(a) The class specifications (job descriptions) contain the following elements of information:

1. Class title.
2. Purpose of class.
3. Examples of tasks performed within class:
   • A. Primary tasks.
   • B. Equipment operated.
   • C. Working conditions.
4. Qualification of class:
   • A. Education.
   • B. Experience.
   • C. Knowledge, skills and abilities.
   • D. Special requirements.

(b) The first three sections of the class specification are descriptive of a class of positions, and the last section is descriptive of the minimum qualifications which applicants for positions in the class may be reasonably expected to possess. However, a job description cannot be understood and interpreted properly without giving consideration to all of its parts. In many instances, a job description cannot be adequately considered without giving attention to other related job descriptions. This is particularly true when a number of classes are created involving tasks of varying degrees of difficulty and responsibility in the same field of work.

(c) A class specification begins with the "class title," designed to be as brief and still as descriptive of the kind and level of work involved as possible.

(d) The second section, entitled "purpose of class," consists of a general statement of the scope and level of work and degree of supervision received. This is usually a brief statement broadly defining the limits of a class by using statements such as "under immediate supervision, performs routine building cleaning tasks," or "under general supervision, takes dictation and transcribes the notes on a typewriter."

In defining the degree of supervision received, use has been made of the terms "immediate supervision," "general supervision" and "general direction." Definitions of these degrees of supervision are stated as follows:

1. Under immediate supervision is used where the work is typically done under specific assignment, detailed explanation is given of objectives and the proper methods of attaining them, and the supervision is available for close and constant review while work is in progress and upon completion.
2. Under general supervision is used where the assignment and the methods to be used are outlined in general terms and the work is subject to review upon completion.
3. Under general direction is used where methods of performing duties are the responsibility of the employee as long as they are performed within established policies and procedures. Work is reviewed only periodically to determine conformance with policy and to measure adequacy of results.

(e) The third section, entitled "examples of tasks performed within class," lists the primary tasks or duties having the most common combinations of difficulty and responsibility and gives some indication of the range found in the class. It is unlikely that all employees will perform all tasks shown. The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive.

Also included in this section are subsections entitled "equipment operated" and "working conditions." In the first subsection, equipment operated by employees of the class is listed and is to be representative, not inclusive. In the second subsection, the type of unusual working conditions encountered by employees of the class is identified. If no unusual working conditions exist it is indicated as "not adverse."

(f) The fourth section, entitled "qualifications of class," lists minimum education, experience and knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties and to carry out the responsibilities of positions within the class. Under the subsection "experience," the phrase "or an equivalent combination of training and experience" is used to permit flexibility so applicants who possess unusual combinations of training and experience will not be eliminated. In describing the experience requirements four terms are utilized to indicate the degree of experience required, as follows:

1. Some experience: One-three years.
2. Experience: Three-five years.
3. Considerable experience: Five-seven years.
4. Extensive experience: Seven-ten years and over.

In setting forth the knowledge, skills and abilities, use has been made of the terms "some knowledge," "good knowledge," and "thorough knowledge." Definitions of these degrees of knowledge are stated as follows:

1. Some knowledge means sufficient familiarity with the subject to know elementary principles and terminology and to understand and solve simple problems.
2. Good knowledge means sufficient knowledge of a field to perform most work as assigned and with little direct supervision. It means that the work calls for comprehension of standard work situations at the competent journeyman level. The term "good working knowledge" is a variation of the term and is utilized to indicate a comprehension of the basic practical aspects of job knowledge.
3. Thorough knowledge means wide coverage of the subject matter area. It means that the work calls for sufficient comprehension of the subject to solve unusual as well as commonplace work problems, to advise on technical and policy questions and to plan work programs.
4. Abilities refer to the present state of development of innate capacities making possible the application of knowledge and skills (physical, mental and social processes) to work situations.
5. Skills generally refer to and are limited to manipulative manual abilities and dexterity.

(g) The last subsection, entitled "special requirements," identifies any licensing, certification or other requirements needed prior to and/or after entering the class.

(Ord. of March 12, 1991, art. V)