Position Classification Standard for Photography Series, GS-1060

Photography Series, GS-1060 TS-120 October 1992

POSITION CLASSIFICATION STANDARD FOR

PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES, GS-1060

Table of Contents

SERIES DEFINITION....................................................................................................................................2

EXCLUSIONS...............................................................................................................................................2

OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION...............................................................................................................2

TITLES..........................................................................................................................................................5

EVALUATING POSITIONS ..........................................................................................................................5

GRADE CONVERSION TABLE...................................................................................................................6

FACTOR LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS...............................................................................................................6

FACTOR 1, KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION..................................................................6

FACTOR 2, SUPERVISORY CONTROLS.............................................................................................10

FACTOR 3, GUIDELINES......................................................................................................................11

FACTOR 4, COMPLEXITY.....................................................................................................................12

FACTOR 5, SCOPE AND EFFECT........................................................................................................13

FACTOR 6, PERSONAL CONTACTS AND FACTOR 7, PURPOSE OF CONTACTS ........................14

FACTOR 8, PHYSICAL DEMANDS.......................................................................................................15

FACTOR 9, WORK ENVIRONMENT.....................................................................................................16

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Photography Series, GS-1060 TS-120 October 1992

SERIES DEFINITION

This series includes positions that involve supervising or performing work in operating still,

television (video), or motion picture cameras, and in processing photographic film and negatives.

The work requires, in addition to a knowledge of the equipment, techniques, and processes of

photography, either (1) working knowledge of the subject matter to be photographed, and/or (2)

artistic ability in selecting, arranging, and lighting subjects or in processing work.

This standard supersedes the position classification standard for this series issued in October

1963.

EXCLUSIONS

1. Classify in the

Audiovisual Production Series, GS-1071, positions that involve directing

the arrangements, sequences, actions, photography, sound, and editing for television or

motion picture productions.

2. Classify in the

Visual Information Series, GS-1084, positions that involve planning and

designing visual materials, such as photographs, illustrations, and diagrams, used in

books, exhibits, videotapes, or other communications media.

3. Classify in the most appropriate series under the Federal Wage System positions that

involve using photographic equipment, processes, and techniques when the paramount

requirements are skill and experience in a trade or craft. The positions do not require

knowledge of the subject matter of the work involved or artistic ability in performing

camera or processing work.

4. Classify in the

Photographic Technology Series, GS-1386, positions that involve

performing research or other professional and scientific work in the design, development,

testing, and evaluation of photographic equipment and techniques.

5. Classify in the

Equipment Operator Series, GS-0350, positions that involve as the

primary responsibility operating office microfilm, duplicating, and/or other office

equipment.

OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION

The photography occupation consists of two different but closely related functions: (1)

capturing the image on film (camera work) and (2) developing the image so that it is visible to

the viewer in the form of a slide, transparency, or print (processing work). Some photography

positions involve both camera work and subsequent processing work.

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Camera Work

Camera work requires familiarity with the camera equipment used in assignments to produce

acceptable work. This may range from the standardized equipment that can be found in any

commercial camera shop, such as 35 mm cameras and video camcorders, to more specialized

equipment used primarily by professional photographers, such as medium and large format

cameras, studio-type television or motion picture cameras, and photoreproduction or "copy"

cameras. The work may also involve use of equipment that has been adapted for highly

specialized purposes, such as cameras mounted on microscopes or wired for remote control or

automatic timed operation, or electronic equipment, such as computerized imaging. The

essential knowledge is the same for film/chemical based photography work and

computer/electronic aided photography work. The work also requires understanding the uses of

a wide range of special purpose accessories, including the many types of film, filters, diffusers,

lenses, and lighting sources, such as fiber optics.

All photography work concerns to some degree the elements of lighting and composition in the

presentation of subjects, depending on the objectives of the photographs. Most photography

work in the Federal service involves technical rather than artistic interpretation of the subject

matter. The purpose of these photographs is to render a clear, realistic picture of certain items,

features, or events, such as technical equipment, engineering tests, research subjects, medical

specimens and procedures, art objects and museum artifacts, criminal evidence and crime scenes,

or accident sites. Photography of this type is done primarily for training, documentation,

identification, or study purposes, where lighting and composition are used to highlight or display

the subjects in an effective, technically useful manner.

Some photography work primarily concerns creating images that present subjects in an

aesthetically pleasing or evocative manner. These photographs range from the "public affairs"

pictures that appear in employee newsletters, to more sophisticated photographs taken for

advertising purposes, for reproduction and sale, or for display in exhibits. In these photographs,

lighting and composition are used creatively to attract viewer attention, create a favorable

impression, or elicit certain emotional responses.

Regardless of the purposes of the photographs, the difficulty inherent in camera work is largely a

function of the planning involved and the amount of knowledge required about the subjects

being photographed. In some cases, the photographer may control the content and composition

of the photographs. The planning consists of selecting the subjects, background, positioning,

and manner of presentation. In other cases, the subjects may consist of real-life events that

cannot be altered by the photographer. Planning for these photographs involves studying the

subjects in advance to anticipate the photographic opportunities or to identify those aspects that

must be included in the photographic record. Generally speaking, the more planning that an

assignment involves, the greater is the degree of knowledge or understanding of the subject

required.

Photographer (camera) positions at the lower grade levels tend to concentrate more on the

application of the particular techniques required to take individual photographs. The degree of

subject matter knowledge required is usually limited to a familiarity with the common

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terminology of the program or discipline in order to understand instructions on what features of

the subjects to photograph. The planning is confined to assessing the particular equipment or

lighting needed under the given environmental conditions.

At the higher grade levels, photographers are more involved in taking sequences or collections of

photographs to document larger projects or activities. They must have a broader understanding

of the objectives of the project, and knowledge of the operations or activities involved, in order

to plan the photographic coverage in a way that will ensure accurate, comprehensive, and

objective treatment of the subject. For example, a photographer of engineering tests has to

understand the nature of the events to be captured to determine how the cameras should be set

up, at what stages the photographic record should be made, whether the cameras may be

damaged by the effects of the tests, and how to tie the camera controls into the whole process.

As another example, a photographer taking a photographic record of a planned news event must

be familiar with the background, the major participants and their interrelationships, and the

individual activities expected in order to capture images that do not distort or misrepresent the

actual occurrences.

Processing Work

Processing work requires familiarity with the range of equipment peculiar to individual

assignments. This may range from the equipment common to most photographic processing

laboratories, such as film and negative processors (both automated and manual), printers,

enlargers, duplicators, filmstrip generators, contact printers, and vacuum frames, to more

specialized equipment used for high precision or high resolution processing, such as manual and

computerized rectifiers and orthophoto printers. It also includes the special purpose equipment

used for repairing and duplicating motion picture film for archival preservation.

Camera photography and processing photography generally require an equivalent degree of

technical knowledge of equipment and techniques. The processes used in developing and

printing a piece of film are essentially similar to those used in recording the photograph, i.e., the

exposure of the film to light. Either kind of photography requires understanding and applying

the principles of lighting, color, and exposure and the uses and limitations of various films,

filters, lenses, and papers. In fact, in many cases, a poorly shot piece of film can be salvaged

through processing by altering the chemistry or exposure time or by extensive cropping or

retouching. Likewise, processing work may require the same degree of subject matter

knowledge as camera work. For example, processing a photograph designed to show the firing

of a weapon involves understanding both the objectives of the test and the expected physical

reactions to determine what specialized processing techniques will bring up or enhance the

desired images.

The difficulty inherent in processing positions is a function of the degree of precision or clarity

required of the end products. At the lower extreme are those few work situations where the

processing equipment is largely automated and requires minimal intervention on the part of the

employee. (This type of situation is not addressed in this standard.) Most photographic

assignments fall in the middle range, where the degree of clarity and resolution required is

equivalent to what would be expected of a commercial film processing laboratory. In these

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cases, the employee may manipulate the colors and contrast to improve the quality of the images,

but there is no requirement for a high degree of precision or sharpness of image. At the upper

extreme are those assignments involving the application of intensive processing efforts to

achieve a degree of quality and sharpness required for very specialized purposes. This is

characteristic of photographs taken, for example, as identification for insurance purposes, as

criminal evidence, or for cartographic use.

