Career Planning and Development Tools June 29, 2015 Original publish date: 2/29/12 Revision 1 date: 10/16/14 Revision 2 date: 6/29/15
Purpose of Tools Clearly describe typical career paths and job classifications for career development discussions within a flexible framework through conceptual diagrams and descriptions Distinguish between technical and management career paths Provide consistency throughout job classifications, levels, and job titles across all business areas and divisions Provide career guidance that mirrors the performance evaluation categories Align career progression with company and individual goals, long-term planning, and company and professional growth 2
Conceptual Diagram for Career Planning Note: - Please read tracks across rather than from top to bottom. - Staff may be on more than one career track at a time. 3
Key Components 4
Career Progression Assumptions and Caveats In describing career development levels, we have attempted to describe general progression from one level to the next. To progress in a career, a person builds upon responsibilities for the previous level. The qualifications and responsibilities are not intended to be a checklist but rather provide a summary of basic minimum requirements for the levels. The levels are described generally and are applicable to a wide range of STI careers. Levels include a range of experience and generally have overlapping salary ranges. Advancement from one level to the next is based on specialized knowledge and proficiency, performance, and results. 5
Career Progression Assumptions and Caveats Continued a. Technical is intended to cover specialties such as corporate services, software engineering, meteorology, science, measurements, data analysis, and modeling. b. Titles of individual tracks do not include secondary titles (e.g., lead forecaster, GIS coordinator) that provide additional details regarding staff job functions. c. Pie slices are qualitative and meant to show relative responsibilities and change in focus and/or responsibilities over time. d. Advancement from one level to the next within a track or across tracks depends on a combination of employee s education, experience, expertise, performance, and career goals and the employee consistently demonstrating the ability to handle responsibilities at the next level. e. Business Development and Reputation includes the ability to bring in projects; increased national expertise and reputation in the field or business area; and internal and external client recognition and reputation. 6
Career Progression Guidelines Each level Shows progression Builds on previous level Provides general, widely applicable range of duties Staff can have responsibility in more than one track at a time Staff on Project Management, Staff Management, and/or Corporate tracks are expected to continue to develop and increase the knowledge and experience necessary to perform technical work in their area of expertise Descriptions of each level provide a general summary of basic minimum descriptions and are not meant to be a checklist Advancement from one level to the next is based on specialized knowledge and proficiency, individual performance, results, and consistent demonstration of the ability to handle responsibility at the next level (it is not automatic) Levels are meant to be flexible and represent a continuum of knowledge, experience, and skills (not bureaucratic) 7
Common Expectations for All Track Levels To advance professionally at STI, staff at all levels and on all career tracks are expected to go above and beyond the basic requirements and responsibilities of their jobs by investing in their career development. Communication Effectively expresses ideas and information verbally and in writing. Responsibility for Quality Takes personal responsibility for the quality of all work performed; checks and documents all work products. Applies quality assurance principles to work products and activities. Interpersonal Skills Treats others with dignity, courtesy, and respect. Teamwork Accomplishes tasks while demonstrating cooperation, flexibility, and dependability. Initiative Demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing problems and sharing ideas, beyond what is explicitly expected and with the overall good of the company in mind. 8
TECHNICAL TRACK 9
Technical Track Level I Experience Typical years of relevant technical experience: 0 3+ Level of Supervision Effectively works under general supervision Reputation Begins to demonstrate competence in subject matter Technical Knowledge and Skills Performs routine tasks with some independence Performs moderately complex tasks with direction Scientific or Professional Understanding Applies technical evaluation or judgment on assigned tasks Learns technical best practices in field of expertise Responsibility for Quality Takes personal responsibility for the quality of all work performed Time Management Performs tasks within allocated hours and meets deadlines; coordinates workload with supervisor Communication/Writing Skills Learns STI communication style and company-wide communication tools and processes Initiative In preparation for the next level, takes on increasing responsibility for more complex tasks with less guidance Expands and enhances current and new technical knowledge and skills Innovation Is open to suggestions and new ideas Business Development May assist in business development activities 10
