Job Descriptions

What Are Job Descriptions?

Job descriptions are important and, if done properly, are a valuable reference for understanding what work is performed in any given job at our organization.  

• A formal statement of purpose, responsibilities, and qualifications for a job
• A communication tool that tells employees the scope of their job – where their jobs leave off and another’s begins
• A place to combine several sources of information to show how a position fits within the department and the organization

How Are Job Descriptions used?

• Job descriptions are our initial source of information when we map jobs to pay grades.  The responsibility and requirement information is combined with information about the job’s discipline to determine the correct placement in pay grades.
• Compensation needs a clear and accurate definition of the job’s work to assist with the confirmation of pay equity and compare jobs to make sure we treat similar work fairly regarding pay.
• Job descriptions are used to create position requests and postings.  These are then used to source, recruit, select, and hire candidates. The better we are at getting the job description right, the clearer the requirements will be to identify and select the best fit between candidate and job.
• There are elements of job descriptions that are legally required to ensure compliance across the organization. Having these important documents makes it much easier to comply with audits and necessary reporting.

What do I need to know about Job Descriptions at Tulane?

• Upon hire Staff should receive a copy of their fully signed job description. 
• Staff can request a copy from their immediate supervisor if needed. 
• A job description must be signed by both employee and supervisor.
• Supervisors are to submit a fully signed job description to Human Resources Employee Records for their official employee file as required by university policy. 

Job Descriptions Tools

The following tools are available to assist managers in preparing or revising job descriptions. You may contact the HR - Compensation Department or Office of Human Resources at (504) 865-4748 (HR4U) with additional questions.  

Job Description Template

Equivalencies Implementation

Position Request App

Tip: Use Chrome or Firefox when accessing the Position Request App; the app is incompatible with Internet Explorer.