Word Processing Technician Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established June 8, 1977

Scope

This series specification describes two classes in the California state service that are primarily concerned with the operation of electronic text editing equipment in the production of a variety of typed copy for a majority of the time.

Those positions requiring only occasional use of electronic text editing equipment, those requiring only the performance of routine, repetitive typing tasks without the requirement to revise or combine variables, or those that do not require the origination and revision of copy as a major portion of the job are not allocated to these classes.

Definition of Series

Word Processing Technicians are distinguished from other clerical classes by being regularly required to operate on a full-time basis electronic text editing equipment. The characteristic feature of these machines is the ability to record, revise and store information on some form of magnetic media for variable output. Duties include: entering information via a keyboard into electronic text editing equipment from mechanical dictation, written or edited copy; identifying, processing, storing, and retrieving information on magnetic discs, tapes or cards; proofreading both submitted raw data and information already keyed into the processor and making required corrections in spelling, grammar, and punctuation; formatting submitted material; playing out onto appropriate paper or form to produce desired hard copy; recording internal statistical data or other information necessary to develop charges to clients, and to measure the performance of the unit and operators; communicating with clients of the unit to resolve problems, receive instructions, or report on job progress; checking documents for completeness, accuracy and compliance with departmental, legal, and other requirements; and following complex written and verbal instructions.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Level of difficulty, variety, complexity of assigned duties; independence of action and decisions; supervision received and degree of supervision exercised serve as differentiating factors between classes.

Definition of Levels

Word Processing Technician

This is the entry and journey level for this series. Under general supervision and in accordance with approved procedures and precedents, incumbents perform a variety of word processing duties. Work at this level involves typing memorandums, correspondence, reports, graphs, charts, and tables which require revisions to stored material. There may be lead responsibility over others.

Senior Word Processing Technician

This is the working supervisor level for this series. Under general direction incumbents either (1) supervise the work of a small word processing unit and personally perform the most difficult work, or (2) assist in the supervision of a medium-size or large word processing center.

Minimum Qualifications

Word Processing Technician

Either I

In the California state service one year of experience performing the duties of an Office Assistant I (Typing) (formerly Clerk Typist I).

Or II

One year of typing and clerical work.

Senior Word Processing Technician

Either I

In the California state service one year of experience performing the duties of a Word Processing Technician, Range B.

Or II

Thirty months of experience in typing and clerical work, at least 18 months of which shall have been operating an electronic text editing machine in difficult typing, transcribing, and revising of various correspondence and reports.

Knowledge and Abilities

Word Processing Technician

Knowledge of: Correct punctuation, spelling and grammatical usage; modern office methods, supplies and equipment.

Ability to: Learn and interpret machine responses; learn basic transcription from machine dictation; learn and apply office policies, rules, regulations and procedures; perform sustained typing at a speed accuracy rate of at least 50 words per minute; make simple arithmetic computations; follow difficult oral and written directions and work under pressure to meet production deadlines.

Senior Word Processing Technician

Knowledge of: All of the above, and the operation, care and use of an electronic text editing machine and related equipment; principles of effective supervision; the Department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: All of the above, and transcribe difficult machine dictation; work with confidential subject matter; produce a large volume of accurate, high quality special projects; supervise a small word processing center; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

Special Personal Characteristics

Both Levels:

Willingness to work effectively and agreeably under the pressure of short lead times in a production-oriented environment; accept responsibility for accuracy of work; and work in a noisy environment.

Class History

Alternate Range Criteria

These criteria will be used to allocate incumbents to Alternate Range A or Range B.

Range A. This Range shall apply to incumbents who do not meet the criteria for payment in Range B.

Range B. This Range shall apply to persons who have satisfactory completed the equivalent of six months of Word Processing Technician, Range A, experience or have six months of varied experience in operating an electronic text editing machine with the ability to record, revise, and store information on some form of magnetic media for variable output.

When the requirements for movement to Range B are met and upon recommendation of the appointing power, the employee shall receive the rate of Range�B, under provisions of State Personnel Board Rule 98.3 and a new salary adjustment anniversary date will be established.