Technical Track Level II Experience Typical years of relevant technical experience: 3+ Effectively performed Level I Technical Track responsibilities Level of Supervision Effectively works under general supervision while demonstrating initiative in key work areas Operates with some latitude for independent action or decision Reputation Continues to develop and demonstrate expertise as a subject matter expert Technical Knowledge and Skills Plans, conducts, and supervises assignments normally involving smaller or less complex tasks/projects Performs work assignments that are varied and require some originality, ingenuity, or judgment Scientific or Professional Understanding Translates technical guidance into usable data/information Tracks advances in best practices in field(s) of expertise Responsibility for Quality Takes responsibility for the quality of work performed by self and others Time Management Manages time effectively and communicates priorities with a team Communication/Writing Skills Increased role in authoring or designing deliverables Initiative Offers ideas and suggestions for improvements, and takes on new challenges Innovation Participates in developing recommendations to resolve problems Business Development May assist in business development activities 11
Technical Track Level III Experience Typical years of relevant technical experience: 6+ Effectively performed Level II Technical Track responsibilities Level of Supervision Effectively works under limited supervision; operates with greater latitude for independent action or decision than Level II Reputation Demonstrates technical expertise and is recognized as a subject matter expert internally and is actively developing an external reputation for technical expertise May regularly present technical work at conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed publications Technical Knowledge and Skills Participates in a wide range of work areas and knows best practices Directs technical work, reviews progress, and evaluates results; makes changes in methods, design, or equipment where necessary Plans, conducts, and supervises tasks/projects that are larger and more complex than Level II assignments Scientific or Professional Understanding Demonstrates advanced understanding in applicable field(s) Responsibility for Quality Takes responsibility for the quality of work performed by self and others Time Management Tracks and communicates priorities/status effectively Estimates and schedules own work to meet completion dates and works with others to allocate staff time effectively Communication/Writing Skills Communicates articulately with co-workers and clients; commonly the primary author/architect for deliverables Leadership Proactively takes on appropriate assignments and offers suggestions for improvements; shows leadership in area of expertise Innovation Provides innovative and unique ideas; develops new approaches, tools or techniques Business Development May assist or lead in business development activities 12
Technical Track Senior Level Experience Typical years of relevant technical experience: 10+ Effectively performed Level III Technical Track responsibilities Level of Supervision Works independently with limited supervision Reputation Recognized as a subject matter expert internally and externally for achievements and technical expertise May contribute to peer-reviewed publications Technical Knowledge and Skills Plans, conducts, and supervises assigned tasks, projects, or deliverables of major significance, requiring advanced knowledge and the ability to originate, develop, and apply new and unique methods and procedures. Assumes increased responsibility for technical direction of deliverables, often as Principal Investigator Scientific or Professional Understanding Demonstrates advanced understanding in applicable field(s) Responsibility for Quality Takes responsibility for the quality of work performed by self and others Time Management Tracks and communicates priorities/status effectively Estimates and schedules personal and staff time to meet completion dates and work effectively Communication/Writing Skills Communicates clearly and articulately with clients, experts, and management Primary or senior author/architect for deliverables Leadership Proactively takes on assignments and suggests ideas; demonstrates leadership on projects, proposals, and corporate committees Innovation Provides innovative and unique ideas; develops new approaches, tools, or techniques Business Development Typically leads business development in field of expertise and may assist or lead in other business development activities 13
