Classification

The classification system enables the Division to group together positions and related functions so that the same education and experience qualifications may reasonably be required for, and the same schedule of pay may be equitably applied to, all positions in the same classification across New Hampshire state government. This helps to ensure fiscal responsibility, because employees are compensated for actual duties performed in accordance with their assigned classification.

The classification plan is represented by the complete published set of class specifications, which are general job descriptions covering all classified positions. The plan includes nine evaluation factors: Skill, Knowledge, Impact, Supervision, Working Conditions, Physical Demands, Communication, Complexity, and Independent Action. Some other important elements of the classification system include occupational groupings, class series groupings (such as Environmentalist I, II, III and IV), and the supplemental job description (which describes one specific position or a group of positions of a certain classification at a state agency).

State employees and their agencies can request that the Director of Personnel reclassify a position or reallocate a position’s labor grade for a variety of reasons, including changes in responsibility, changes in agency organizational structure, and the need for increased job skills or knowledge.