Career Categories and Levels
The Career Level Guide provides detailed definitions for each job level within career categories. A position must satisfy approximately 80% of the criteria to qualify for a particular job level. Below we’ve defined some terms that will help in understanding information presented in the guides.
Career Categories
Manager (M): Includes positions where the incumbent primarily achieves department objectives through the coordinated efforts of two or more direct reports.
Professional – Individual Contributor (P): Includes positions that require a theoretical and conceptual knowledge of the specialization. Problems are typically solved through analysis and strategic thinking.
Learn more about Professional – Individual Contributor (P)
Support – Individual Contributor (S): Includes (unrepresented) clerical administrative support, service-oriented, or operational positions. Issues are typically solved through knowledge of past practices and procedural guidelines, or knowledge gained through a certification or licensing program.
Learn more about Support – Individual Contributor (S)
Factors That Determine Job Levels
Organizational Scope and Impact – The effect of a position’s actions on the organization through the nature of the work. The degree to which the position’s actions affect an organizational level, function, or the University. It includes the level of responsibility the position performs, including the degree to which the job can create either positive or negative consequences for the organization.
Influence and Leadership – The level of supervision, management, or direction provided as part of the position’s responsibility. May include staff, projects, or processes.
Knowledge – The level and application of knowledge needed to perform the position. It describes the degree of expertise in a field or discipline, or of tasks and responsibilities.
Problem Solving – The identification and application of approaches to resolving problems and making decisions. This consists of the type of thinking processes used in developing a course of action and making a decision.
Independence of Action (Applies to Professional and Support Career Categories Only) – The latitude the position has to make decisions as demonstrated by the level of review and instructions provided.
Education and Experience – This factor defines the typical level of education and experience necessary to perform the position. Education is gained while studying or training through a formalized educational program in a specific field. May include practical and fieldwork for credit. Experience is gained while working in a job.