Technical Track Principal or Chief Level Experience Typical years of relevant technical experience: 15+ Effectively performed Senior Level Technical Track responsibilities Level of Supervision Works independently with little or no supervision and wide latitude for independent action Reputation Widely recognized internally and externally for achievements and technical expertise. May contribute to peer-reviewed publications May actively participate in professional societies and advisory boards Technical Knowledge and Skills Has corporate-wide responsibilities for goal-setting, strategic leadership, setting policy, long-term planning, and risk management in area(s) of expertise; demonstrates broad knowledge in one or more fields Scientific or Professional Understanding Maintains and may contribute to up-to-date, comprehensive understanding of area of expertise Responsibility for Quality Takes complete responsibility for the quality of work performed by self and others, including the quality of deliverables in area of expertise and quality of deliverables created by others Time Management Tracks and communicates priorities/status effectively Estimates and schedules personal and staff time to meet completion dates and work effectively Communication/Writing Skills Communicates clearly and articulately with clients, experts, and management Primary or senior author/architect for deliverables Leadership Proactively takes on assignments, demonstrates leadership, and takes on corporate and business development challenges. Leads projects, proposals, and corporate committees. Innovation Provides innovative and unique ideas; develops new approaches, tools or techniques Initiative Proactively takes on assignments, demonstrates leadership, and takes on corporate and business development challenges Business Development Typically leads business development in field of expertise and may assist or lead in other business development activities 14
Typical Titles Technical Track Typical Titles Include: Corporate Services Scientists Administrative Specialist Air Quality Scientist Project Coordinator Forest/Fire Ecologist HR Generalist Atmospheric Scientist Technical Editor Air Quality Field Technician Contracts Specialist Meteorologist Software Engineering/Information Technology Information Technology Specialist Software Engineer 15
Examples of Supplemental Titles Technical Track Typical Titles Include: Corporate Services Scientists Technical Editor, Graphics Intern, Meteorology Specialist Air Quality Scientist, GIS Coordinator Meteorologist, Lead Forecaster Atmospheric Scientist, Program Coordinator Software Engineering/Information Technology Software Engineer, Quality Assurance 16
STAFF MANAGEMENT TRACK 17
Staff Management Track Team Leader Qualifications: Typical years of relevant staff management experience: 2+ Effectively expresses ideas and information in writing and orally Demonstrates effective mentoring and training skills Responsibilities: Supervises staff members, generally two or fewer Works under general supervision of Group, Branch, or Division Manager Performs staff management activities with some independence Responsible for the productivity and training of staff, and for identifying issues relating to motivation and discipline of assigned staff Provides timely construction and actionable feedback to resolve problems Understands STI s policies and procedures Organizes and coordinates workloads and suggests staff most qualified for assignment Continues to perform technical duties May assist Group, Branch, or Division Manager in business development activities 18
Staff Management Track Group Manager Qualifications: Typical years of relevant staff management experience: 3 + Effectively performed Team Leader Track responsibilities Effectively expresses ideas, technical knowledge, and information in writing and orally Has demonstrated effective mentoring, training, and motivating skills Demonstrates effective leadership skills Responsibilities: Manages staff members, generally five or fewer Works under general supervision of Division or Branch Manager with increasing independence Staff management assignments are varied and require some originality and ingenuity Responsible for the CDL, and productivity, motivation, and discipline of assigned staff Provides timely construction and actionable feedback to resolve problems Organizes and coordinates workloads and selects staff most qualified for assignment Facilitates the training and professional development of assigned staff Works with Branch and Division Managers on staff hiring for Group Continues to perform technical duties May be responsible for project management Participates in, and may lead, business development activities Promotes STI and our services 19
Staff Management Track Branch Manager Qualifications: Typical years of relevant staff management experience: 7 + Effectively performed Group Manager Track responsibilities Effectively expresses ideas, technical knowledge and information in writing and orally Demonstrates effective leadership and problem solving skills Demonstrates ability to maintain positive staff morale Demonstrates advanced technical knowledge Responsibilities: Typically manages two or more Group Managers and may manage senior level staff Operates with wide latitude for independent actions or decisions with guidance from Division Manager Responsible for the Branch CDL, and productivity, motivation, and discipline of assigned staff Provides timely construction and actionable feedback to resolve problems Facilitates workloads and staff selection most qualified for assignment Facilitates the training and professional development of assigned staff Works with Division Manager on staff hiring Encourages and facilitates staff collaboration company-wide Provides mentoring to staff company-wide as needed Continues to perform technical duties in a wide range of work areas May be responsible for project management May lead business development activities May have some corporate responsibilities May be involved in assessing feasibility of new projects, products, systems, or approaches Provides innovative and unique ideas and solutions Encourages innovation and business area diversification company-wide Promotes STI and our services 20