TITLES

Photographer is the title for nonsupervisory positions that involve primarily still photography or

any form of film processing work.

Videographer is the title for nonsupervisory positions that involve primarily operating video

cameras.

Supervisory Photographer and Supervisory Videographer are the titles for positions that meet the

criteria in the appropriate

supervisory grade evaluation guide.

Agencies may add parenthetical titles of their choosing where further distinctions in the work are

necessary for personnel management purposes.

EVALUATING POSITIONS

The grade level criteria in this standard cover typical full performance positions at grades GS-7

through GS-11. When a position fails to meet the lowest, or exceeds the highest level provided

for a particular factor, evaluate that factor using the FES

Primary Standard along with this

standard.

Evaluate positions on a factor-by-factor basis using the factor level descriptions found in this

standard. Only the designated point values may be used. This standard includes specific

illustrative work situations to supplement the concepts contained in the factor level descriptions.

Any one of these examples is not, by itself, totally representative of the factor level. Avoid

evaluating positions solely on the basis of comparison with assignments covered in the

illustrations. More complete instructions for evaluating positions under the Factor Evaluation

System are found in the

Introduction to the Position Classification Standards and The Classifier's

Handbook

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GRADE CONVERSION TABLE

Total points on all evaluation factors are converted to GS grade as follows:

GS Grade Point Range

7 1355-1600

8 1605-1850

9 1855-2100

10 2105-2350

11 2355-2750

FACTOR LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS

FACTOR 1, KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Level 1-5 -- 750 Points

In camera work, employees use knowledge of basic photographic composition in positioning

subjects, arranging backgrounds, and selecting camera angles and views to achieve aesthetically

pleasing results. They also use knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, compatibilities, and

operation of a variety of standard and specialized cameras, including electronic still imaging, and

accessories, including different films, filters, diffusers, lenses, and lights. Some employees

apply basic knowledge of specialized subject matter terminology to understand instructions

about what features of an object to photograph or emphasize. This knowledge is used in

applying a range of complicated techniques to photograph different types of subjects under

varying environmental conditions.

In processing work, employees use knowledge of developing, copying, and printing processes

and skill in operating a variety of manual and automatic photographic laboratory equipment to

assess the condition of source materials, make requisite adjustments in processing methods, and

apply processing and printing quality control procedures. They apply knowledge of the working

characteristics of photographic chemicals and solutions, the effect of solution and air

temperature on processing, and the interaction between a variety of chemicals and photographic

films and papers. This knowledge is used in processing a range of photographic products that

are tailored to achieve proper contrast, density, and color.

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Illustrations:

- The employee provides photographic support to the organization's public information

activities by photographing or videotaping award presentations, official portraits,

buildings and grounds, and staged or candid shots of equipment and work operations.

The subjects of the photographs or videotapes are typically identified at the onset of the

assignments. The employee applies knowledge of the appropriate cameras, lights, film

type, lenses, and exposures needed to photograph indoors and outdoors, in confined and

spacious areas, in natural and fluorescent lighting, and at night.

- The employee photographs museum artifacts, equipment components, medical

specimens, or other stationary objects for documentation, diagnostic, or training

purposes. The assignments pose special technical problems related to the illumination of

small spaces, the reflective properties of the surfaces, or the need to show fine details or

exact color renditions. The employee applies knowledge of how special lighting

techniques, such as fiber optic, axial, or ring lighting, can be used to illuminate cavities

or minute parts, and what special filters will eliminate glare and reflections, adjust colors,

or enhance contrasts.

- The employee develops black-and-white and color film; makes prints, photographic

reproductions of drawings, charts, or printed material; and produces duplicate negatives,

internegatives, slides, and viewgraphs. The employee evaluates the photographic

characteristics of the source materials and selects corresponding films, filters, exposures,

and papers based on their reproductive capabilities. The employee applies knowledge of

how the developing process can be manipulated (e.g., by changing chemical solutions,

timing, exposure, or agitation) to compensate for deviations from normal film quality.

