What is Classification?

“Classification” means a job that is occupationally and quantifiably distinct.

The process of classification relates to both jobs and employees in the classified service. In the classified service, team members perform job audits to identify work performed by state employees, develop occupationally based job descriptions to be used to describe this work, allocate positions to the appropriate job classification description, and ensure that employees are properly classified based on position allocations.

Responsibilities of the Compensation and Classification unit also include maintaining a position management system to identify all classified positions established in the executive branch of state government and reviewing agency personnel actions to ensure compliance with the Personnel Act and the State Personnel Board rules.

What is Compensation?

The Compensation and Classification unit administers a variety of compensation administration policies and programs for state government. Compensation comprises the elements of pay that the State offers an employee in return for his or her services. This consists of both “direct” and “indirect” compensation. Direct compensation consists of base pay that includes wages and salaries, overtime, pay differentials and/or various multiple components of pay. The many mechanisms of direct pay are defined and administered under the provisions of 1.7.4 NMAC – Pay. Indirect compensation is further discussed below under “Total Compensation”.

What is Total Compensation?

Total Compensation simply means all forms of cash compensation and the dollar value of employer sponsored benefits. Total compensation can be further be defined as “the complete rewards/recognition package for employees, including all forms of money, benefits, perquisites, services and in-kind payments. The State of New Mexico provides a competitive employee benefit package that includes: employer paid medical contributions, pension (PERA retirement) contributions, paid leave allowances for vacation days, sick days and paid holidays. Additionally, state employees can take advantage of a Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan that allows for contributions to a tax-deferred savings program that can be used to supplement their retirement plan.