the current duties and responsibilities assigned or delegated by competent authority, requiring the full or part-time employment of one person.    A position is identified by a specific position number. 

2.  What is a class?

A class is a group of positions which have sufficiently similar duties and responsibilities such that the same title and the same pay range may apply to each position allocated to the class.  Clerk-Typist II is a class.

3.  What is a series?

A series consists of classes which are similar as to subject matter of work, but differ in level of difficulty, responsibility and qualifications required.  The classes Clerk-Typist I, II, III, IV, and V make up the Clerk-Typist series.   

4.  What is classification?

A process which establishes an occupational framework and groups positions on the basis of the kind and level of work and knowledge, skills, competencies, and qualifications required.

5.  What is a position description?

An official written document that describes the major duties and responsibilities assigned to the position by the appointing authority; the organizational relationships; the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the position; and other pertinent information. 

6.  What is a class specification?

An official document that defines the primary purpose of a specific class.  It summarizes the nature and scope of duties and responsibilities; level of difficulty and authority; knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work;  education, training, certification required; and other pertinent information.      

7.  What is the difference between a class specification and a position description? 

A class specification provides the standard by which positions are evaluated and classified.  Class specifications are broader and generally provide the parameters for a group of positions.  A position description describes the duties and responsibilities assigned to a particular position or job. 

Class specifications are public documents, and can be accessed by clicking on the class specification link.

9.  Can I have a copy of my position description?

All employees should have access to their own position description.  Check with your supervisor, or your departmental personnel office.    

Position descriptions need to be updated when there are significant changes in the work assigned.  They should also be reviewed and updated as necessary prior to establishing performance standards, and prior to filling vacancies.

11.  Who writes position descriptions?

As management retains the authority to assign work to be performed, supervisors are generally responsible for writing position descriptions.  However, employees may be asked to provide input in the process or to draft a position description describing their work for their supervisor’s consideration. 

Generally, the hiring pay rate is the minimum rate or first step of the pay grade for the class.

13.  Can I be hired above the minimum rate of pay?

Recruitment incentives may be authorized for certain critical-to-fill and labor shortage positions.  The job announcement will reflect whether an incentive has been authorized.

14.  How is my pay determined?

Your basic rate of pay is determined based on the pay grade assigned to your position, the appropriate salary schedule, and applicable rules and/or collective bargaining agreements.  Your basic rate of pay does not include additional or extra compensation such as overtime, stand-by duty, shift differentials, lump sum pay, bonuses, recruitment incentives, and other pay differentials.

15.  How is the pay grade for each class determined?

The pay grade for each class is based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the kind and level of duties and responsibilities assigned; the nature, scope and complexity of work; level of supervision received and/or exercised; nature of available guidelines; etc. 

16.  Who can I talk to if I have questions about my position or pay?

The first person to approach is your supervisor.  You may also direct inquiries to your departmental personnel office.