The employee also applies skill in using techniques such as dodging, burning, cropping,

and retouching to reduce obvious flaws in the material, and in applying sensitometric and

densitometric tests to evaluate and adjust color balance and density.

Level 1-6 -- 950 Points

In camera work, employees use knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of specialized

photographic equipment, films, and processes to adapt equipment to compensate for physical

stresses and special wiring requirements. They also use knowledge of specialized photography

requirements, such as high-speed cameras, special films, wired or photoelectric triggering

mechanisms, or other specialized equipment or techniques to complete assignments requiring

unusually high degrees of detail, critical timing, or critical focus. Some employees apply

knowledge of the operations or characteristics of a specialized subject matter field, such as

anatomy, forensic science, or a category of technical equipment, or of a program area or topic

being depicted to plan the photographic coverage of subjects, events, or activities.

Employees use knowledge of the organization, the photographic objectives, and viewer reaction

to various types of images to select or stage scenes and events that will evoke the desired

responses.

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In processing work, employees use knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of

unusual archival materials, such as glass plate negatives, nitrate film, diazo prints, and lantern

slides, to generate photographic reproductions. This work also requires knowledge about

compatibility with modern equipment and chemicals, and the specialized techniques used in

handling them to repair and print from damaged, fragile, or deteriorated source media.

Some employees use knowledge of and skill in operating special-purpose or high-precision

photographic laboratory equipment to adapt standard procedures, techniques, and processes in

processing film. They assess and resolve difficult or unusual problems related to the

enhancement or correction of photographic images.

Illustrations:

- The employee performs still photographic and video documentation of surgeries, post

mortems, and other medical procedures for research and education purposes. The

employee coordinates with the surgical team prior to the procedure to determine

photographic requirements and the equipment and lighting needed to capture the desired

images. The employee uses subject-matter knowledge to anticipate the various stages in

the procedure, to recognize points of interest, and to apply discretion in documenting

elements beyond the scope of the surgeon's explicit instructions. This knowledge is also

used in reviewing clinical case histories to document with photographs progression of

diseases or other medical phenomena over time.

- The employee sets up and operates standard and high speed still and video cameras to

document missile test launchings and flights, blast effects on launchers and targets, and

pre-test missile installations. The employee meets with project engineers to review test

plans and procedures and to determine the type of photographic information desired.

Using knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of the photographic equipment used,

the employee adapts the equipment to assure successful accomplishment of the test

objectives and to withstand the stresses to which it will be subjected, such as rewiring

power sources for remote control operation or building special mounts to withstand

vibrations.

- The employee performs studio and remote videography in support of the organization's

audiovisual production facility. The employee reviews the script with the director prior

to videotaping to define the production's photographic and stylistic requirements. The

employee uses this understanding of the director's intentions to deviate from the script

and take additional field shots that will facilitate editing, capture interesting scenes that

were not anticipated, and minimize distracting audio and visual elements. The employee

may also perform video documentation using his/her own initiative in determining what

scenes are necessary to establish the main facts, accurately represent the event, and place

it in proper context.

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The employee photographs criminal evidence and custom processes the film to obtain

high quality photographs for investigative and legal purposes. The employee works

closely with investigators to photograph latent fingerprints, such as perspiration, dust,

and grease prints, and other evidence susceptible to photographic enhancement. The

employee understands how images appear in the light spectrum and applies a range of

specialized technical methods to bring up fine details, sharpen images, or eliminate

certain colors or features when processing photographic renditions that can be used in

court.

- The employee carries out precision processing operations to generate high quality,

precisely scaled photographic reproductions of maps, charts, and other cartographic

materials. The employee applies skill in the operation of a variety of specialized

photographic laboratory equipment such as vacuum frames, precision process cameras,

and manual rectifiers. The employee generates products with specified density, tone

range, dimensional accuracy, and minimal distortion and image displacement.

