Position Descriptions

A position description is a structured document assigning work to a given position at the full performance level of the classification level being proposed.

PDs are used for:

• Employees, so they know what is expected on the job
• Exam development
• Classification
• Identification of training needs
• Performance evaluations

Sections of the PD:

1. Summary Statement
• Summarize goals
• Provide other information that applies to entire position
• Level of accountability
• Level of supervision
• Independence fo decision-making
• Relationship to other positions
• Other information such as work environment and hours
2. Goal Statements
• Describes the purpose of each employee's work
• Describe the accomplishments or output each employee is expected to produce
• Make explicit the reasons why the position exists
• Areas of responsibility
• Between 2 and 6 goals per position
• Listed in descending order according to majority of work performed
• Include percentages
3. Worker Activities
• Describes in specific terms what the employee is expected to do while at work
• Should describe worker behavior that is observable
• Should describe work that is important to the successful performance of the job
4. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
• Crucial goals and worker activity statements should have supporting KSA statements with links back to them
• E.g., Ability to effectively use the tools, equipment methods and practices of the painting trade refers to activities: A.1, A.2, C.2
• KSAs are used to develop announcements and exams

Examples of approved PDs