FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Job Classification System

What is a classification system?

A classification system groups jobs into categories or "job families" based on the type of work. The job family captures the essence of the work, rather than the specific duties of each position. Job family descriptors reflect the nature of work at several levels within each job family.

Why are we developing a classification system?

The classification system will support the University's goals for recruitment and retention, workforce planning, performance management, career development and a review of the compensation system. Because this system will be used throughout the University, it will provide a consistent alignment of positions across the system, a structure for identifying career ladders, and benchmarks for conducting external salary surveys. The system also will streamline the current, labor-intensive JEF process that diverts resources from our primary business objectives.

How will it work?

The job families will be evaluated to link the levels with salary grades. The current Hay evaluation system will be used for this evaluation. Individual positions will be assigned to the appropriate family and level based on the job family concept and level descriptions. All positions at the same level will be at the same salary grade throughout the University system. A streamlined Position Description (PD) Form will replace the JEF.

What is the value to me as an employee?

The Job Families will create identifiable career paths and easier access to information about different job categories and their requirements. The system also will provide a structure for future evaluation of compensation practices and will ensure consistent alignment of positions across the University.

How will the job families be updated/maintained?

Job Families will be reviewed and updated as needed to address the impact of new technology and/or changes in the nature or organization of the work.

Position Description Form/Job Family Process

What is a Position Description (PD) Form?

The PD Form is a streamlined approach to describing the work of an individual job. The information on the PD will be used to match a position to a job family and level. It also will be a useful tool to support career planning and performance management.

How do I create a Position Description (PD) Form?

To create a position description form you will need to use the University of Alaska's online position description/recruitment tool at UAKjobs.com/hr. If you have questions about this process please contact your MAU HR Office.

How do I get a new position classified?

Submit a PD Form through UAKjobs. Your MAU HR Office will review and classify the job in accordance with UA Regulations.

Are there any exceptions to the reclassification freeze?

Exceptions may be considered based on business necessity (e.g. a significant departmental reorganization). This requires approval by Statewide HR, with the recommendation of the MAU HR office. Questions may be directed to your MAU HR Office.

Implementation

What is the appeal process and how will it work?

Please see the link above for more information about the appeal process.

What is the Transition grid and why is it disappearing?

The first two steps (T1 and T2) on the staff transition salary schedule was eliminated on July 7, 2007. In 2002, when the classification project was initiated, the four-step transition grid was established to address the fiscal impact of the project. The plan was to phase out one transition step annually after completion of the project. With completion of the last job families ending in the near future, the University can begin retiring the rest of the transition grid.