Level 1-7 -- 1250 Points

Employees use a comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of specialized photographic

equipment, techniques, and processes to develop, modify, or adapt equipment and procedures to

meet new requirements or to perform assignments involving unusual or unprecedented situations

that require photographic treatment. They use a knowledge of the most recent advancements in

the field of photography and of the range of new equipment, experimental materials, techniques,

or processes to create photographic products or to evaluate possibilities for improvements,

modifications, or replacements of existing equipment, materials, and techniques. Some

employees apply a thorough knowledge of the subject matter area including an understanding of

the objectives and operations involved in scientific, engineering, or medical research projects to

independently plan the photographic recording and reporting.

Some employees apply knowledge of the techniques and methods for communicating

information with photography to create photographic products that go beyond being technically

perfect to provide insight into the object itself or present a heightened aspect of reality. They

also use this knowledge to create the illusion of real action, to simulate events, or to use trick

photography in unprecedented situations where artistic and creative ability is required.

Illustrations:

- The employee participates as a member of the planning team in contributing

photographic knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of cameras and equipment to

the total planning of a medical, scientific, or engineering research project. The employee

develops and adapts equipment and techniques that will be responsive to unusual or

highly specialized situations requiring photographic treatment. Using a comprehensive

knowledge of the subject matter and an understanding of the objectives of the research,

the employee develops and designs the approach to the photographic aspects of the

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project. The employee determines what specific information will be presented to

advance the informational or educational value of the photographic products.

- The employee plans and produces photographs and videotapes including coverage of live

and special events. The employee applies knowledge of new photographic equipment,

methods, and procedures, trends in photography, and artistic and creative ability to

present realistic photographic rendering of events or occurrences that, in fact, are not

subject to successful "real life" photography. The employee uses special effects

photography where a high degree of ingenuity and imagination is required and, where

possible, exercises control over the setting or action of the event by "staging" actions to

improve the artistic effect of the photographs.

FACTOR 2, SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Level 2-3 -- 275 Points

The supervisor makes assignments by defining objectives (e.g., indicating generally what

features of the subjects should be emphasized or enhanced), priorities, and deadlines, and assists

the employee when assignments call for substantial departures from established procedures or

standard photographic techniques.

The employee plans and carries out the successive steps of the photographic assignment and

independently solves commonly occurring technical problems, such as inadequate lighting,

poorly shot film, and equipment malfunctions.

Completed work is evaluated for technical quality, appropriateness, and for meeting the

objectives of the assignment. The methods used in accomplishing the work are not usually

reviewed in detail.

Level 2-4 -- 450 Points

The employee is given only the overall objectives and resource limitations of the assignment,

and participates with the supervisor or client in developing deadlines and the extent of

photographic coverage or resolution required.

The employee, having developed expertise in the field, independently plans and carries out all

phases of the assignment, resolves most differences that arise with clients, coordinates the work

with others as necessary, and interprets policy on such matters as the photographing or

presentation of given subjects.

Completed work is reviewed only in terms of its effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the

assignment.

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FACTOR 3, GUIDELINES

Level 3-2 -- 125 Points

The format and content of the visual product are specified and techniques and procedures for

doing the work are established. Technical guides are available that provide detailed instructions

on such matters as lens settings and exposure times to be used in taking routine photographs and

in producing standard negatives and prints under normal conditions.

The employee uses judgment in locating and selecting appropriate references and in making

minor deviations in procedures to fit the specific assignment. Situations where precedents are

not available or where procedures and methods must be substantially altered are referred to the

supervisor for additional guidance.

Level 3-3 -- 275 Points

The parameters of the photographic assignment are well-defined in terms of the subject, the way

in which it will be presented, and the aspects that are to be emphasized. However, methods for

producing the work have not been specified in detail. Guidelines consist primarily of

photography manuals that address the accepted principles and techniques of still or video

photography, processing, or duplication, but often do not cover the more specialized

requirements of the work performed.

The employee uses judgment in interpreting and adapting these guidelines for application to

specific cases and problems. The employee is expected to recognize and exploit photographic

opportunities that arise during the course of an assignment and to determine the specialized

lighting and filters that will enhance the desired features.

