Position descriptions define roles, responsibilities, working relationships, and performance standards. They typically include the:
- Purpose of the position,
- Principal responsibilities and tasks and their relative importance,
- Estimated time and independence granted to carry out responsibilities,
- Standards of performance,
- Required knowledge, skills and abilities,
- Key relationships,
- The kinds of problems the employee will typically be asked to solve, and the employee's
- Discretion and freedom to make decisions.
Position descriptions are a necessary and integral part of the hiring process. They are also used with performance appraisals to assess employees' performance of their responsibilities. Position descriptions should be reviewed on an annual basis for accuracy.
Faculty positions at some colleges and/or universities may not require position descriptions.
Check with your Human Resource Office or supervisor for details or answers to questions about your specific position.
