Position Description Questionnaire (PDQ)
The purpose of this form is to collect specific information from the management team about the duties and responsibilities
assigned to a position for use in determining the most appropriate job classification. Please take the time to complete the
questionnaire as completely and accurately as possible. Thoroughness in providing the information is essential in
assuring the proper classification and salary is established. Consider the normal day-to-day responsibilities and base
responses on duties and responsibilities that are usually part of the job under typical conditions, not special projects or
temporary assignments. The percentages provided do not need to be exact but should reflect the more time consuming
parts of the job on an annual basis. Describe the position as it actually is today not as it might be in the future. The
immediate supervisor should complete this form and then forward it for the review and consideration of the respective
management team and UBO prior to final review by HR.
Please indicate the most appropriate reason for this request:
Job enrichment for incumbent based on job growth, additional responsibility, supervision, etc.
New position to be classified – Date New Position Authorized:___________________
Reclassification request for vacant position – Date Position Vacated: ______________
POSITION INFORMATION
Employee Name if applicable:
Department/College:
Current Job Classification:
Proposed Job Classification:
Current Pay Rate if applicable:
PCN:
I confirm this document has been completed accurately and a potential reclassification is in the best business interest of
the department/college, pending HR review of duties and responsibilities.
Supervisor name:
Signature:
Telephone:
Source of Additional Funding Needed for Account Director/UBO Review/Completion (N/A for Classified Positions on Appropriated Funds)
Reg Sal Amt
Reg Sal PCN
Irreg Sal
Fringe
Insurance
Travel
Operating
Total
Comments:
SIGNATURE APPROVALS REQUESTING HR REVIEW
I confirm this document has been completed accurately and a potential reclassification is in the best business interest of
the department/college, pending HR review of duties and responsibilities.
Chair or Department Head Name:
Signature:
University Business Officer Name:
Signature:
Dean/AVP/Director Name:
Signature:
Vice President/Senior Executive Name:
Signature:
Upon completion, please forward to Human Resources, Mail Stop 8107, or hr@isu.edu
HR APPROVALS FOR IMPLEMENTATIONFOR HR/BUDGET USE ONLY
Approved Classification/Title:
Desk Review Date:
Effective Date of Reclassification:
FLSA Designation:
Approved Rate of Pay/Salary:
Approved Pay Grade:
Budget Confirmed Signature:
Date:
HR Approval Signature:
Date
2
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS AS ACCURATELY AND CONCISELY AS POSSIBLE. ATTACH
ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY
1. Position Purpose: In a few sentences, briefly describe the primary function and purpose of the position. Why does the
position exist?
2. Principal Position Responsibilities/Duties: List the major duties/responsibilities of the position, starting with the most
important for which the position is responsible. Include the estimated percentage of time spent on performing the duty
annually. Indicate whether each duty is an essential function of the position, (core to the position purpose), and whether
the duty is a new assignment since the last position review.
Duties/Responsibilities (attach additional sheet if necessary)
% of
Time
Spent
Essential
Function
Y/N
New Duty
or
Change
Y/N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
3. Describe Why the Position Has Changed: If new duties/responsibilities above have been assigned to the position
since the last review, why and how was it determined to make the assignment to this position? How were the duties
performed prior to this change?
3
4. Supervision:
Indicate the degree of supervision for other employees. Consider the degree to which it is responsible for directing,
instructing and reviewing the work of others.
No responsibility for supervising others.
Involves training and directing the work of student employees.
Involves occasional training and directing the work of non-student employees. Supervision is
sporadic and occurs from time-to-time.
Involves direct supervision, hiring, and evaluating the work of regular employees as a first-line
supervisor.
Position Supervised
Number of
Incumbents
Permanent/Temporary/Student
Employee
Hours per Week
5. Communications: Who does the position regularly communicate with in order to perform their duties? What do they
typically communicate about?
6. Decision Making Authority: What type of decisions or recommendations is this position authorized to
make? What types of decisions would need to be referred to the supervisor? What actions does this position
have the authority to approve or deny?
7. Job Complexity: What is the most time consuming responsibility for this position? What is the most complex
responsibility? Please describe below.
4
8. Program Knowledge: What type of specific department or program knowledge does this position need to have in
order to complete the duties and responsibilities of the position? For example, does the position require knowledge of
departmental faculty and staff to route mail or take messages, or does the position require an in-depth knowledge of
academic prerequisites or affiliation agreements to complete assignments? Provide specific examples.
9. Knowledge/Training/Education: Has the incumbent received any specialized training, certifications, or education
that has prepared them to take on a higher level of work or more responsibility and/or accountability? Please note:
education/certifications alone will not justify position reclassification.
10. Office Equipment/Software: Is there any office equipment; programs or software that the incumbent is now required
to use that demands a higher level of knowledge, skills, and abilities?
11. Organizational Chart: Attach a current organizational chart for the department and any other relevant
documentation that may assist with the review process.
12. Other Details for Consideration: Please provide any additional comments or details for consideration of the
management team and HR in consideration of this reclassification request. Attach additional sheets as needed in response
to any of the items in this questionnaire.
Form Revised July, 2017