Level 3-4 -- 450 Points

The work product expected is presented only in terms of a general theme to be expressed or an

objective to be achieved. The content and style of the photographs or the equipment

configurations used are left largely to the discretion of the employee. Because of the unique

nature of the projects, guidelines are scarce or of limited use. Those guidelines that do exist

consist primarily of photography textbooks that discuss the aesthetic aspects of composition,

lighting, and style, or the operating features and capabilities of standard and specialized

photographic equipment.

The employee uses initiative and resourcefulness in evaluating the subjects to be photographed,

identifying the visual elements necessary to represent the topic or event accurately, and devising

new ways to present the subjects or capture the images desired. In some work situations, the

employee may test and evaluate complex, experimental materials or processes by using precision

photographic analysis equipment to analyze their chemical, physical, and optical properties, or

make significant adaptations to existing equipment to meet specialized requirements.

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FACTOR 4, COMPLEXITY

Level 4-3 -- 150 Points

The work involves a variety of photographic assignments, each with its own technical

requirements and processes.

- In camera work, the assignments typically involve a variety of still and limited video

photography. The subjects to be photographed are specified, the extent of coverage is

predetermined, and the general format is established. The emphasis is on taking clear

photographs to document visually objects, images, or events, or to display certain

features. The employee's discretion on the photographic composition is generally limited

to determining the position, background, lighting, angles, distance, and other aspects that

will complement or enhance the subjects. However, the assignments require the use of

different cameras, lenses, lens settings, film, filters, lighting equipment, and other

accessories to produce images of acceptable quality.

- In processing work, the assignments involve producing a variety of standard

photographic products such as color or black-and-white prints, enlargements, slides,

contact prints, and duplicate negatives. The work is done both using automated

equipment and manually for "custom" jobs. The emphasis is on maintaining consistent

levels of quality and on applying corrective measures to compensate for defects in the

source materials. The employee uses discretion in identifying what aspects of the image

can be manipulated to enhance the quality of the end product such as adjusting density,

correcting color balance, controlling contrast, or minimizing shadows or glare.

The employee makes decisions on the technical processes that will be used to assure the optimal

photographic product. These decisions are based on such considerations as the amount of light

available, the properties and characteristics of the subjects, the degree of detail required, or, in

processing work, the type and condition of the film or negatives and the nature of the end

product desired.

The employee identifies features that are difficult to photograph, such as reflective surfaces, fine

or subsurface details, confined spaces, or moving parts, or that pose processing problems, such

as under or over exposed film. The employee makes compensating adjustments in equipment

and techniques.

Level 4-4 -- 225 Points

The work involves varied photographic assignments requiring the application of a wide range of

processes, methods, and techniques.

- In camera work, the subjects are identified but no specific format, composition, or

manner of presentation have been specified in advance. The emphasis is on working with

the client in planning the content and execution of a photographic collection. In some

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cases, these products may be designed to document or encapsulate large-scale activities

or a complex sequence of events, for example, the photographic coverage of a political

convention, the construction of a building, the stages of a scientific research program, the

growth of a bacterial culture, a surgical procedure, or a pathological specimen. In others,

they may be designed to achieve certain unusual visual effects, for example, creating the

illusion of reality through the use of miniature sets and special lighting.

- In processing work, the assignments involve photographic products that must meet highly

specialized requirements and standards of quality or precision. The emphasis is on

working with very poor quality, damaged, fragile, or otherwise inadequate source

materials to produce prints that will meet the requirements of the users. The actual

camera work that was done in recording the image is often subordinate to the processing

work in the development of the end product. For example, the photographs may have

been taken by amateurs or by automated equipment, with the processors then responsible

for recovering the maximum information from this imagery to achieve the degree of

clarity or precision required.

The employee makes decisions on the composition of the final photographic products by

identifying the important features of the subject in relation to the purposes of the photographs.

