What are Class Specs?
How are these documents used?

A job class is a group of positions which are sufficiently similar as to (1) type of work; (2) level of difficulty and responsibility, and (3) qualifications requirements, to warrant similar treatment in personnel and pay administration.

A Class Specification is a written definition of a job class. It generally includes the class title, specification code number, factors distinguishing class level, typical duties, competency expectations, and minimum job requirements.

These documents are not intended to describe any specific position assigned to the class, but rather provide broad information about the scope of work and the general requirements for employment in the title.

Class Specs should not be confused with Job Vacancy Postings or Job Announcements. Please refer to Staffing Services for employment related information. Applications are accepted only for posted or publicly announced jobs.

Class specification documents are the primary reference used in assigning positions to job classes within the state job classification system. They provide a framework for establishing and maintaining fair and equitable position compensation. In addition, class specification serve as guidelines for selection and promotion programs, as well as many other personnel management functions.

Class Specification (Spec) documents usually contain the following sections:

Class Title and Class Code Number

An individual position may have a "working title" as well as an official class title. Working Titles may be used for internal or public convenience; however, these cannot be used for official personnel and budgetary purposes.

Nature of Work

This section briefly describes the overall job class objective and the scope of job responsibility. It also indicates the extent of supervision received and exercised. This section also contains information on the conditions of work (travel, hazards, contacts etc.)

Distinguishing Characteristics

This section describes those factors which distinquish the class from other levels in the class series or other similar job classes.

Examples of Work

This section lists the essential functions or duties which are commonly performed in positions within the class. This is not to say that all positions include all listed duties. Very often workers in particular positions perform only some of the duties listed. Additionally, not all duties required in all positions are listed. Workers may be required to perform other related duties as circumstances require. Generally the list includes all major duty areas. Agencies must ensure that all duties assigned are within the scope and level of work defined in the class specification. The assignment of significant duties beyond the scope of the job class may warrant position allocation review.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This section lists specific competency areas required for work in the title. Again, as with the Examples of Work, these are only examples of requirements across the range of positions in the job class.

Minimum Qualifications

This section describes the minimum type and amount of education, training, and/or experience required at the time of hire. These are general statements and are not intended to describe the optimum requirements for a particular position. Applicants should refer to current recruitment announcements for specific employment requirements.

Areas of Assignment

This is a list of position specialty areas included in the job class definition. Applicants for a particular vacant position may be required to possess training and experience related to one or more areas of assignment.

Effective and Revision Dates

These dates are used to track changes and updates.

For more information about class specifications, please call the Division of Personnel Classification and Compensation Section at 558-3950 ext. 506.

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