Occ. Code 1412400

ASSOCIATE PERSONNEL EXAMINER, GRADE 23

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

NATURE OF WORK

An Associate Personnel Examiner functions as a working supervisor in the development, analysis and evaluation of tests of basic abilities or of knowledges, skills and abilities in assigned occupational specialties to provide appropriate selection measures for merit system administration. 

          Positions are located only in the Division of Testing Services, Department of Civil Service.

CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class are characterized both by the supervision of a small group of Senior Personnel Examiners (usually 2-4) and by the performance of a full range of analytical, data gathering and technical tasks associated with the development of merit system selection measures in assigned areas.  Under the general supervision of a higher level examiner and within established guidelines, incumbents operate with relative independence in the planning and scheduling of the activities of the examining units that they head.

          At this level, incumbents are expected to be well-grounded in standards techniques of test development, analysis and evaluation; and to possess good knowledge of test construction in given areas.  Typically, their review of the work of subordinates frequently involves the identification of individual training needs and appropriate follow-up training actions.  As working supervisors, incumbents personally handle a variety of test assignments which may include certain high-priority or internal security examinations.  While such test assignments normally involve multiple-choice written tests or evaluation of training and experience, there may be periodic occasions to construct and to rate written essay tests.

           Within the Division there are positions primarily engaged in analyzing existing selection measures, designing and developing new measures; testing and evaluating the effectiveness and validity of various selection measures; and disseminating information and providing training on improved selection measures and their applications to operating agencies and to other concerned Civil Service activities.  Typically these positions require good knowledge of current advances in measurement theory and good knowledge of statistical techniques.

Positions classified as Principal Personnel Examiner typically serve as the principal assistant to a Chief Personnel Examiner in planning, developing, directing and evaluating the activities of a Testing Section composed of several examining units.

Within the Division of Testing Services, positions performing similar examining tasks in areas requiring specialized subject matter knowledge such as law or engineering are classified in specialized titles.

          Positions which perform various personnel activities in an agency, such as classification, recruitment, placement and provision of employee services are classified in the Personnel Administrator Series.  Other positions in the Civil Service Department responsible for central guidance and control, in the areas of labor relations, staff development, personnel administration and merit system administration are classified under a variety of specialized titles.

TYPICAL ACTIVITIES, TASKS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Supervises subordinate examiners in planning, developing, processing and evaluating tests of basic abilities or of knowledges, skills and abilities in given occupational specialties.

• Reviews examination Master Schedule, current listing of test assignments, availability of examiners, and priority guidelines furnished by supervisor in order to develop unit examination plans on a long and short range basis.

• Reviews incoming assignments for relevant data and applicability to unit activities.  Records receipt of all unit test assignments, appeals and sub-test requests.  Plans and sets up means to handle a variety of assignments, allocating available resources to obtain optimum results.

• Establishes tentative schedules and assigns work to individual examiners.  May suggest alternative testing techniques in given cases.

• Discusses progress of given assignments with examiner concerned to ascertain adequacy of pertinent data, timeliness of actions taken, and the possible need for supervisory participation at certain conferences.

• Reviews scope of examination, testing dates and other test plan data for conformance to established guidelines and to verify appropriateness of selection device.

• Reviews written test items and sub-tests to assure they are suitable, adequately cover the prescribed area, conform to recognized standards of professional testing, and that the language used is at the required level.

• Reviews various testing recommendations such as scoring keys, pass points, appeals, etc. for logical conclusions and findings and for conformance with established guidelines.

• Based on review of work of subordinates, identifies individual training needs.

• Conducts on-the-job training in the technical aspects of the work such as item writing, item and ethnic analyses, basic statistics, correlation matrices and factor analysis.

• Advises of changes affecting test activities by obtaining and circulating current reference material and by explaining new policies and procedures.

• Evaluates performance of subordinates and submits periodic appraisals after discussion with employee concerned.