In camera work, the employee assesses how these features can best be displayed or represented

in a manner that ensures comprehensive, accurate, and objective portrayal of the subject. The

employee also decides the scenes, angles, and views that will be photographed and, if necessary,

the models or materials that will be needed to stage elements of the photographs. In processing

work, the employee assesses how the source material can be manipulated, through the selective

use of filters, exposures, and other techniques, to accentuate the main points of interest.

The assignments typically involve complicating conditions that require modifying standard

photographic methods and techniques or adapting equipment to meet specialized requirements.

In camera work, these may include taking photographs under extreme or difficult environmental

conditions, such as in heavy rain or wind, under water, or through glass, or compensating for

limitations and incompatibilities in photographic materials and equipment, such as by

manipulating filtration and lighting to achieve precise color renditions. In processing work,

assignments may include handling source materials with multiple deficiencies that require

different treatments such as negatives that are faded and stained in different areas.

FACTOR 5, SCOPE AND EFFECT

Level 5-2 -- 75 Points

The purpose of the work is to produce photographic products that require application of

fundamental methods, techniques, and procedures in the use of standard camera equipment.

The work products affect the accuracy of information to convey clearly and simply the required

meaning.

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Level 5-3 -- 150 Points

The purpose of the work is to produce a variety of conventional photographic products that

depict subject matter information or events. These products are conventional in that they are

executed using well-established processes and specifications or the same general manner of

presentation as other precedent materials.

The work products affect the adequacy of the organization’s local training, public information,

or scientific documentation activities.

Level 5-4 -- 225 Points

The purpose of the work is to plan the composition, coverage, and execution of a photographic

collection or to perform high-precision photographic processing. The work typically involves a

number of unusual technical problems, such as photographing subjects under extreme

environmental conditions or by remote control, devising ways to express abstract ideas through

photography, or processing old photographic materials that are incompatible with modern

developing chemicals and equipment.

The work affects a wide range of agency activities such as public information efforts covering

the programs and operations of a major organization and its subordinate field units, the activities

of other agencies involved in related work, or major activities of commercial photography

laboratories.

FACTOR 6, PERSONAL CONTACTS AND FACTOR 7, PURPOSE OF

CONTACTS

Match the level of regular and recurring personal contacts with the directly related purpose of

contacts and credit the appropriate point value using the chart below.

Persons Contacted

1. Contacts are with employees in the immediate office and in related support offices.

2. Contacts are with employees in different functions or program areas or at various

organizational levels in the same agency but outside the photography organization.

These contacts are generally for established and routine relationships. Contacts include

illustrating and printing personnel, editors, commercial photography laboratories, and

specialists and technicians in other fields.

3. Contacts are with individuals or groups from outside the agency on matters for which

there is no routine working relationship already established. Contacts include

representatives of manufacturers of photographic equipment and materials, publication

editors, and contractors.

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Purpose of Contacts

a. Contacts are to obtain or request information needed to produce photographic products.

b. Contacts are to plan, coordinate, or advise on work efforts or to resolve technical

problems by influencing individuals or groups who are working toward mutual goals and

are basically cooperative. Contacts may involve planning, advising, and resolving

photographic work efforts in regard to research or informational programs.

P U R P O S E

a b

30*

110

*This combination is unlikely.

FACTOR 8, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Level 8-1 -- 5 Points

The work is primarily sedentary, although there is some walking, traveling, and carrying of

lightweight equipment and materials.

Level 8-2 -- 20 Points

The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing; walking over rough

or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, or stretching; and recurring lifting of

moderately heavy equipment and materials.

Level 8-3 -- 50 Points

The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing of tall

ladders, lifting heavy objects over 22.5 kilograms (50 lbs), and crouching or crawling in

restricted areas.

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FACTOR 9, WORK ENVIRONMENT

Level 9-1 -- 5 Points

The work is typically performed in adequately lighted and climate controlled offices and studios

and requires no special safety precautions.

Level 9-2 -- 20 Points

The work requires moderate risks or discomforts such as working near or on moving machinery,

using flammable or explosive materials, or being exposed to irritant chemicals or infectious

diseases. The work may require special safety precautions and the use of protective clothing or

gear.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 16