Wittenberg University
Position Information Questionnaire
Prepared by:
Department of Human Resources
Revised
August, 1999
POSITION INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
The purpose of this questionnaire is to help define and classify new positions and to reclassify current positions as responsibilities
significantly change. The classification committee, which is appointed by the university President, will review the PIQ to assess the
position’s responsibilities in relation to all other university positions. Your input into this process is important and serves as a baseline
for this assessment. Your supervisor may attend the classification team meeting to explain the position requirements in more detail.
Because the PIQ information is open to some level of interpretation and because most individuals completing the form do not have the
benefit of knowing the full responsibilities of other staff positions, the classification committee often changes some of the proposed
rankings.
The purposes of the classification system are three-fold:
1. To provide equitable pay guidelines which consider both internal and external factors
2. To define essential job functions and selection criteria
3. To communicate promotional opportunities
The system does not measure performance nor does it measure the value or contribution of the person.
The PIQ also serves as the job description. The answers to this questionnaire provide a general understanding of the nature, purpose
and extent of tasks performed, establish chains of command, and distinguish classification of jobs from one another for compensation
and pay purposes.
In addition, for purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disabilities discrimination laws, the PIQ is designed
to determine the essential functions of each job and other characteristics of the job that might affect the ability of a person with a
disability to perform it. From this analysis, the university can make a determination of job requirements that are job-related and
consistent with business necessity, as required by the ADA. Without such an analysis, employers cannot effectively determine
whether a person with a disability can perform the essential functions of the job nor can they identify a person’s accommodation
obligations.
Wittenberg University
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POSITION INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
General Information
Position Title:
Incumbent:
Department:
Supervisor=s Name:
Position Status (Admin., Hrly, Plant, Sec.):
Supervisor=s Title:
Scheduled Hours per Week/per Year:
Date Completed:
For Human Resources Use Only
Position Code:
Department Code:
Record Number:

Be sure to answer every question and include your name and signature.

Only your supervisor, members of the classification committee, and Human Resources Department will have direct access to your
completed questionnaire.

If there is something you don=t understand, please discuss it with your supervisor or the Director of Human Resources & Quality
Management.