Staff Management Track Division Manager Qualifications: Typical years of relevant staff management experience: 12 + Effectively performed Branch Manager Track responsibilities Effectively expresses ideas, technical knowledge and information in writing and orally Ability to provide innovative and unique ideas and solutions to problems Demonstrates effective leadership skills and ability to solve more complex employee relation issues Widely recognized for achievements and technical expertise Responsibilities: Manages two or more Branches or Groups Operates with wide latitude for independent action Responsible for Division CDL, staff hiring, productivity, training, motivation, and discipline of assigned staff Provides timely construction and actionable feedback to resolve problems Optimizes staff collaboration and resource utilization company-wide Performs technical duties including senior review and principal investigator roles Responsible for Division business development and participates in or leads company-wide business development Investigates and advises management regarding feasibility of new projects, products, systems, or approaches Corporate-wide responsibilities for goal-setting, strategic leadership, policy setting, long-term planning, and risk management Responsible for innovation and business area diversification company-wide Serves as a direct communication link to Corporate Officers Promotes STI and our services 21
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRACK 22
Project Management Track Task Manager Qualifications: Typical years of relevant technical experience: 2+ Effectively works under general supervision Effectively expresses ideas and information in writing and orally Responsibilities: Continues to perform technical level duties Manages tasks and deliverables under the direct supervision of Project Manager Performs less complex task management Monitors tasks to ensure work scope, schedule, and budget are well-defined and deliverables are met May work on proposals and business development 23
Project Management Track Project/Proposal Manager I Qualifications: Typical years of relevant task/project/proposal experience: 3+ Effectively performed Task Manager Track responsibilities Effectively works under limited supervision Effectively expresses ideas and information in writing and orally Responsibilities: Continues to perform technical level duties Plans, conducts, and manages smaller or moderately complex tasks/project deliverables Participates in developing recommendations regarding direction of projects or proposals Demonstrates some originality and ingenuity in a variety of progressively more complex assignments Monitors project to ensure work scope, schedule, and budget are well-defined and deliverables are met Coordinates staff and other resources May lead business development/proposal writing 24
Project Management Track Project/Proposal Manager II Qualifications: Typical years of relevant project/proposal management experience: 5+ Effectively performed Project/Proposal Manager I Track responsibilities Beginning to effectively work independently Effectively expresses ideas and information in writing and orally Responsibilities: Continues to perform technical level duties Operates with some latitude for independent actions or decisions Plans, conducts, and supervises assignments normally involving larger and more complex projects/proposals Estimates and schedules work to meet completion dates Reviews progress and evaluates results; makes changes in project methods, design, equipment, or software where necessary Monitors project to ensure work scope, schedule, and budget are well-defined and deliverables are met Provides effective ideas and solutions to problems Coordinates staff and other resources May supervise Task Managers on larger or more complex projects or proposals Typically leads business development/proposal writing 25
Project Management Track Project/Proposal Manager III Qualifications: Typical years of relevant project/proposal management experience: 8+ Effectively performed Project/Proposal Manager II Track responsibilities Effectively works independently Effectively expresses ideas and information in writing and orally Internally recognized for ability to manage significant projects and proposals Responsibilities: Continues to perform technical level duties Generally operates with wide latitude for independent actions or decisions Plans, conducts, and supervises complex projects and deliverables Provides technical direction, advice, and guidance to others Monitors projects to ensure work scope, schedule, and budget are well-defined and deliverables are met May oversee results of multi-functional project teams Provides effective ideas Proactively identifies and solves problems Coordinates staff and other resources Supervises Task Managers on larger or more complex projects or proposals Mentors staff on project/proposal management best practices Responsible for business development and proposal writing 26
