|
|
The GS classification system under Title 5,
United States Code (USC), is based on two fundamental principles:
1. There should be "equal pay for substantially equal work;" and
2. Variations in pay should be in proportion to substantial differences in the
difficulty, responsibility, and qualifications required.
The General Schedule system can be divided into five
"categories" of work and 15 grades. These include: professional,
administrative, technical, clerical and other. These categories of work are considered
either two-grade interval or one-grade interval work. This designation refers to the
typical grade level pattern for a particular occupation. For instance, two-grade interval
series progress by two grade increments starting from GS-5 through GS-11. However, GS-11
through GS-15 grades progress in one grade increments even though still considered
two-grade interval work; i.e., GS-12, 13, 14, 15. Two-grade interval series include
professional and administrative occupations. One-grade interval series include clerical
and technical occupations and progress from GS-1 by single grade increments; i.e., GS-1,
2, 3, 4, 5, etc. The typical grade range is GS-2 through GS-8. Series that fall in the
"other" category can be either one- or two-grade interval depending
upon the kind of work being accomplished.
The General Schedule classification system currently consists of twenty-two broad
occupational groups. Each occupational group includes separate series which represent
occupations in that group. By selecting the proper series for a position, one is
essentially placing that position among other similar positions that require similar
qualifications. The duties and responsibilities assigned to most positions are covered by
one occupational series: therefore, the series determination is clear. In these instances,
the series represents the primary work of the position, the highest level of work
performed, and the paramount qualifications required. Some positions, however, are a mix
of duties and responsibilities covered by two or more occupational series and classified
by more than one classification standard or guide. If one series does not predominate, the
appropriate series for these positions, many times, is a general series that covers the
type of work being performed. OPM has begun replacing individual series standards with
"job family standards" which cover positions in a similar occupational group
(e.g., GS-1300 professional physical science work).
The GS system requires all employees to have a formalized position
description. A position description is a statement of the major duties,
responsibilities, and supervisory relationships of a position. It should be kept up to
date and include information about the job which is significant to its classification. It
should clearly define the major duties assigned, the nature and extent of responsibility
in carrying out those duties, qualification requirements, specialized requirements not
readily apparent, etc. All position descriptions include a statement signed by the
immediate supervisor certifying to the accuracy of the position description.RELATED
TOPICS: Classification Standards; General
Schedule Categories of Work; Federal Wage System (FWS). |