When you have completed your questionnaire and it has been reviewed by your supervisor, please return it to the Human
Resources Department.
When responding to the questions:
Wittenberg University
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POSITION INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
Current
!
Describe your position as it currently exists, not as it was in the past or may be in the future.
Typical
!
Describe your position as it is typically conducted over an extended period of time (such as a
year); do not describe just a particular dimension of the position or a temporary assignment.
Accurate
!
Avoid understating or overstating your position=s requirements. It may be helpful to think
about the responses as though you were explaining the position to new staff.
Others Assessment
!
Consider how your supervisor and subordinates would probably answer. Make sure your
answer is appropriate, given where you think they will answer.
This is not a test
!
Consider how the position would normally be performed by the typical staff. Feel free to
discuss responses with others in your position. The questionnaire is not a test of performance
or competence.
Questionnaire Contents
The questionnaire is composed of the sections listed below:
I.
Position Summary: A brief description of your position.
II.
Principle Position Duties: The major position tasks and their critical levels.
III.
Organizational Level: Where your position fits within Wittenberg=s organizational structure.
IV.
Position Evaluation Factors: Position content descriptions
V.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort: Deals with your work environment and the physical intensity of your work.
VI.
Comments: Any thoughts on the questionnaire, the process or areas of your position which were not covered in the
questionnaire.
Wittenberg University
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POSITION INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
Position Summary
In a few sentences, briefly describe the primary function and purpose of your position. An example is provided in the shaded box
below.
My job is Accounts Payable Coordinator. My primary function is to establish and maintain accurate records of
Wittenberg=s accounts payable, to record payments in the general ledger, track encumbrances by department, and to assign
disbursements to the appropriate cost center.
Use this space to describe your position.
Comparable Jobs
Please give examples of the jobs (not individuals) within Wittenberg that you consider to be most comparable to your position in terms
of required knowledge, skills and responsibilities.
Comparable Position Titles:
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
Most Important Position Responsibilities/Duties
List up to ten major position tasks, starting with the most important, for which you are responsible. Use statements that start
with action verbs such as type, compose, maintain, direct, develop, analyze, plan, coordinate etc. For example, a typical responsibility
statement for a Programmer/Analyst would be: ADevelop detailed design specifications for data processing systems.@ A Staff
Assistant may respond: APrepare correspondence for review, edit and signature.@
Percentage of Time
Care should be taken to identify both tasks typically performed on an average workday or during an average workweek and those tasks
that are not routine, or are performed only once a month, once a quarter, or less often. Estimate the percentage of time you spend in a
typical year performing the task. The following chart will assist you in estimating time percentages on either daily, weekly, monthly or
annual basis. For example, if you spend nine (9) hours per month on a particular task this equates to five (5) percent of your time.
Percentage
Day
Week
Month
Year
5%
24 minutes
2 hours
9 hours
2 weeks
10%
1 hour
4 hours
2 days
5 weeks
15%
1-1/4 hours
6 hours
3 days
2 months
40%
3 hours
2 days
9 days
5 months
Time spent for any responsibility should account for at least 5% of your time, unless it is a critical part of the position (e.g., negotiating a contractual
agreement every three years). If the time spent for any one responsibility exceeds 25%, consider splitting the task statement into two or more
statements. The total of all percentages should account for at least 80% to 90% of your position=s time and should not exceed 100%.
Essential Functions
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
In the last column, for each task, identify how essential the task is to the position. Use the following guidelines to help you determine
how essential the function is to the position.
1.
The position exists to perform the function.
2.
There are a limited number of other staff members available to perform the function, or among
whom the function can be distributed.
3.
A function is highly specialized, and the person in the position is hired for special expertise
or ability to perform it.
4.
Sometimes a function that is performed infrequently may be essential because there will be
serious consequences if it is not performed.
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
Essential Function Ratings: Essential Function (1)
Important Responsibility but not essential to the position (2)
Most Important Position Responsibilities/Duties
Example: Total accounts, check math and prepare reports, as required.
% of
Time
20%
Not Sure (3)
How
Essential
1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
100%
Identify any of the above listed tasks which were added in the last year:
List the numbers ( 1 through 10) of the new tasks:
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
Please describe your position=s relationship to the overall organization by completing the following chart.
Your Supervisor=s Title:
Other jobs reporting directly to your supervisor
Title(s)
How Many
Your Position:
Jobs reporting directly to you
Title(s)
Wittenberg University
How Many
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
Position Factors
This section of the questionnaire covers the eight position factors the University uses in determining a position’s
classification. These factors do not include every position factor that may be important to your particular position.
Rather, they are the common and essential elements identified by the University to determine internal equity.
The position factors include:
1.
Formal Education
2.
Work Experience
3.
Technical Knowledge
4.
Complexity
5.
Authority to Act
6.
Impact of Actions
7.
Communication with Others
8.
Supervision of Others
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
1.
FORMAL EDUCATION
This factor identifies the minimum educational requirements to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily.
Knowledge may have been acquired through a formal diploma/degree program, training or a combination of both.
Note, the factors of education and experience should be evaluated independently. However, it is recognized that when recruiting
staff, these factors may be used interchangeably (e.g., a candidate may qualify for employment by supplementing a lack of formal
education with significant position-related experience).
This is the education level required for the position, not necessarily your own level of education. Please check only one response.
 1.
Basic ability to read, write, and follow verbal instructions. Skill necessary to operate equipment such as photocopier or
motor vehicle. (Example: High School Diploma or GED preferred)
 2.
Ability to read, write, perform basic arithmetic, and follow verbal and written instructions. Basic knowledge of
grammar, spelling, and punctuation normally acquired through a high school education. May require limited training or
knowledge in some specialized area such as typing, record keeping, or minor equipment repair. (Example: High School
Diploma or GED required)
 3.
Specialized training in basic principles or techniques in a specific area, such as technical procedures, painting, general
repair, or bookkeeping. Training typically acquired through twelve to eighteen months of education or training beyond the high
school level. (Example: Vocational or technical school required)
 4.
Ability or knowledge in a specialty or technical field such as carpentry, plumbing, complex technical procedures, or office
management. Education equivalent to an associate degree or completion of a technical specialty program of eighteen months
to three years duration (Example: Associate Degree or Two Year College equivalent required)

 5.
Ability and knowledge beyond the Associate level attained through a specific educational program and/or training in a
specialty field. Equivalent to a degree at the diploma or three-year level. (Example: Associate=s Degree Plus or Three Year
Formal Training)
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
 6.
Knowledge of specialized principles or techniques equivalent to that which would normally be obtained through a
formal four-year college/university academic program or an in-depth specialized training program directly related to the type
of work being performed. (Example: Bachelor=s Degree (4-5 years) required)
 7.
Broad or in-depth body of knowledge equivalent to that which would be acquired through formal advanced postgraduate education or training in a recognized field of specialization directly related to the type of work being performed.
(Example: Master=s Degree or more required)
 8.
Singular Knowledge of a highly advanced professional discipline - (Example: a doctorate degree or Ph.D.)
Please describe your own education level:
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
2.
WORK EXPERIENCE
This factor evaluates the time usually required for a person with the necessary educational background to develop the required skills
and abilities to do a specific position under normal levels of supervision.
Note, the factors of education and experience should be evaluated independently. However, it is recognized that when recruiting staff,
these factors may be used interchangeable (e.g., a candidate may qualify for employment by supplementing a lack of formal education
with significant position-related experience).
Check the minimum amount of time new staff would have to work in your position in order to experience the full variety of
challenges and opportunities that may arise in the position. Take into account seasonal factors as well as recurring but long duration
events such as audits, reviews, construction, etc.

1.
3 months to 1 year

5.
7 years to 10 years

2.
1 year to 3 years

6.
10 years to 15 years

3.
3 years to 5 years

7.
Over 15 years

4.
5 years to 7 years
How many years of prior related work experience did you have when you were placed in your
current position?
!
Number of years with Wittenberg
!
Number of years related work prior to joining Wittenberg
Wittenberg University
years
years
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
3.
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
While your position may require skills of more than one of the levels below, check the one box of the level which most closely
matches the knowledge and skill required for you to do your position. Keep in mind that your position may not require all of the skills
listed for a given level.
 1.
Basic Skills: Able to understand and use simple math and follow basic written or verbal instructions with a number of steps.
Able to use simple hand tools or office machines.
 2.
Intermediate: Has knowledge of office or operational procedures. Performs basic typing/word-processing, bookkeeping,
checking of records and posting of information to a database/spreadsheet, following written or verbal instructions. Sets up and
operates various types of operational equipment or standard office machines.
 3.
Advanced Skills: Able to read reference materials, obtain information and/or perform intermediate mathematics. Prepares
letters and/or reports, following policies and procedures. Performs typing, word-processing, bookkeeping, checking of records
and posting of information to a database/spreadsheet. Able to operate various standard office machines (photocopiers,
typewriters, terminals, etc.).
 4.
Formal Technical Skills: Requires extensive knowledge of a distinct trade or technical function. Knows policies and
procedures, and can recommend a course of action based upon these guidelines, modifying existing methods, procedures or
forms as necessary. May work with software applications and retrieval and manipulation of data such as developing
spreadsheets.
 5.
Entry Professional Skills: Requires entry-level knowledge of theories and practices of a professional field (e.g., theology, law,
education, accounting, etc.). This level of skill is typically reserved for an individual with a four-year degree or with high-level
vocational skills demonstrated by a number of years of on-the-position experience (i.e., management). Writes reports using
technical data requiring considerable interpretation, developing new methods and procedures. Frequently applies
knowledge to practical issues.

Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
 6.
Advanced Professional Skills: The professional theory and practice of the level above, but applied at the advanced level of a
Aseasoned@ professional. Requires extensive knowledge of their professional discipline and a working knowledge of related
fields. Understands information in several unrelated professional disciplines.
 7.
Multiple Professional Skills: Requires extensive knowledge in several professional disciplines and is able to integrate
information from many diverse areas. Requires extensive theoretical and practical knowledge to manage a major segment of
the University. Acts in a consultative capacity using broadly recognized expertise.
 8.
Specialized Technical Knowledge: Requires singular knowledge of a specialized advanced professional discipline and is able
to integrate information from many diverse areas to formulate a cohesive strategic plan. Requires highest level of
organizational and/or business knowledge.
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
4.
COMPLEXITY
This factor identifies the overall complexity of your position=s responsibilities. Complexity is measured in terms of:
!
reliance on policies and procedures;
!
the nature of the tasks performed;
!
the level of analytic ability required.
Please check the one box which most closely describes the complexity required of your position.

 1.
Standardized: Work consists of a few repetitive duties. Tasks are restricted in scope and clearly-prescribed; standard
procedures guide all work.
 2.
Routine: Work consists of routine tasks, processes, or operations. The incumbent selects and applies several clearlyprescribed, standard policies and procedures.
 3.
Basic: Work consists of moderately complex procedures and tasks where basic analytic ability is required. Work may involve
the comparison of numbers, selection of appropriate guidelines and procedures, or identification of appropriate actions to
follow.
 4.
Varied: Work is complex and varied and requires the selection and application of technical and detailed guidelines. Analytic
ability is needed to gather and interpret data where results or answers can be found after analysis of several facts.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
 5.
Substantial: Analytic ability and inductive thinking are required to interpret and act upon procedures and policies. Work
requires the application of a substantial variety of procedures, policies, and/or precedents used in combination. The
application of multiple, technical activities is frequently employed thus the ability to reason from a particular instance to a
general conclusion is necessary.
 6.
Analytic: Work is basically non-standardized and widely varied, involving complex and significant variables. Analytic
ability and inductive thinking are required to devise new methods in situations where previously accepted methods have
proven inadequate.
 7.
Highly Complex: Work is broad in scope covering one or more complicated areas. Policy, procedure, or precedent are
typically created by this position. A high degree of analytic ability and inductive thinking are required to devise new
approaches to highly intricate, technically complex problems.
 8.
Multifaceted: Work is broad in scope covering virtually the entire University=s operation. Policy, procedure, and
precedent are created and/or approved by this position.
Identify at least two of the most complex type of problems you solve in the course of your position:
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
5.
AUTHORITY TO ACT
Independence of actions is measured in terms of:
!
the opportunity for independent action;
!
the level of direction and supervision received.
Please check the box which most closely describes the complexity of your position.
 1.
Standardized: Little, if any, independent judgment or decision-making is required.
 2.
Routine: Work may occasionally involve non-standard assignments; however, the method of performance is normally
prescribed in detail by the immediate supervisor. There is limited opportunity for independent judgment.
 3.
Basic: Work involves non-standard assignments that require independent judgment to select and apply the most appropriate of
available procedures. Ongoing supervision is provided on an Aas needed@ basis. Supervisor approval and/or consultation is
required for all decisions that are not clearly defined by available procedures and policies.
 4.
Varied: Supervision is present to establish detailed objectives, outline the desired end product, and identify resources for
assistance. Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate of available guidelines and
procedures as well as interpret precedents.
 5.
Substantial: Supervision is present to establish general objectives relative to a specific project or projects and to identify
potential resources for assistance. Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate of
available guidelines and procedures, interpret precedents, and adopt standard methods or practices to meet variations in
facts and/or conditions.
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)