Project Management Track Senior Project/Proposal Manager Qualifications: Typical years of relevant project/proposal management experience: 12+ Effectively performed Project/Proposal Manager III Track responsibilities Effectively works independently Effectively expresses ideas and information in writing and orally Widely recognized for ability to manage significant projects and proposals Responsibilities: Continues to perform technical level duties Operates with wide latitude for independent action Plans, conducts, and supervises projects and deliverables of major significance, requiring advanced technical knowledge and the ability to originate, develop, and apply new and unique methods and procedures Maximizes available resources Provides innovative and unique ideas; develops and applies new theories Monitors project to ensure work scope, schedule, and budget are well-defined and deliverables are met Oversee results of multi-functional project teams Coordinates staff and other resources Manages Task Managers and Senior Staff on larger or more complex projects Mentors staff on project/proposal management best practices Provides guidance to other Project Managers Coordinates and supports company-wide business development activities 27
CORPORATE MANAGEMENT TRACK 28
Corporate Management Track Program Manager Qualifications: Typical years of relevant project/proposal management experience: 15+ Effectively works independently Widely recognized for achievements and technical expertise Effectively expresses ideas and information in writing and orally Responsibilities: Continues to perform technical level duties Provides corporate-wide responsibilities for strategic leadership, long-term planning, and risk management in the area of expertise Plans, conducts, and supervises complex programs and projects Operates with wide latitude for independent action Oversees results of large multi-functional project teams May oversee multiple projects and project/task managers within an overall program Provides innovative and unique ideas; develops and applies new theories Monitors project to ensure work scope, schedule, and budget are well-defined and deliverables are met Coordinates staff and other resources; effectively oversees project staff Manages Project or Task Managers and Senior Staff on larger or more complex programs or projects Mentors staff on project/proposal management best practices and provides guidance to other Project Managers Coordinates and supports company-wide business development activities 29
Corporate Management Track Officer Qualifications: Typical years of relevant experience: 12+ Widely recognized for internal and external achievements, technical expertise, and corporate leadership activities Proven track record for making sound decisions Effectively expresses ideas and information in writing and orally Responsibilities: Continues to perform technical level duties Operates with wide latitude for independent actions Provides Corporate-wide goal setting, strategic leadership, policy setting, long-term planning, and risk management Provides innovative and unique ideas and solutions May provide senior review of project deliverables May perform project management, staff management, technical, and business development duties May serve on the Executive Committee 30
Corporate Management Track Senior Officer Qualifications: Typical years of relevant experience: 15+ Increased acknowledgment of, and recognition for, internal and external achievements, technical expertise, and corporate leadership activities Proven track record for making sound decisions Effectively expresses ideas and information in writing and orally Responsibilities: Continues to perform technical level duties Operates with wide latitude for independent actions Provides increased corporate-wide goal setting, strategic leadership, recommending changes to policies, longterm planning, and risk management Understands and is responsible for corporate strategy development and implementation Provides innovative and unique ideas and solutions to problems May provide senior review of project deliverables Increased delegation of project management (fewer projects or dollars), staff management (fewer direct reports), technical work (higher level role, such as PI) and business development duties May serve on the Executive Committee May lead EC teams and special projects as assigned 31
Corporate Management Track Executive Officer Qualifications: Typical years of relevant experience: 20+ acknowledgment of, and recognition for, internal and external achievements, technical expertise, and corporate leadership activities Proven track record for making sound decisions Effectively expresses ideas and information in writing and orally Responsibilities: Leads development of, and is responsible for, corporate decisions regarding policy, long-term planning, risk management, crisis management, human resources, corporate operations, business development, business operations, and STI s quality processes. May provide senior review of project deliverables Increased corporate responsibilities and generally reduced project management, staff management, technical work, and business development duties Corporate oversight Shareholder relations Adherence to STI s Charter and the periodic review of the Charter Serves on the Executive Committee Leads EC teams and other special projects May serve on the Board of Directors 32