Pay Equity Bureau

Job
Descriptions
 What is a job description?

A job description is a summary of the major duties

and responsibilities of a position. It also includes
the education and experience required to do the
work.
 Writing Job Descriptions
Do
• Be specific
• Use plain language
• Accurately describe the job Do Not
• Be concise • Use jargon
• Use abbreviations
• Use vague terms
• Oversimplify the job
 Job Description Guidelines

• Jobs NOT people

• Facts NOT judgements

• The job as it is now

 Six Parts to a Job Description

1. Job Title
2. Job Purpose
3. Job Duties
4. Qualifications
5. Competencies/Abilities
6. Working Conditions
 1. Job Title
Examples of Job Titles:

• Administrative Assistant
• Manager

2. Job Purpose
The Job Purpose should be a clear, concise statement describing why
the job exists.

Example:
The Administrative Assistant is responsible to provide support to the Director and other
staff.
 3. Job Duties

In this section of the job description, you would

identify, in order of importance, a list of daily,
weekly and monthly duties.

Example:
• Prepares and edits correspondence and reports.
 4. Qualifications
Qualification is defined as the quality, ability, or
accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a
particular position. In this section, you would
identify the education and experience required for
the job.
Example:
High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of six (6) months related experience.
 5. Competencies/Abilities

In this section of the job description, you may

identify other knowledge, skills and efforts required
to do the job.

Example:
• Knowledge of Policies and Procedures
• Problem-solving and decision making skills
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
 6. Working Conditions

Working Conditions is defined as the physical

environment in which you work, including the actual
space, the quality of ventilation, heat, light and
degree of safety.

Example:
• Unpredictable schedule and tasks
• Difficult visual conditions (lighting, glare)
• Noisy environment
 Sample Job Description
Administrative Assistant
Job Purpose:
The Administrative Assistant is responsible to provide support to the Director
and other staff.

Job Duties:
• Preparing and editing correspondence and reports
• Preparing invoices
• Sorting and distributing mail
• Organizing and coordinating meetings

Qualifications:
High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of six (6) months related
experience.
 Sample Job Description (con’t)
Competencies/Abilities:
• Knowledge of Policies and Procedures
• Problem-solving and decision making skills
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs

Working Conditions:
• Unpredictable schedule and tasks
• Difficult visual conditions (lighting, glare)
• Noisy environment