KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION OF PERSONNEL SERVICES

PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR OCCUPATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS

SERIES DESCRIPTION:

This series includes positions that administer a program(s) or a variety of support activities designed to ensure that an agency or program meets its stated objectives.  Technical or specialized skills, or the ability to manage people with these skills, are integral elements of this series.  Incumbents implement policies set by others through management of the day-to-day operations required to accomplish the short - and/or long-term objectives of a program or agency.   Specifically excluded from this series are executives and managers that set policy and manage processes instead of day-to-day operations.

The levels of this class are distinguished by the level of supervision exercised and the mix of subordinate staff, the scope of financial responsibility, the degree of independence allowed by guidelines, and the impact of the work.  Lower level positions in this series may perform duties similar to function specific or specialist classes; however, the variety of support functions performed and the independent judgment exercised differentiate these positions.  Incumbents at all levels are expected to have a thorough knowledge of all, or nearly all, of the following:   the mission and objectives of the agency or program; how the agency or program is organized to carry out the mission and objectives; how to identify financial, personnel, and material needs and problems; problem solving methods and appropriate tools to improve processes; and how to set goals and develop strategies and procedures to meet goals.

DEFINITION OF TERMS:

Executive - One who is accountable for securing and managing human, financial, physical and information resources to accomplish all or a significant portion of an agency mission.

Manager - One who is primarily responsible for the direction of programs, operations, or organizational segments indirectly, through subordinate supervisors.

Administrator - One who exercises overall responsibility for execution of agency or program policies, and directs individual departments or special phases of operations.  May also develop the procedures for implementation.

Mission - The business of an agency, or purpose for which an agency exists as defined by enabling legislation.

Function - A general category or related programs required to fulfill a mission or part of a mission of the agency.

Program - A well-defined segment of an agency's mission usually characterized by a distinct name, purpose and budget.

Activity - A defined duty, task, or role that supports an agency mission or program.

Objective - An expected event or circumstance to be achieved during the process of attaining a goal.