University of Colorado at Boulder
Position Description Questionnaire (PDQ)
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Employee participation in completing this document is encouraged; however, the appointing authority and
supervisor are accountable for establishing the work assignment and ensuring the accuracy of this
information.
Fill out this questionnaire in language that would be clear to someone completely unfamiliar with the job.
If this position’s work assignment significantly changes the work assignments of other positions in your
department, the other positions’ PDQs should also be revised.
Position Number:
Current Class Title:
Requested Class Title (optional):
Working Title (optional):
Campus Department:
Work Unit:
Select One:
New Position
Vacant Position
Occupied Position
Select One:
Informal Review
Formal Review
Update Position File
Funding:
Fund 10
Fund 20
Fund 30
Other
*Check all that apply
Attach a current organizational chart which includes class titles, position numbers and FTE of:
 position
 first level supervisor(s)
 second level supervisor(s)
 other positions reporting to the first level supervisor(s)
 subordinate positions
 student, seasonal and other positions which are part of the regular/permanent staffing pattern
Exclude temporary positions and independent contractors.
I. General Information
A. Briefly describe the purpose of the work unit.
B. Describe any staffing or organizational changes related to this position.
C. Briefly summarize the purpose of this position.
D. Summarize specific duties added to this position and where the duties came from. If the duties came
from other positions, please include position numbers.
E. Summarize specific duties deleted from this position and where the duties went. If the duties went to
other positions, please include position numbers.
F. If you requested a class title for this position, why did you choose that title?
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II. Job Description
Document current, permanent, primary job duties and the percent of time the position performs each duty. The total
of all duties must equal 100%. For each duty, provide a general overview at the top of each section, and then
describe the duty’s specific components below.
A. Duty:
Brief Description:
%
Provide specific examples of regular, on-going decisions made by this position related to this duty.
In performing this duty, provide examples of typical problems or challenges encountered by this
position, and the guidance used to resolve the problem.
B. Duty:
Brief Description:
%
Provide specific examples of regular, on-going decisions made by this position related to this duty.
In performing this duty, provide examples of typical problems or challenges encountered by this
position, and the guidance used to resolve the problem.
C. Duty:
Brief Description:
%
Provide specific examples of regular, on-going decisions made by this position related to this duty.
In performing this duty, provide examples of typical problems or challenges encountered by this
position, and the guidance used to resolve the problem.
D. Duty:
Brief Description:
%
Provide specific examples of regular, on-going decisions made by this position related to this duty.
In performing this duty, provide examples of typical problems or challenges encountered by this
position, and the guidance used to resolve the problem.
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E. Duty:
Brief Description:
%
Provide specific examples of regular, on-going decisions made by this position related to this duty.
In performing this duty, provide examples of typical problems or challenges encountered by this
position, and the guidance used to resolve the problem.
F. Duty:
Brief Description:
%
Provide specific examples of regular, on-going decisions made by this position related to this duty.
In performing this duty, provide examples of typical problems or challenges encountered by this
position, and the guidance used to resolve the problem.
G. Duty:
Brief Description:
%
Provide specific examples of regular, on-going decisions made by this position related to this duty.
In performing this duty, provide examples of typical problems or challenges encountered by this
position, and the guidance used to resolve the problem.
H. Duty:
Brief Description:
%
Provide specific examples of regular, on-going decisions made by this position related to this duty.
In performing this duty, provide examples of typical problems or challenges encountered by this
position, and the guidance used to resolve the problem.
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III. Line/Staff Authority
Check the category that best describes the position’s formal, direct supervisory responsibility and/or staff
authority status. Please note: the calculation of 1 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) = 2080 hours/year or 40 hours/week
for 52 weeks.
No formal supervisory authority
Work leader: Partially accountable for work product of others. May provide input on performance planning and
evaluations but does not have signature authority. #FTE:
Position #s:
Supervisor: Accountable, and has signature authority, for actions and decisions impacting the pay, status, and
tenure of others, including performance planning and evaluations. #FTE:
Position #s:
2nd Level Supervisor: Supervises multiple units.
#FTE of subordinate supervisors:
Position #s:
Total #FTE in unit:
3rd Level Supervisor: Supervises multiple units, including 2nd level supervisors.
