Job classifications, was take this job...

[Fred Sturm]

Jeff,
	This job category description raises some very interesting questions. Is 
the job of a caut a "skilled trade" as defined? Is it a "profession," as 
many would argue? What is the difference? Does a "tradesman" work with 
hands, while a professional works with the mind? Well, but a surgeon, and 
musician, an artist, etc all work with hands. Is there another group of 
skills a caut would fit with better? Computer techs, for instance?
	Some caut positions are definitely "professional" - they have faculty 
status. In some, but not all cases, the caut does some teaching, and this 
certainly makes a difference. If we argue a caut is a "professional," does 
this mean that, in practical terms, a college degree should be required? 
Some job descriptions in advertisements for openings at least say they 
would look favorably on a candidate with a music degree - or experience in 
a music department in higher education.
	If, on the other hand, we are members of a "skilled trade," I would argue 
that it is a rather special case. I think the complexity and variety of 
skills involved surpasses that of most skilled trades.
	I don't have the answers here, but I think this is potentially a very 
fruitful topic of discussion. In our "supplemental material" to the 
Guidelines, we would want to include such things as job description, 
whether for employed or as qualifications for a contractor, and discussion 
along these lines would be very helpful in developing such materials.
	For now, I'm just about "outahere" - off to Dallas, then back very shortly 
before departing for a longer trip. I hope to see many of you in Dallas!
Regards,
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico

--On Tuesday, June 24, 2003 10:09 AM -0400 Jeff Tanner 
<jtanner@mozart.music.sc.edu> wrote:
>
> So, perhaps as an organization, we could work together to find things
> which might individual job classifications.  Would anybody like to take a
> stab at this one (below)?  Maybe I'm just not creative enough, but I've
> studied this time and time again, and it looks to me like the state has
> our job classification nailed, and it would be difficult to change.  But
> I'm inviting any of you who have creative minds and experience with this
> type of thing to offer suggestions.  I realize there are no requirements
> listed for any kind of "certification", and neither is any such
> certification listed in my individual job description, and maybe that is
> a place to start.  This is the highest "Trades Specialist" classification
> South Carolina currently has.
>
> Thanks,
> Jeff
>
> class code
>
> KC50
>
> STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
>
>
> Trades Specialist V
>
>
> General Nature of Work:
>
> Supervises skilled trades workers performing repairs, maintenance or
> construction; performs expert-level trades duties.
>
> Guidelines for Class Use/Distinguishing Characteristics:
>
> Incumbents supervise the largest repair, maintenance or construction
> activities.
>
> Examples of Work:
>
> (Note: The examples of work listed in this class specification are not
> necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of
> specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific
> duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the
> position. The intent of the listed examples is to give a general
> indication of the levels of difficulty and responsibility common to all
> positions in this class.)
>
> Plans, supervises and assigns work to trades crews engaged in general
> repair, maintenance or construction activities that involve one or more
> trades, such as carpentry, masonry, electricity, welding, heating, venting
> and air conditioning (HVAC), automotive repairs, plumbing and boiler
> operation.
> Screens, selects and provides on-the-job training for trades personnel.
> Makes recommendations on the repair, replacement and maintenance of
> buildings and equipment.
> Plans, organizes, schedules, monitors and evaluates trades activities.
> Assists in the compilation of data; prepares correspondence, reports,
> summaries and budgets.
> Maintains, rebuilds and tunes pianos.
> Performs high level trades skills in the maintenance and repair of
> military equipment.
>
> Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
>
> (Note: The knowledge, skills and abilities listed are not necessarily
> inclusive of the requirements for every position in the class.)
>
> Knowledge of safety practices relevant to the area of employment.
> Knowledge of tools, equipment, materials and supplies used in the
> designated trade.
> Knowledge of techniques, methods, requirements and practices used in the
> designated trade.
> Skill in the use of various trade tools and equipment.
> Skill in tuning requiring very sensitive aural discrimination.
> Skill in making emergency and general repairs and adjustments to equipment
> used in building and maintenance work.
> Ability to comprehend blueprints, plans and specifications.
> Ability to understand and follow instructions.
> Ability to plan, direct and evaluate the work of subordinates.
> Ability to communicate effectively.
>
> Necessary Special Requirement:
>
> Some positions require a commercial driver's license.Some positions
> require EPA-approved freon recovery certification.
>
> Minimum Requirements:
>
> (Note: Additional requirements may be applicable for individual positions
> in the employing agency.)
>
> A high school diploma and trade experience that is directly related to the
> area of employment.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> caut list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives