Classification is a process used to determine a position’s occupational series, title, grade level, and pay system based on the position’s defined duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required to perform the work. Title 5 of United States Code (USC), Section 5104, governs the classification of positions in federal service. Federal agencies are required to classify positions consistent with the criteria and guidance issued by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

The accuracy of position descriptions (PDs) is critical. Grade levels assigned by position classifiers determine pay, and exemption status under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Also, classified PDs are used to determine the criteria for announcing vacant positions and hiring new employees, as well as, establishing training objectives, and developing performance standards.

Donna Turnley offers a wide variety of services to federal clients to ensure the accuracy of federal position classification programs. Services include:

• Reviewing position classification and position management policies to ensure that available guidance is current, clear, and available.
• Auditing classified PDs and supporting documentation to ensure that they support classification decisions.
• Analyzing position data to identify trends and the likelihood for grade creep.
• Providing coaching, support, and tools to help federal managers understand differences in grade levels, such as templates to help guide PD development and future classification decisions.
• Identifying position management options to assist federal managers develop feasible organizational charts with projected positions to accomplish their agency mission in the most efficient and economical manner.