ACE Classification Study

We have begun the District-wide Classification Study primarily for classified employees in the Association of Classified Employees (ACE) bargaining unit. We are excited about this project and look forward to everyone's active participation.

What is a Classification Study?

The main goal of a classification study is to develop an equitable, reliable, and competitive classification system that supports the District’s mission; promotes equity by accurately aligning classifications and assignments; fosters the attraction and retention of qualified individuals; and provides opportunities for employee growth and development.

Over time, an agency’s classification needs change; factors such as operational, program, technological, regulatory, and staffing changes typically result in class specifications becoming misaligned from the actual nature, level and scope of work performed by incumbents.  Through a new classification study, the services provided by the consultant will assist the District to achieve the following objectives and expected outcomes:

1. An analysis and development of a position classification system and process for classifying work in order to promote internal equities dictated by actual responsibilities of the position.
2. A catalog of class specifications that accurately classifies the work assigned to positions; identifies the core knowledge and abilities required to successfully perform the work; and reflects management’s approach to organizing work.
3. An analysis to assess the nature, level, and scope of worked currently performed by incumbents; and recommendations to accurately align incumbents within the new classifications. 
4. Visual career paths to provide clarity on career mobility at the District.
5. An equitable and simple to administer classification system that supports the District’s mission, vision and values.

The ultimate goal of a classification study is to study an organization’s positions, the work (i.e., essential job functions) that each performs, and create updated and objective classification descriptions that are legally compliant, internally aligned, reflective of contemporary standards, and accurately reflect current roles, responsibilities, duties, and qualifications.  The final work product will be an integrated organizational structure that will allow for internal equity, potential future agency growth, employee career growth, and effective customer service delivery.

A classification study also reviews an organization’s positions to determine the proper grouping or allocation of positions into classifications (i.e., job titles).  This process involves recommendations for each position for reclassification or title change, as well as the development of new classifications (if applicable), elimination of outdated classifications (if applicable), and collapsing classifications within similar functional areas (as appropriate).

A classification study does not include a staffing analysis, i.e., does not result in the addition or elimination of any positions, and it does not analyze or evaluate performance levels.

Compensation Study

Although compensation will need to be negotiated, the classification study will also include a compensation study that will involve a base salary market survey using a set of appropriate comparator agencies. The goal is to determine what type of compensation (salary ranges) the external labor market pays for classifications that are similar to those at the District. Once the external data comparison is completed, specific recommendations will be made for internal equity for all positions. 

The compensation study will contain specific recommendations regarding a salary schedule and the integration of all classifications into a clearly designed, internally equitable format that is flexible for career opportunity and future growth. Again, compensation will need to be negotiated.

Position Description Questionnaire (PDQ)

The purpose of the Position Description Questionnaire (PDQ) is to gather information about the duties and responsibilities that are assigned to a job. The PDQ information will be used to evaluate the responsibilities of the job and to determine FLSA classification, appropriate job title, and pay grade.

The PDQ form is available in two formats:

1. For employees to fill out electronically - PDQ (writable)
2. For employees to print and fill out by hand - PDQ (manual)

Information on completing the PDQ (PowerPoint slides)

If you have additional questions or need clarification on how to complete the PDQ, please contact the Classification desk at classification@fhda.edu or Chris White at whitechris@fhda.edu.

After completing the PDQ, please email to:

1. The supervisor and/or the administrator that signs/approves your timesheet AND;
2. Classification desk - classification@fhda.edu  AND;
3. Keep a copy for your records

The questionnaire must be completed and turned in to your appropriate supervisor and/or appropriate administrator no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2017.

Kick-Off Introductory Meeting Video

A series of introductory meetings were held at De Anza and Foothill to explain the process, answer questions and provide instructions for completing the Position Description Questionnaire (PDQ). If you were unable to attend a meeting or would like to review the recorded meeting, the archived information may be viewed below:

• Classification/Compensation Study PowerPoint presentation
• Classification/Compensation Study Introductory meeting (recorded)

Study Timeline (approximate - dates subject to change)

Classification Study - Joint Labor Management Classification Committee (JLMCC) Members: