Classification Glossary

Basic: Performs clear-cut tasks under close or direct supervision with little choice as to which rules and procedures to follow or materials or equipment to use

Routine: Performs several related and repetitive tasks that require some judgment regarding the rules and procedures to follow or the materials or equipment to use.

Complex: Independently uses a wide variety of rules, processes, materials and equipment to complete work assignments that require specialized knowledge or skills. Decisions are made independently regarding which rules, processes, materials, and equipment to use in order to effectively accomplish work assignments.

Highly/Most Complex: Responsibilities include extensive research and analysis of systems, facts, figures, or similar information to determine the nature and scope of problems that need to be solved. Develops new policies, procedures, or techniques to address problems not covered by existing written procedures or manuals.

Entry: Performs beginning level work under close or direct supervision. Incumbents typically work within narrowly established guidelines and parameters. Duties are often repetitive, and routine and decision-making are limited. Clear work directions and parameters are provided, and outcomes are reviewed by higher levels.

Journey: Fully competent and qualified in all aspects of a body of work and given broad/general guidance. Individuals can complete work assignments to standard under general supervision. Also referred to as the working or fully qualified level.

Senior: The performance of work requiring the consistent application of advanced knowledge and requiring a skilled and experienced practitioner to function independently. Senior-level work includes devising methods and processes to resolve complex or difficult issues that have broad potential impact. These issues typically involve competing interests, multiple clients, conflicting rules or practices, a range of possible solutions, or other elements that contribute to complexity. The senior-level has full authority to plan, prioritize, and handle all duties within an assigned area of responsibility. Senior-level employees require little supervision, and their work is not typically checked by others.

Expert: Within the context of the class series, has the highest level of responsibility and extensive knowledge based on research and experience in a specific area. Resolves the most complex, critical, or precedent-setting issues that arise. Positions act as a resource and provide guidance on specialized technical issues. Although an employee may be considered by their peers as an expert or “go-to” person at any level, for purposes of allocation, the term is typically applied to an employee in a higher class level who has gained expertise through progression in the series.

Administrative: Determines or participates in making policy, formulates long-range objectives and programs, and reviews the implementation of programs for conformance to policies and objectives.

Clerical: Work that supports office operations.

Managerial: Plans, coordinates, integrates, executes, controls, and evaluates activities and functions of an organization. This includes developing budgets, policies and procedures, service delivery, and staff supervision.

Paraprofessional: In a supportive role, performs some of the duties of a professional or technician. These duties usually require less formal training and/or experience normally required for professional or technical status.

Professional: Performs work that requires consistent application of advanced knowledge usually acquired through a college degree in a recognized field, work experience, or other specialized training. Exercises discretion and independent judgment when performing assignments. Examples include, but are not limited to, social workers, psychologists, registered nurses, economists, teachers or instructors, human resource consultants, accountants, and information system analysts.

Technical: Specialized knowledge or skills gained through academic or vocational courses offered in technical and community colleges, or equivalent on-the-job training.

Trades: Duties require specialized manual or mechanical skills and a comprehensive knowledge of work processes, normally acquired through an apprenticeship or other training program.

(1) Direct or close supervision

• Supervisor or lead provides daily oversight of work activities.
• Employee is given specific instructions regarding duties to perform, assignments to complete and sequence of work steps and processes to follow.
• Employee follows clearly defined work procedures, processes, formats, and priorities.
• Work is frequently reviewed for accuracy, completion, and adherence to instructions and established standards, processes, and procedures.

(2) General supervision

• Employee performs recurring assignments without daily oversight by applying established guidelines, policies, procedures, and work methods.
• Employee prioritizes day-to-day work tasks. Supervisor provides guidance and must approve a deviation from established guidelines, policies, procedures, and work methods.
• Decision-making is limited in context to the completion of work tasks. Completed work is consistent with established guidelines, policies, procedures, and work methods. Supervisory guidance is provided in new or unusual situations.
• Work is periodically reviewed for compliance with guidelines, policies, and procedures.

(3) General direction

• Employee independently performs all assignments using knowledge of established policies and work objectives.
• Employee plans and organizes the work and assists in determining priorities and deadlines. May deviate from standard work methods, guidelines, or procedures in order to meet work objectives.
• Employee exercises independent decision-making authority and discretion to decide which work methods to use, tasks to perform, and procedures to follow to meet work objectives.
• Completed work is reviewed for effectiveness in producing expected results.

(4) Administrative direction

• Employee works independently within the scope and context of rules, regulations, and employer objectives.
• Employee independently plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects, and studies in accordance with broad policy statements or legal requirements.
• Employee exercises independent decision-making authority for determining work objectives and goals to be accomplished.
• Completed work is reviewed for compliance with laws and regulations and adherence to program goals, objectives, budgetary limitations, and general employer policies.