Essential sections
As you will have seen from the examples you collected, the format of job descriptions varies. Some sections however, are common to most.
SUMMARY STATEMENT OF THE JOB. This provides a brief statement of the main tasks of the job (no more than about 50 words) and is an introduction to more detailed descriptions of tasks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TASKS. This section covers all regular and occasional duties of the job, listed in order of importance or chronological sequence. It is here that you include;
- Responsibilities for other employees, work equipment, vehicles, money etc.
- Tools and equipment used
- Results/outcomes to be achieved
- Standards for effective performance and for evaluating performance
- Accountabilities of the job, for example finance, assets, production volume etc.
- Timing of the work, that is when it is to be done.
- Volume of work
- Problem solving requirements, such as frequency required and an indication of whether problems are routine, complex or repetitive.
- A statement of accountability for safety at work.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS. Relationships with supervisors, subordinates, external agents, and customers; decision making responsibilities.
WORKING CONDITIONS. Physical demands such as movement, lifting, travel, talking, seeing, standing, sitting etc.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT. Base salary, bonuses, remuneration and benefits, award classification, working hours, leave entitlements.
SIGNATURE OF PERSON WHO PREPARED DOCUMENT AND DATE
SIGNATURE OF JOB HOLDER