 6.
Analytic: Supervision is present to establish and review broad objectives relative to basic position or departmental
responsibilities. Independent judgment is required to study previously established, often partially relevant guidelines; plan for
various interrelated activities; and coordinate such activities within a work unit or while completing a project.
 7.
Highly Complex: Supervision is present to review established departmental objectives. Independent judgment is required to
recommend departmental objectives, evaluate new approaches to problem solving, and assess changing facts or conditions.
 8.
Multifaceted: Supervision is present on a limited time basis to review established objectives. Independent judgment is
required to review and approve major recommendations, establish procedures, and coordinate technical and administrative
recommendations with Wittenberg-wide policies.
Give an example of the kind of decision you make without consulting with your supervisor:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Give an example of the kind of decision in your position that requires consultation with or approval from your supervisor:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
6.
IMPACT OF ACTIONS
This factor identifies the impact of your position on the functions of Wittenberg. The factor considers the impact decisions have on the fiscal or
major administrative matters of Wittenberg, or the importance of the work on the operations, activities and future of Wittenberg, its departments or
services. Please check the box which most closely describes the impact of your actions.
 1.
The impact of actions are normally limited to the position. The position typically makes routine decisions that have a minimal
impact on significant University operations.
 2.
The position makes decisions that are short-range in nature where the impact of actions normally affect only the position=s
department.
 3.
There is moderate responsibility for making recommendations or decisions which typically affect the department, but may at
times affect the operations, services, individuals, or activities of others outside the department.
 4.
Although the work, product or services of this position may be used University-wide, the impact of actions is normally
limited to the department. The position may have some responsibility for making final recommendations which affect an
entire department=s activities. These recommendations typically deal with matters of a short-range nature.
 5.
There is substantial responsibility for making important decisions and final recommendations which typically affect an entire
department=s activities.
 6.
There is major responsibility for making decisions and final recommendations which routinely affect the activities of more
than one major work unit. Position duties may include responsibility for developing strategic plans for one or more work
units.
 7.
The work involves leadership which routinely affects major units of Wittenberg in a demonstrable way.
 8.
The position has primary responsibility for long-range future of Wittenberg. Affects operations beyond the scope of
Wittenberg, i.e., into the local jurisdiction.
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
7.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH OTHERS
This factor identifies the responsibility for working with or through other persons to obtain results. In measuring this factor, consider: why the
contact is necessary, the importance and frequency of the contact(s), the amount of tact and persuasion typically required and whether your
position must handle confidential information. Contacts which are not work-related should not be considered.
a.
Internal Contacts – Extent
Check the one box below which best describes the extent to which your position requires contact with other departments, the student body, or other
staff within Wittenberg. Consider the importance of such contacts.
 1.
Little or no contact required except with immediate associates and own supervisor.
 2.
Requires regular contact within the department and periodic contacts with other departments, supplying or seeking
information on non-specialized matters.
 3.
Requires regular contact within the department and periodic contacts with other departments, supplying or seeking information
on specialized matters.
 4.
Requires regular contacts to carry out programs and to explain specialized matters, or occasional contacts with officials at
higher levels on matters requiring cooperation, explanation and persuasion.
 5.
Requires regular contacts with internal persons of importance and influence involving considerable tact, discretion and
persuasion in obtaining desired actions and/or the handling of difficult personal relationships.
 6.
Requires continuing contacts involving difficult negotiations calling for well-developed sense of timing and strategy and
detailed explanation and interpretation of policies, rules and regulations and/or the handling of very difficult personal
relationships.
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
b.
EXTERNAL CONTACTS - EXTENT
Check the one box below which best describes the extent to which your position requires contact with individuals outside of
Wittenberg, such as suppliers, the general public or other organizations. Consider the importance of such contacts.
 1.
External communication with others is minimal. Requires ordinary tact and courtesy.
 2.
Requires regular contact with outside agencies and the general public, supplying or seeking information on non-specialized
matters.
 3.
Requires regular contact with outside agencies and the general public, supplying or seeking information on specialized matters.
 4.
Requires regular external contacts to carry out organization programs and to explain specialized matters, or work requiring
continuing personal contact with the public involving the enforcement of laws, ordinances, policies and procedures.
 5.
Requires regular contacts with external persons of importance and influence involving considerable tact, discretion and
persuasion in obtaining desired actions and/or the handling of difficult personal relationships.
 6.
Requires continuing external contacts involving difficult negotiations calling for well-developed sense of timing and
strategy and detailed explanation and interpretation of policies, rules and regulations and/or the handling of very difficult
personal relationships.
Please identify at least two of the contacts that your position has with individuals outside of Wittenberg (list the contact and the nature of the
contact)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
8.
SUPERVISION OF OTHERS
This factor identifies the responsibility for directing others. Tasks involved include:
!
selecting staff,
!
structuring and assigning work,
!
guiding and advising staff, and
!
evaluating and disciplining staff.
Note: Only the formal assignment of responsibility for directing others should be considered. Informal working relationships or
temporary assignments should not be considered for the following questions.
a.
Level of Supervisory Responsibility
Please check the statement which most closely represents your position.
 1.
Involves no responsibility or authority for the direction of others.
 2.
Has responsibility or authority which is limited to the direction of student work.
 3.
Responsible for orienting and training others, and assigning and reviewing their work. May also be responsible for acting
in a Alead@ or Asenior@ capacity over other positions performing essentially the same work, or related technical tasks and
reporting to a higher level on a formal basis.





