10
Position Classification
By R. R. JO H N SO N
The position classification study specific individual position titles for
which the Civil Service Commission has other uses.
The concept of any class of work
had made is now nearing completion.
will
be found in the contents of class
Tentative classes of work have been es
. specifications rather than in the title
tablished and general specifications of alone. If employees wish to study the
work for each have been prepared. Em accuracy of their proposed classifica
ployees will soon be receiving notifica tions, they should refer to the specifica
tion of the allocation of their positions tions for the class. Since classification
to one of these classes of work. This deals with people and work which peo
will be a final allocation unless an em ple do, specifications necessarily will not
ployee requests a change where he be be as specific as engineering or purchase
lieves that the classification is inaccur specifications where known material
ate. Such requests will be studied by properties are involved. Although they
the classification survey staff. If the will be somewhat more general in de
change is not agreed upon employees scription, they will nevertheless provide
may request further review by the the basis for differentiating between
Civil Service Commission. The class the different types of work and re
specifications will be available for em sponsibilities which are found in the
ployees to review if they so desire. Em state service. To the end that the con
ployees may also request changes in tent of the specifications will best meet
these descriptions where they believe the uses to which they wlil be put, the
statements should be changed.
Commission will welcome any sugges
Thé classification plan will cover tions now or in the future by adminis
approximately 7 0 0 0 positions in the trators or employees to improve these
state service. It must recognize the descriptive contents.
needs and interests of both administra
Specifications will be used in several
tors and employees and must provide ways. The Civil Service Commission
the basis for efficient and workable will use them as one of the guides in
Civil Service and budgetary procedures. setting up future tests and informing
To be workable, the plan must neces applicants and the public generally as
sarily standardize positions into as few a to the requirements and kinds of posi
number of classes as possible. This must tions which exist in the state service.
be done without sacrificing proper The specifications will be used by the
groupings of positions on the basis of Commission as a guide for allocating
similar duties and responsibilities. There new positions or determining whether
will, however, be adjustments in some existing allocations are appropriate. The
of the present titles for classification specifications will be used also as a
plan purposes. In some cases employees guide in setting up training, programs,
may well have departmental working
merit rating programs and in facilitat
titles which seem to them or their de ing promotions and transfers of em
partment head more appropriate than ployees in the state service.
the classification title. The new classi
The Civil Service Commission is not
fication title will relate to official per the only agency which will make use
sonnel and budgetary matters and is of the specifications. They may be used
not intended to prevent employees or directly by budgetary officials in mak-
department heads from using more
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