Job Descriptions

General Overview


Accurate updated Job Descriptions are essential for hiring, performance evaluations, return to work planning, worksite accommodations, and a variety of other human resource and employment liability applications. Use these resources to help you update or create Job Descriptions.

Job Description Templates


Three template “checklists” are available to help your employee/management team analyze and update job descriptions. Sedentary/Light Work Template May include Clerical, Administrative, and Office, Utility Billing type jobs. Use this template for jobs that are primarily office type jobs. This work category can lift/carry up to 20 pounds. This template may also be applicable for job categories that involve some out-of-the office work such as Inspectors, Public Health, Engineers, Community Development, etc. if those jobs are more office related than they are field work related. Medium Work Template May include Health & Human Services positions, Assessors, and Inspector type jobs. Use this template for jobs that may be performed either offsite and/or involve travel to different sites, and the employee may perform the majority of work tasks on a “field” basis. For example, a county Health Department may have nursing assistants assigned to patient or custodial care that is performed on non-county property. Or, City Inspectors spend the majority of work time out doing inspections and often carry equipment to perform inspections. This work category may require lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds, and will likely involve a variety of sitting, standing, and/or walking activity. Heavy Work Template May include Public Works, Maintenance/Utility positions, Corrections, Law Enforcement, and Public Safety type jobs. Use this template for jobs that are primarily heavier and/or outside jobs that require heavy physical exertion, work in varying environmental conditions, unexpected body reactions, and/or operation of tools and equipment. Workers may lift or carry up to 100 pounds (or more for Very Heavy). Postural stresses and standing and walking are frequent in these jobs.

Job Description Terminology


Use terminology that is accurate, objective, and measurable when describing essential function performance standards and physical requirements. Job Description Manual Of special note: Page 14 defines Frequency Ratings for “how often a task occurs” for job performance. Pages 27 – 46 include Human Resource and objective definitions for all terminology used in describing what is necessary to perform the essential functions of a job. Consult these pages for specific explanations of a wide variety or job description related terms.

Written Job Description Format


Job Description Format This format may be used to complete your final written Job Description. This Job Description would be used for medical management, return to work planning, hiring, worksite accommodations, etc.

Sample Job Descriptions


The following are examples of good job description content and format. Account Clerk II Assistant Building Manager Cafeteria Assistant General Clerical Canine Officer Parks Groundskeeper Police Sergeant (regular fitness for duty) The following job descriptions from the City of Seaside illustrate a nice “before and after” Visitor Agent (before) Visitor Agent (after)