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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)

 4.
Responsible for providing limited supervision for one or more functions within a department. Formally plans, assigns,
directs, and coordinates the work of these functions. Typically responsible for performing some non-supervisory duties in
addition to supervisory responsibilities. May perform staff evaluations and make recommendations regarding pay and/or
performance.
 5.
The position is responsible for making recommendations within a work unit in the areas of compensation, staff selection,
disciplinary action, complaints, staff performance appraisal, and similar supervisory duties. Plans, assigns, and evaluates the
work of subordinates while performing limited technical work not related to supervision.
 6.
The position is responsible for directing a single department, with full responsibility for effective operation and results of this
functional unit.
 7.
The position is responsible for supervising multiple functions, with full responsibility for effective operation and results of
those departments.
 8.
Has overall responsibility for providing direction and guidance for Wittenberg.
Please indicate the number of direct reports that you have (if you don=t have any direct reports, please check none):
! Number of direct reports:
! Number of student reports:
Wittenberg University
(# staff)
! Number of indirect reports:
! None:
(# staff)
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
b.
Nature of Work Supervised
These questions address the nature or type of work supervised by your position. Please check the statement which most closely
represents your position.
 1.
Nature of work supervised is limited to highly standardized, routine administrative duties.
 2.
Nature of work supervised is primarily technically oriented or complex.
 3.
Nature of work supervised is primarily technically oriented or complex, includes additional administrative responsibilities,
and requires working knowledge of unit or departmental activities.
 4.
Nature of work supervised requires training and experience, a thorough knowledge of departmental or divisional activities,
and an understanding of work conducted in other departments or divisions of Wittenberg.
 5.
Nature of work supervised requires extensive training and experience, the ability to integrate diverse divisions of Wittenberg
and provide overall leadership for the institution.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Identifying the characteristics that affect the worker or the way a job is performed is important for all workers, but may be particularly
important for workers with disabilities whose ability to function effectively may be affected by what is going on around them as much
as by the work itself. In this connection, it is important to identify both environmental factors and other unusual job conditions.
In this section of the questionnaire, you will provide information about: (a) the conditions under which you work, and (b) the physical
effort required to do your position. The degree of detail used in the questionnaire will also help us respond to the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
Note: It is important in these questions that you respond based on what is necessary to do your position under
typical conditions.
Wittenberg University
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POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
A.
Working Conditions
Check the first box on the left if an item is not required. Otherwise, check box 2, 3, or 4 as defined in the scale below to indicate how
often the activity is required. You should check one box for each item in the list.
How Often: (check the appropriate box)
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
= Up to 20% of the time
= From 21% to 50% of the time
= At least 51% of the time
None Occas Freq
Const




Exposure to weather, meaning outdoor conditions that may vary from hot to cold, rain,
snow, etc.;




Exposure to extreme cold or heat, meaning exposure to cold or hot temperatures that are not
related to the weather;




Handling or working with potentially dangerous equipment.




