DPS uses a market-referenced job evaluation process to review and classify positions. This evaluation process utilizes an approach that is based on the external labor market while also focusing on internal factors that help define and differentiate jobs.

From a broad perspective, the job evaluation process is designed to address two basic questions:

• How to pay for the job, regardless of who is in the position?
• How to pay the particular individual performing the job?

Paying for the job involves defining the appropriate market, "matching" the job with other jobs that are in the appropriate market, and assigning the job to a salary grade within the established salary structure. Using this process, job content and role determines the appropriate salary grade.