The TMC Operator Requirements and Position Descriptions document describes the classification of three generic performance levels of TMOT positions in terms of classification standards used by the United States federal government. The purpose of job classification is to provide a uniform method for determining the level of qualification and pay range for positions across the United States that are consistent with all other federal jobs. This tutorial explains how to use the FES to classify TMOT positions. Although there are no TMOT positions in the federal government at present, the system used by the federal government may be useful to help state and local governments analyze current and future TMOT positions.
The five basic steps to evaluating a position using FES are
For a more detailed description of the five basic steps to evaluating a position using FES see The Classifier’s Handbook (see the References section below for a description of the document and how to obtain a copy). This tutorial was prepared using The Classifier’s Handbook, and includes information specifically relevant to the classification of TMOT positions.
The classification of the TMOT position requires the creation of a position description. The first step is to convert the position description into FES Point Factor format. Several documents will aid you in converting the position description to FES format. Review the Understanding the Factor Evaluation System (FES) tutorial for an outline of the nine FES factors. For a more detailed description of the FES factors see The Classifier’s Handbook, which includes an outline of the factors in chapter 2, and a more extensive description of each factor in chapter 3. In addition, the TMC Operator Requirements and Position Descriptions document includes three generic position descriptions in FES format for entry level, full performance, and advanced level TMOT positions.
The FES format consists of a brief listing of the major duties of the position followed by a description for each of the nine factors. The purpose of the major duties section is to answer, "What does the employee do in the position?" Use the major duties section to outline and supplement the factor descriptions. Next, describe all nine factors of the FES. In section 7 of the TMC Operator Requirements and Position Descriptions document, there is a brief description of each factor followed by a description of aspects of the TMOT position within each factor. Adapt these descriptions as appropriate to describe aspects of the work that fall under each factor.
The Primary Standard is a standard used to assign point levels to each of the nine factors of a position description in the FES format. Factor levels in the Primary Standard are described in broad conceptual terms and are applicable to a great variety of nonsupervisory positions including the TMOT positions. The Primary Standard is contained in appendix 3 of the Introduction to the Position Classification Standards document (see the References section below for a description of the document and how to obtain a copy).
Section 7 of the TMC Operator Requirements and Position Descriptions document provides three generic position descriptions for the TMOT position in FES format that may be used as benchmarks for state or local TMOT positions. Use the Primary Standard when the TMOT positions include aspects of work that are either above or below the generic position factor levels.
Use the three generic TMOT benchmark positions presented in section 7 of the TMC Operator Requirements and Position Descriptions document and the Primary Standard to evaluate each factor of specific TMOT positions. To assign a point level to a factor, the factor description must meet or exceed the factor description from the standard. If a factor description exceeds one factor, but fails to meet the next higher factor, then the point value from the lower factor must be assigned. Use only the specific point values listed in the three generic TMOT benchmark positions. Do not extrapolate or interpolate point values not listed in the benchmark positions; instead, use the Primary Standard when an individual factor fails to meet the lowest or exceeds the highest factor level. To assign a point value, the factor must fully meet the intent of the benchmark or Primary Standard factor. Assign point values to factors based on only one set of duties and responsibilities. Usually these duties and responsibilities require the majority of the employees’ time.
Add together all of the point values from the nine factors to obtain an overall point level. Use the Grade Conversion Table to convert the overall point level to a General Schedule grade level. The Grade Conversion Table is in table 8 in section 7.5.3 in TMC Operator Requirements and Position Descriptions, and is contained at the end of the Primary Standard in appendix 3 of the Introduction to the Position Classification Standards document.
Record all classification judgments made. This includes factor level descriptions, point values assigned to each factor, the total point value, standards applied to the factors, and the General Schedule grade obtained. A sample position evaluation form is provided in the The Classifier’s Handbook, near the end of chapter 2.
The Classification Act of 1949 (codified in chapter 51 of title 5, United States Code) directs the Office of
Personnel Management (OPM) to provide standards for placing federal positions in their proper classes and grades.
OPM has produced several documents to aid federal agencies with classification of their positions. The
Classifier’s Handbook provides general classification guidance. Introduction to the Position
Classification Standards provides background information and guidance regarding the classification standards
for the General Schedule. Both documents are available on OPM’s website at http://www.opm.gov.
Office of Personnel Management. (1991, August). Introduction to the Position Classification Standards. Washington, DC.
Office of Personnel Management. (1991, August). The Classifier´s Handbook. (I.D. No. PSCRM) Washington, DC.
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