Atmospheric conditions, meaning exposure to fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases,
poor ventilation that affect the respiratory system, eyes, or skin;




Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals;




Exposure to possible electrical shock;




Working in high, exposed places where the worker could be exposed to injury from falling;
Wittenberg University
Page 25
POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
None Occas Freq


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
Const

Working mandatory overtime.



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Dealing with highly confidential information.

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Traveling, excluding overnight stays.

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Traveling, including overnight stays.






Working under tight time constraints or with business activities of a seasonal/cyclical nature.


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Working with dissatisfied or angry customers.
Wittenberg University
Page 26
POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
B.
Physical Effort
Check the first box on the left if an item is not required. Otherwise, check box 2,3, or 4 as defined in the scale below to indicate how
often the physical activity is required. For the first four questions, you are also asked to indicate the maximum weight involved in the
physical action. You should check one box for each them in the list.
How Often: (check the appropriate box)
Occasionally
= Up to 20% of the time
Frequently
= From 21% to 50% of the time
Constantly
= At least 51% of the time
How Heavy: (enter number 1 to 5)
1 = 10 lbs. or less
4 = 80 lbs. or less
2 = 30 lbs. or less
5 = Over 80 lbs.
3 = 50 lbs. or less
None Occas Freq
Const
Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, Pulling




Lifting objects from one level to another.


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Carrying objects in your hands, arms or on your shoulders

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Pushing an object so that it moves away from or stays in front of you.





Pulling an object so that it moves toward you.

None Occas Freq
Const
Standing, Walking, Sitting




Standing on your feet without moving about.




Walking about on foot.




Sitting in a normal seated position.
Wittenberg University
Page 27
POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
B.
Physical Effort (continued)
None Occas Freq
Const
Climbing, and/or Balancing




Climbing such as ascending or descending stairs, ramps, ladders and the like.




Balancing to prevent falling or erratic movement.
None Occas Freq
Const
Stooping/Crouching, Kneeling and/or Crawling


Stooping or crouching by bending your legs and spine or by bending downward or forward at
your waist.
None Occas Freq
Const
Reaching, Handling, Finger Dexterity and/or Feeling




Reaching by extending your hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.




Handling by seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with hand or hands, but
without finger dexterity.



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Finger Dexterity required to manipulate objects with your fingers rather than with your whole
hand(s) or arm(s); using a key board, for example.




Feeling to perceive an object=s size, shape, temperature or texture by means of senses in your
skin.


Wittenberg University
Page 28
POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
B.
Physical Effort (continued)
None Occas Freq
Const
Talking and/or Hearing




Talk to express or exchange ideas through the spoken word.




Hearing to perceive the nature of sounds by the ear.
None Occas Freq
Const
Seeing




Far vision to see objects clearly beyond 20 feet.




Near vision to see objects clearly within 20 inches.

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
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Depth perception to judge distances and accurately see relationships between objects.

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Field of vision to see an area up and down or right and left while eyes are fixed on one point.




Sharp focus to adjust vision when doing close work that changes in distance from your eyes.




Color vision to identify and distinguish colors.
Optional Comments:
Wittenberg University
Page 29
POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
Staff Comments
Describe any aspects of your position that you feel the questionnaire has not covered.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wittenberg University
Page 30
POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE (PIQ)
Supervisory Review
Note: Supervisors reviewing a questionnaire should not change an incumbent=s response without the agreement of the
incumbent.
!
Indicate if you agree with the list of Principle Position Duties as stated by the staff. If you disagree, explain why.
!
Indicate if you agree or disagree with the responses to the Position Evaluation Factors as stated by the staff. If you disagree,
explain why.
!
Denote additions or modifications to the staff=s responses to the statements relating to Working Conditions/Physical Effort and
any other section completed by the staff.
!
Additional Comments:
Supervisor=s Name (please print):
Supervisor=s Signature:*
*Indicates agreement with this completed questionnaire.
RETURN TO HUMAN RESOURCES
Wittenberg University
Page 31