#FTE of subordinate 2nd level supervisors:
Position #s:
Total #FTE in units:
Staff Authority: Directly influences campus-wide management decisions in programmatic area of expertise.
Staff authorities have a specialized level of expertise for the program that does not exist in any other functional unit,
program, or assignment. Management and peers campus-wide regularly rely on the staff authority when
considering program direction.
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A letter of support from the position's appointing authority, Vice Chancellor, or other campus department
administrator must be attached to the PDQ form to document this position's role as a campus-wide staff
authority (except information technology positions working in a campus or system level IT department).
Why does this position qualify as a staff authority?
Senior Authority: Directly influences management decisions in agencies throughout the state.

A letter of support from the position's appointing authority, Vice Chancellor, or outside entity must be attached
to the PDQ form to document this position's role as a senior authority with statewide influence.
Why does this position qualify as a senior authority?
IV. Purpose of Contact
This position has on-going communication with others outside the supervisory chain to: (Check all that apply)
Exchange or collect information.
Detect, discover, or expose information, problems, violations or failures by interviewing or investigating.
Advise, counsel or guide to solve problems or complaints and influence or correct actions and
behaviors.
Clarify underlying rationale, intent, motive by educating on unfamiliar concepts and theories or marketing
a product or service.
Secure regulatory compliance by issuing/revoking licenses and persuading/training to correct problems
where a formal law applies.
Physically restrain and arrest citizens as a law enforcement officer.
Defend, argue, or justify the campus’s position as an official representative in formal hearings or court.
Authorize medical treatment protocols followed by others in caring for patients.
Negotiate as an official representative of one party to obtain support or cooperation where there is no
formal rule or law to fall back on in requiring an action or change from the other party.
Arbitrate, resolve differences and authorize action that directly determines the campus’s mission.
Please provide additional details, if necessary.
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Section V. Essential Functions
Essential Functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without
reasonable accommodation. For the purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act, please select the
functional attributes below which are essential to this position and indicate the duty statements to which
they apply. Factors to consider in determining if a function is essential include: whether the reason the
position exists is to perform that function; the number of other employees available to perform the function
or among whom the performance of the function can be distributed; and the degree of expertise or skill
required to perform the function.
FUNCTIONAL ATTRIBUTES OF JOB DUTIES
I. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
SEDENTARY - Exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or
constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move
objects, including the human body. involves sitting
most of the time, but may involve walking or standing
for brief periods of time. Duty Statement(s):
LIGHT - Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally,
and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Physical demands are in excess of those of Sedentary
work. Light work usually requires walking or standing to
a significant degree. Duty Statement(s):
MEDIUM - Exert up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally,
and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10
lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Duty
Statement(s):
HEAVY - Exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally,
and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20
lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Duty
Statement(s):
VERY HEAVY - Exert in excess of 100 lbs. of force
occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 lbs. of force
frequently, and/or in excess of 20 lbs. of force
constantly to move objects. Duty Statement(s):
CLIMBING - Ascending or descending using feet
and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is
emphasized. Duty Statement(s):
BALANCING - Maintaining body equilibrium to
prevent falling on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving
surfaces; or maintaining body equilibrium when
performing feats of agility. Duty Statement(s):
STOOPING - Bending body downward and forward.
This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable
degree and requires full use of the lower extremities
and back muscles. Duty Statement(s):
KNEELING - Bending legs at knees to come to rest
on knee or knees. Duty Statement(s):
CROUCHING - Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine Duty Statement(s):
CRAWLING - Moving about on hands and knees or
hands and feet. Duty Statement(s):
REACHING - Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any
direction. Duty Statement(s):
HANDLING - Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or
otherwise working with hand or hands. Fingers are
involved only to the extent that they are an extension of
the hand. Duty Statement(s):
FINGERING - Picking, pinching, or otherwise
working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole
hand or arm as in handling. Duty Statement(s):
FEELING - Perceiving attributes of objects, such as
size, shape, temperature, or texture, by touching with
skin, particularly that of fingertips. Duty Statement(s):
TALKING - Expressing or exchanging ideas by
means of the spoken word. Talking is important for
those activities in which workers must impart oral
information to clients or to the public, and in those
activities in which they must convey detailed or
important spoken instructions to other workers
accurately, loudly, or quickly. Duty Statement(s):
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HEARING - perceiving the nature of sounds. Used
for those activities which require ability to receive
detailed information through oral communication, and to
make fine discriminations in sounds, such as when
making fine adjustments on running engines. Duty
Statement(s):
TASTING/SMELLING - Distinguishing, with a
degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in
intensity or quality of flavors and/or odors, or
recognizing particular flavors and/or odors, using
tongue and/or nose. Duty Statement(s):
NEAR ACUITY - Clarity of vision at 20 inches or
less. Use this factor when special and minute accuracy
is demanded. Duty Statement(s):
FAR ACUITY - Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more.