Conducts or supervises special studies and projects relating to examinations.  Personally develops tests plans, constructs tests and analyzes test results and may perform other tasks outlined in Classification Standard 1412300, Senior Personnel Examiner.

May develop and design improved selection measures.

• Explores new methods, techniques and processes in the personnel selection field by review of professional literature, and through correspondence and conferences with other practitioners.  Evaluates possible suitability for pilot study.  Confers with supervisor on tentative approach.

• Selects study group and setting for experimental adaptation of new method.

• Develops experimental design by such means as mathematical models, etc., using knowledge of measurement theory.

• Confers with affected parties such as operating agencies and others about the experimental design.

• Develops forms, procedures and data analysis programs for executing and evaluating studies.

• Instructs and trains affected parties in specific actions to be performed in studies.

• Supervises and monitors progress of studies.

• Evaluates studies by analyzing data obtained using appropriate statistical techniques.

• Prepares a report of findings and recommendations as to suitability and potential applications of new methods.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

The nature of the tasks and activities requires frequent oral and written communications as well as face-to-face contact with a variety of people.  There are periodic conferences with agency personnel administrators, program specialists, Staffing Services and Classification and Compensation representatives and others on the adequacy of job information, scope and subject matter areas to be covered and related examination questions.  In such sessions incumbents strive to focus on common problem areas, to motivate  users to communicate their requirements clearly and produce factual information, to exchange ideas and findings, and to obtain agreement on schedules and on actions to be taken.  At times, they develop data-gathering instruments, or conduct on-site interviews of employees and their supervisors in order to develop current job information, and may attend functions of professional groups and others to further the interchange of current developments of mutual concern.  In addition, they periodically contact subject matter experts in order to persuade them to write needed test items or to review test plans and candidate appeals in their area of expertise.

          Within the Division of Testing Services incumbents frequently confer with examiners from other units to provide or obtain given sub-tests and to resolve related questions.

NATURE OF SUPERVISION

Associate Personnel Examiners are supervised by either a Principal or Chief Personnel Examiner who makes assignments, sets priorities and reviews completed work for conformance with established policies and applicable special instructions.  Within provides guidelines, incumbents operate with relative independence in the planning and scheduling of the examining unit activities that they head.

Incumbents typically supervise a small group of Senior Personnel Examiners.  In this capacity, the Associate assigns specific examinations to subordinates, provides supplemental guidelines as needed, is available for advice and assistance, and reviews work in progress and upon completion for conformance to established standards and schedules.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Good knowledge of the principles and techniques of test construction.

• Good knowledge of the concepts underlying the job analysis process as related to testing.

• Good knowledge of test construction in occupational fields for which unit is responsible.

• Good knowledge of applicable Civil Service Law, rules and regulations, and department policies, procedures, goals and objectives relating to testing.

• Good knowledge of test theory and of fundamental statistical techniques and practices.

• Good knowledge of test analysis, validation and evaluation techniques.

• Good knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and exposition.

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

• Working knowledge of effective training techniques.

• Working knowledge of cultural aspects of testing and affirmative action.

• Ability to locate, read, comprehend and select from a wide variety of material.

• Ability to write clearly and precisely.

• Ability to articulate examination needs and information so that effective selection plans result.

• Ability to evaluate the adequacy of job data and the effectiveness of test plans and tests.

• Ability to identify critical factors in a given job and determine which can be feasibly tested.

• Ability to establish rapport with others for the purpose of negotiations and to facilitate the exchange of pertinent information.

• Ability to apply fundamental statistical techniques in the analysis of test items, sub-tests and tests.

• Ability to identify training needs and conduct remedial actions.

• Ability to effectively coordinate the efforts of others.

• Ability to identify significant factors in support of determinations, reach logical conclusions based on analysis of developed data and make appropriate recommendations.

Some assignments may require:

• Good knowledge of current advances in measurement theory.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

One year of permanent service as Senior Personnel Examiner.

Reviewed:  5/04

NOTE:  Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.