Repository: UIHistories Project: SWE - News Clippings Book [PAGE 37]

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State, other s t a t e agencies, and throughout the building. There are q u e s t i o n s involving union labor. There's the problem of a state-employed mother who would like to relocate for reasons of her children's health. There are deliberations on sick-leave interpretation. On occasion, she is a "convenient shoulder to cry on," for both supervisors and employees. A great deal of Marian's time goes into analyzing positions, classifications, and salaries, and keeping tab on the "changing scene" to meet current personnel needs. For example, she's currently involved with the reorganization of the division's accounting department on a statewide basis, and thus dealing with both administrators and employees as to duties, workflow, and similar matters. Last year a new series of classifications for maintenance men was established, clarifying job status, and also recognizing the changing skill requirements in this field. A similar revision is in the offing for landscape workers. In 1961 a series of engineering technician classes was established.

Must Predetermine Needs Personnel Officer Marian Smith examines the latest Division of Highways staffing pattern, with Personnel Analysts Laura Cameron (left) and Joan Meckfessel. Charted statistics help Marian and her aides recommend proportionate staffing in various districts.

Marian must predetermine employment needs of all sections within the division, seeing that adequate eligibility lists exist, and requesting civil service exams to be scheduled as required. T o keep personnel activities running smoothly throughout the State, Marian visits each of the 11 districts and the toll bridge headquarters a p p r o x i mately twice each year. She was 1961 chairman of the State Personnel Officers Council, which comprises personnel officers of all state agencies and meets once each month to discuss various phases of the state personnel picture. Among Marian's many continuing responsibilities are performance appraisal programs, along with development of improved work standards and

methods. There's many a discussion with employees regarding opportunities to advance. All get genuine consideration from Marian whatever their problem: funny, trying, or challenging.

Slim, Alert, Friendly

Handling all of this, and still more, the slim, alert, and friendly Miss Smith still finds time for outside activity. She's active as a Sunday School superintendent, and active also in the American A s s o c i a t i o n of University Women. During vacation she travels; and has already been to the Orient, to Europe, and Central America. In 1951

Marian spent six months at Mexico City College, studying international relations and Spanish. Of the staff of personnel analysts who aid Marian in reviewing classifications and salaries, and in similar duties, several are women. Women also hold jobs in such responsible classifications as accounting officers, professional accountants, research statisticians, delineators, and in other specialized division functions, as well as in clerical posts. All told, California's Division of Highways employs well over 2,000 women, and offers great professional opportunity.

California Highways and Public Works

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