Use this factor when visual efficiency in terms of far
acuity is required in day and night/dark conditions. Duty
Statement(s):
DEPTH PERCEPTION - Three-dimensional vision.
Ability to judge distances and spatial relationships so as
to see objects where and as they actually are. Duty
Statement(s):
ACCOMMODATION - Adjustment of lens of eye to
bring an object into sharp focus. Use this factor when
requiring near point work at varying distances. Duty
Statement(s):
COLOR VISION - Ability to identify and distinguish
colors. Duty Statement(s):
FIELD OF VISION - Observing an area that can be
seen up and down or to right or left while eyes are fixed
on a given point. Use this factor when job performance
requires seeing a large area while keeping the eyes
fixed. Duty Statement(s):
CONTROL OF OTHERS - seizing, holding,
controlling, and/or otherwise subduing violent,
assaultive, or physically threatening persons to defend
oneself or prevent injury. Body strength and agility of all
four limbs is necessary. Duty Statement(s):
II. MENTAL FUNCTIONS
COMPARING - Judging the readily observable
functional, structural, or compositional characteristics
(whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards)
of data, people, or things. Duty Statement(s):
COPYING - Transcribing, entering, or posting data.
Duty Statement(s):
COMPUTING - Performing arithmetic operations and
reporting on and/or carrying out a prescribed action in
relation to them. Duty Statement(s):
COMPILING - Gathering, collating, or classifying
information about data, people, or things. Reporting
and/or carrying out a prescribed action in relation to the
evaluation is frequently involved. Duty Statement(s):
ANALYZING - Examining and evaluating data.
Presenting alternative actions in relation to the
evaluation is frequently involved. Duty Statement(s):
COORDINATING - Determining time, place, and
sequence of operations or action to be taken on the
basis of analysis of data. May include prioritizing
multiple responsibilities and/or accomplishing them
simultaneously. Duty Statement(s):
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SYNTHESIZING - To combine or integrate data to
discover facts and/or develop knowledge or creative
concepts and/or interpretations. Duty Statement(s):
NEGOTIATING - Exchanging ideas, information,
and opinions with others to formulate policies and
programs and/or jointly arrive at decisions, conclusions,
solutions, or solve disputes. Duty Statement(s):
COMMUNICATING - Talking with and/or listening to
and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information; includes giving/receiving assignments and/or
directions. Duty Statement(s):
INSTRUCTING - Teaching subject matter to others,
or training others through explanation, demonstration,
and supervised practice; or making recommendations
on the basis of technical disciplines. Duty
Statement(s):
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS/BEHAVIORS - Dealing
with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors in
a tactful, congenial, personal manner so as not to
alienate or antagonize them. Duty Statement(s):
III. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL
SURROUNDINGS - exposure results in marked bodily
discomfort.
EXPOSURE TO WEATHER - Exposure to hot, cold,
wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather.
Duty Statement(s):
EXTREME COLD - Exposure to non-weather-related
cold temperatures. Duty Statement(s):
EXTREME HEAT - Exposure to non-weather-related
hot temperatures. Duty Statement(s):
WET AND/OR HUMID - Contact with water or other
liquids; or exposure to non-weather-related humid
conditions. Duty Statement(s):
NOISE - Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds
or a pitch or level sufficient to cause marked distraction
or possible hearing loss. Duty Statement(s):
VIBRATION - Exposure to a shaking object or
surface. This factor is rated important when vibration
causes a strain on the body or extremities. Duty
Statement(s):
ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS - Exposure to
conditions such as fumes, noxious odors, dusts, mists,
gases, and poor ventilation, that affect the respiratory
system, eyes or, the skin. Duty Statement(s):
CONFINED/RESTRICTED WORKING ENVIRONMENT - Work is performed in a closed or locked
facility providing safety and security for clients, inmates,
or fellow workers. Duty Statement(s):
IV. HAZARDS
Proximity to moving, mechanical parts.
