Job Title Contest

ray a

My employer is an electronics manufacturer with a combination of low and high complexity product. And we are in the process of upgrading job descriptions for mfg. and want to distinguish between the high and low complexity skills. Initially, we called them A level for high complexity and B level for low complexity. Within those two basic categories, are jr associate, associate, and sr. assoc. Moving from the B level to the A level is a promotion with a corresponding higher wage scale.

The problem is giving a name to these two categories that helps define them but isn't insulting to the ee's. Calling it low complexity or B level makes it sound like they are second class citizens.

Any ideas of names we could use? Anyone else have a similar setup?

The winner of the accepted titles, gets a prize.

Susan in La

In our agency we have "master" and "regular" jobs. For example, a Master Carpenter does finish work, while a regular Carpenter does framing, and rougher type of work. If we need a cabinet built, the Master Carpenter does it, if we need framing for a new door or wall, the regular carpenter does the work. Maybe you could distinguish the more complex work with a "master" designation, while the less complex doesn't have a modifyer? That might be less offensive.

NaeNae55

I like Susan's response. Even if you choose to use another term other than 'Master' you can make the difference by leaving one without a special designation and applying the special designation to the higher complexity position.

I vote for Master.

Nae

ritaanz

We also have jobs that are different levels of compexity. For the machine shop, it would be CNC Machinist I, or II or III etc. In Engineering there is Mechanical Engineer I, or II or III etc. In addition, we have Technician and Senior Technician in our Component Assembly areas.

Our employees can see the levels of growth available to them if they are interested in advancing

joannie

We use Class A, B & C. I think that or level I, II, or III would certainly be less offensive to an employee than a Master classification. That could be construed to imply the non-masters are servants or slaves. And yes, I realize that is a traditional designation in the trades, but it could still be offensive to some.

NaeNae55

Joannie makes a good point. If most of your 'master' employees are white and the non-master are African-American, you could really be opening up a can of worms. I am white, but if I was African-American the 'master' term would bother me. Actually, by just being a woman I find it bothers me.

Pick another term. I still believe you can get away from the level A and level B business. The term should apply and make the position clear. A and B muddy the waters.

Dutch2

We use "Specialist" on some of our more complex positions.

HRQ

Prince and Pawn.

Queen and Subject.

King and Peon.

Lead Machinist and Regular Machinist.

I like I, II, and III best. Shows a clear difference in skill levels and recognizes movement up the ladder, easy to remember, not offensive to a reasonable person.

Our teachers career level progresses from Aide, Assistant, Lead, Master, Mentor. Nobody has found Master offensive yet that I'm aware of.

Preschool Directors of our highest ranked schools achieve "Senior Director" status. Some say it makes them sound old. Maybe they would prefer Director I vs. Director II or perhaps a little crown graphic next to their job title.

ritaanz

Q's got it! Graphics. This way you do not even havre to be able to read. Just look at the picture. You know as in comic books.

cnghr

We use the designation I, II, III, IV for most of our positions where there are differences in complexity. We've also switched from calling some of our positions "clerks" to calling them "specialists" because somehow there is a perception that a specialist is, well, much more special than a clerk! The jobs are all still the same, but I've seen firsthand how much better some of our employees feel if refer to their position as an Operations Specialist III as opposed to an Operations Clerk III.

njjel

we use I, II and Senior

Paul in Cannon Beach

I like I, II , and Senior.

But I want to also suggest "Super", "Extreme", and "Hardcore" for the more advanced positions.

Let me know if I win.

HRQ

I win, for use of graphics. Dunce cap for the lowest level, crown for highest. Wait, crown for middle level, a halo for highest level.

Here is my new suggestion; Exclamation points! The more points, the higher the rank!! Caps AND exclamation points say you are the utopia of all who do your job!!!

Secretary!

Secretary!!

Secretary!!!

SECRETARY!!!!

I'm not really making fun. (Just of Paul) x:D

I still like I, II, III. That's my official vote.

Paul in Cannon Beach

How about something old school Duke or Lord?

Lord of Engineering.

Duke of Maintenance.

Accounting Minion.

Administrative Serf.

cnghr

Personally, I've always wanted my title to be Queen of Human Resources, but they won't let me put that on my business cards.

joannie

Sorry, that name is already taken. See HRQ.x:D

cnghr

I originally wanted to be called Goddess of Human Resources but a thunderclap from the heavens told me I probably shouldn't even ask!

HRQ

Paul says it stands for Hay River Quilters. I don't even know how to make a quilt. Isn't that what they do to Charmin to make it extra soft?

ray a

OK, we decided to use the I and II to indicate the complexity level.

HRQ wins the contest and will receive a nice maroon hoodie sweatshirt.

ritaanz

My dear Ray, how come Q wins when I suggested that in my post #3?

ray a

You're right. Would you like yours in pink?

ritaanz

Nevermind. You can keep it. The moment is tarnished. Sob.

ray a

But pink fits your personality so perfectly.

ritaanz

No comment.