Mixed series positions involve duties that span more than one occupational series, requiring careful evaluation to determine the most appropriate classification. Selecting the correct series depends on several key factors, including the paramount knowledge required and the overall purpose and structure of the role within the organization.
Key Insights
- Determine the proper series for a mixed position by identifying the paramount knowledge required to perform its primary duties.
- Evaluate additional factors such as the purpose of the position, its organizational context, lines of promotion, and recruitment sources.
- Use real-world examples, such as engineers involved in contracting or budget analysts performing accounting, to analyze which occupational series best aligns with the predominant responsibilities.
This lesson is a preview from our Federal Position Management Course and Certified Federal HR Business Partner (cFHRBP) Level III Certificate Program. Enroll in a course for detailed lessons, live instructor support, and project-based training.
Let's move on to mixed series positions. And so, mixed series positions involve the work covered by more than one occupational series.
And so for most positions, the grade control and work determine the series. However, when two or more series are involved, there are several factors that you must consider in determining which series you're actually going to select for that position. And so you want to think first and foremost, the paramount knowledge required of the position.
The paramount knowledge of the position. You want to consider the purpose of the position, the organizational function in which the position is located, the lines of promotion within the organization, and you want to consider the recruitment sources, what the applicant pool looks like in mixed series positions. And so we want, I want you to understand that, however a position is classified, when a supervisor designs a position that includes two or more completely different occupations, you must consider some very important factors when making the determination.
And I'm going to give you an example. In Darryl's unit, the professional engineers not only perform engineering work, but they also work with contractors to procure the necessary materials. And so think about it.
Should these positions be placed in an engineering or contracting series? And so let me tell you, engineers are in professional positions. Contract specialists are professional positions also, but the paramount knowledge required is a professional engineer. Professional engineers have to have degrees and be licensed in most states.
And so you would know that the titles of those positions necessary would be the professional engineer. All right. Based on that criteria, paramount knowledge required, purpose of the position, organizational function within the position, organizational function in which the position is located, the lines of promotion within the organization, and recruitment sources.
And so let me give you another example. In Steve's financial office, budget analysts also perform accounting work used as a basis for formulating their budget. And so should these positions be placed in a budget or accounting series? Now, accounting is a professional series.
And so you are most likely, was most likely going to meet the requirements of this position is the accounting work. All right. And so you want to remember that the paramount knowledge required is the purpose of the position, the organizational function in which the position is located, the lines of promotion within the organization, and the recruitment sources of the applicant pools.
And so you want to consider those factors when you're looking at mixed series positions.