Duty Statement(s):
Exposure to electrical shock.
Duty Statement(s):
Working in high, exposed places.
Duty Statement(s):
Exposure to radiant energy.
Duty Statement(s):
Working with explosives.
Duty Statement(s):
Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
Duty Statement(s):
VI. Special Qualifications Request
Your input must be approved by Employment Services before any items in this section are accepted. Any
accepted special qualifications will be detailed on the decision notice which will be sent to the department.
All positions have established entry requirements for their class; however, some positions may
require special qualifications. A special qualification must be met from the first day on the job and
cannot be obtained through training during probation/trial service.
A.
Do you think this position requires a special qualification that differs from the established
minimum qualifications for other positions in the class?
Yes
No
B.
If yes, please describe the special qualification. Categories for qualifications include: JOB
RELATED FORMAL COURSES, LEGAL REQUIREMENTS, EXPERIENCES OR SKILLS, OR
UNUSUAL TRAVEL DEMANDS.
C.
Why can the special qualification NOT be obtained through training during the
probationary/trial service period (between six and twelve months)?
D.
Please describe any “highly desirable” qualities for this position.
desirable qualities may be added to the job announcement.
If approved, highly
Drug Free Workplace
For purposes of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Colorado State Employee Substance
Abuse Policy, is the position safety related? Safety-related positions are defined as those involving
safety and health, state security, or other responsibilities involving a high degree of trust and
confidence. Such positions may be subject to drug testing.
Yes
No
Additional Requirements
Pre-placement Physical - Describe any special physical requirements:
Colorado Driver’s License:
Regular
Commercial
List any endorsements required:
Essential Services – Designated by campus Provost or Vice Chancellor for positions required to report
without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety and welfare
of campus residents.
Background Check (Select all that apply):
Criminal - reason(s):
Patient Care
Child Care
Controlled Substances
Hazardous Materials
Master Keys
Financial/Credit - reason(s):
Cash Handling
Authority for large sums of money
Motor Vehicle - reason(s):
Requires valid driver’s license
Receives University vehicle
Shift Work — Explain:
On-call Hours — Explain:
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VII. Certification
As I am delegated accountability for the assignment, I understand that I am responsible for the accuracy of this
questionnaire. I certify that this document is an accurate and complete description of the position’s assignment.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor Name (Print)
Work Phone
____________________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor Signature
Date
I certify that I have read and understand the assignment documented in this questionnaire.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Employee Name (Print)
Work Phone
____________________________________________________________________________________
Employee Signature
Date
As I am legally accountable for the assignment, I understand that I am responsible for the accuracy of this
questionnaire. I certify that this document is an accurate and complete description of the position’s assignment .
____________________________________________________________________________________
Appointing Authority Name (Print)
Work Phone
____________________________________________________________________________________
Appointing Authority Signature
Date
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HUMAN RESOURCES USE ONLY
Date Received
Agency Code
GFB / GF0
Position Number _______
Optional interview was:
not conducted
conducted (Job Evaluation Interview attached)
Allocation was:
by individual
by panel review
Classification Decision:
____________________________________________________________________________________
Reviewer’s Signature
Title
Date
FLSA Status:
Non-exempt
Exempt – Criteria:
Executive
Teacher
Learned Professional
Academic Administrative
Creative Professional
Premium Pay:
Shift Differential:
1st Shift
On-call Pay:
No
Yes
Hazardous Duty Pay:
No
Yes
2nd Shift
Administrative
Computer Employee
3rd Shift
____________________________________________________________________________________
Reviewer’s Signature
Title
Date
Special Qualification Review:
Approved special qualifications for this position:
None
See Decision Notice
____________________________________________________________________________________
Reviewer’s Signature
Title
Date
Exemption Review:
____________________________________________________________________________________
Reviewer’s Signature
Title
Date
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