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Job Descriptions
Job Descriptions
29
Many small companies do not find it necessary to create and utilize “job descriptions” to define positions. You simply do what the boss says. However, more often, companies prepare job descriptions to clarify duties and establish salaries appropriate with positions and responsibilities. When interviewing for a job, you may want to ask if a job description exists for the position you are seeking and if it is available for you to review. If not, perhaps it may be an indicator that the scope of duties and responsibilities are not well defined possibly putting your survival at risk. Typically, job descriptions have some or all of the following sections (Fig. 29.1): Title—This includes the occupational title, department name or number, date prepared, salary class, and exemption status. General statement—This is a brief statement of the responsibilities associated with the position and to whom the employee reports. Duties and responsibilities—These are line-by-line descriptions of what duties the position entails. Supervision received—Describes who/how work direction is provided to the employee and how it is reviewed. Supervision responsibilities—Who the employee is required to supervise, provide work direction and if performance reviews will be conducted. Traits—These are the important characteristics of the ideal candidate such as honesty, selfstarter, dependability, tactful, helpful, etc. Skills—These are abilities required for the position such as oral communication, written communication, delegation, troubleshooting, planning, and organizing. Education—Describes the minimum requirements. Approvals—These are the personnel who approve of the job description, which may include the incumbent, his/her supervisor and a human resource department representative. Song: “Money for Nothing” As popularized by: Dire Straits 1985
Technical Career Survival Handbook. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-809372-6.00029-3 Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
76
Technical Career Survival Handbook OFFICE JOB DESCRIPTION Occ. Title
MANAGER,
ENGINEERING
Department
Division/Subsidiary
Date: Job Description Status: Exemption Status:
Occ. Code: New Non-exempt
Revised Exempt:
General Statement
Salary Class: Supersedes: Executive Outside Sales
Administrative
Professional
Responsible for technical and administrative direction of design and developmental activities relating to new products. Activities include market studies, engineering analyses, prototype and product design, prototype procurement and prototype testing. Directs an engineering and product design staff sufficient to accomplish assigned functions. REPORTS TO: Director, Engineering Duties and Responsibilities 1
Defines, develops, assigns and periodically reviews progress of various development engineering projects in order to accomplish Division objectives. Considers validity of new development projects and defines ares of engineering improvement and cost reduction in existing products.
2
Determines the relative status of projects within department and establishes and/or revises priorities to meet desired completion schedules.
3
Communicates effectively with superior and subordinates to assure that scope, responsibility and coordination of assigned projects are fully understood. Encourages involvement of subordinates.
4
Coordinates generation of new product ideas and proposals, within the division's long range plans. Evaluates all proposals for technical merit, profit potential, patent protection and general compatibility with division objectives. Screens aII product development proposaIs from outside sources.
5
Responsible for functioning of the department in accordance with established plans and goals. Keeps management informed as to progress and status of assigned projects, and assists in making and implementing decisions which would have an effect on overall Division operations.
6
Reviews design and proposal activities to ensure technical soundness, functional design principles, ease of manufacture, adherance to cost factors, patent protection and profit potential.
7
Provides for and establishes primary concepts and standards relating to engineering design of manufactured products.
8
Provides consultive and coordinative support to engineers on unusual technical problems, when pertinent research has exhausted available options without an answer, or when necessary to assure cooperation and assistance from other areas.
PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Figure 29.1 Typical office job description.
APPROVED BY:
29
Many small companies do not find it necessary to create and utilize “job descriptions” to define positions. You simply do what the boss says. However, more often, companies prepare job descriptions to clarify duties and establish salaries appropriate with positions and responsibilities. When interviewing for a job, you may want to ask if a job description exists for the position you are seeking and if it is available for you to review. If not, perhaps it may be an indicator that the scope of duties and responsibilities are not well defined possibly putting your survival at risk. Typically, job descriptions have some or all of the following sections (Fig. 29.1): Title—This includes the occupational title, department name or number, date prepared, salary class, and exemption status. General statement—This is a brief statement of the responsibilities associated with the position and to whom the employee reports. Duties and responsibilities—These are line-by-line descriptions of what duties the position entails. Supervision received—Describes who/how work direction is provided to the employee and how it is reviewed. Supervision responsibilities—Who the employee is required to supervise, provide work direction and if performance reviews will be conducted. Traits—These are the important characteristics of the ideal candidate such as honesty, selfstarter, dependability, tactful, helpful, etc. Skills—These are abilities required for the position such as oral communication, written communication, delegation, troubleshooting, planning, and organizing. Education—Describes the minimum requirements. Approvals—These are the personnel who approve of the job description, which may include the incumbent, his/her supervisor and a human resource department representative. Song: “Money for Nothing” As popularized by: Dire Straits 1985
Technical Career Survival Handbook. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-809372-6.00029-3 Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
76
Technical Career Survival Handbook OFFICE JOB DESCRIPTION Occ. Title
MANAGER,
ENGINEERING
Department
Division/Subsidiary
Date: Job Description Status: Exemption Status:
Occ. Code: New Non-exempt
Revised Exempt:
General Statement
Salary Class: Supersedes: Executive Outside Sales
Administrative
Professional
Responsible for technical and administrative direction of design and developmental activities relating to new products. Activities include market studies, engineering analyses, prototype and product design, prototype procurement and prototype testing. Directs an engineering and product design staff sufficient to accomplish assigned functions. REPORTS TO: Director, Engineering Duties and Responsibilities 1
Defines, develops, assigns and periodically reviews progress of various development engineering projects in order to accomplish Division objectives. Considers validity of new development projects and defines ares of engineering improvement and cost reduction in existing products.
2
Determines the relative status of projects within department and establishes and/or revises priorities to meet desired completion schedules.
3
Communicates effectively with superior and subordinates to assure that scope, responsibility and coordination of assigned projects are fully understood. Encourages involvement of subordinates.
4
Coordinates generation of new product ideas and proposals, within the division's long range plans. Evaluates all proposals for technical merit, profit potential, patent protection and general compatibility with division objectives. Screens aII product development proposaIs from outside sources.
5
Responsible for functioning of the department in accordance with established plans and goals. Keeps management informed as to progress and status of assigned projects, and assists in making and implementing decisions which would have an effect on overall Division operations.
6
Reviews design and proposal activities to ensure technical soundness, functional design principles, ease of manufacture, adherance to cost factors, patent protection and profit potential.
7
Provides for and establishes primary concepts and standards relating to engineering design of manufactured products.
8
Provides consultive and coordinative support to engineers on unusual technical problems, when pertinent research has exhausted available options without an answer, or when necessary to assure cooperation and assistance from other areas.
PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Figure 29.1 Typical office job description.
APPROVED BY: