In this chapter and in the Queen Anne's County Personnel Manual, the following words have the meanings indicated:
APPOINTING AUTHORITY
The designated position responsible for making the decision to appoint and terminate persons occupying nonelected classes of work positions within the County government.
BUDGETED POSITION
One that is expressly approved by the County Commissioners as part of the annual budget process. It is specifically shown in the position schedule that is completed as part of the budget process. Individuals paid from line items covering a number of contractual employees are not considered to be regular employees of the County and do not occupy budgeted positions.
CLASS OF WORK
A grouping of positions bearing the same title which are assigned to the same pay grade on a County salary scale.
CLASSIFICATION
The process of systematically examining and evaluating the duties, responsibilities and overall value of positions and classes of work to the County and, thereafter, assigning positions to an appropriate class of work and all classes of work to an appropriate grade on a County pay scale.
CLASSIFIED SERVICE
Consists of those full- and part-time positions which are designated as such by resolution of the County Commissioners.
ELIGIBILITY LIST
A list of persons who have successfully completed all phases of the selection process for a position or position series and are eligible for appointment to the position or positions.
EXEMPT SERVICE
Consists of State officials who by State law are funded by the County and subject to the County budget procedures, agents, and employees of the County specified herein who are exempt from certain provisions of this chapter as hereafter specified. Such State officials are not made County employees by inclusion in the Exempt Service, however the County has included such personnel for the purpose of assisting the State officers who manage such personnel by providing them with the Department of Human Resources functions and services specified in Article III of this chapter.
PERSONNEL ACTION
A. 
Includes, with respect to any member of the classified service:
(1) 
Any evaluation of job performance which reports unsatisfactory performance;
(2) 
Written reprimand;
(3) 
Suspension without pay;
(4) 
Reclassification with a reduction or loss of associated compensation;
(5) 
Demotion; and
(6) 
Termination from employment.
B. 
A "personnel action" shall not include:
(1) 
Any evaluation of job performance which reports performance which is better than unsatisfactory;
(2) 
Oral reprimand;
(3) 
Suspension with pay;
(4) 
Reclassification without a reduction or loss of associated compensation; or
(5) 
Other personnel status change.
POSITION
A budgeted and authorized grouping of tasks, duties and functions. A position may be either occupied by an employee or vacant.
PROFESSIONAL AND EXECUTIVE SERVICE
Consists of those professional County staff members designated as such by resolution of the County Commissioners and all department directors and persons who serve at the pleasure of the County Commissioners.
In this chapter, the provisions and rules of this section shall be observed and applied, except where the context clearly requires otherwise.
A. 
Verb tense. Words used or defined in one tense or form shall include other tenses and derivative forms.
B. 
Masculine and feminine gender. The masculine gender shall include the feminine, and the feminine gender shall include the masculine.
C. 
"Shall." The word "shall" is mandatory.
D. 
"May." The word "may" is permissive.
E. 
Text controls. In case of any difference in the meaning or implication between the text of this chapter and any caption, illustration or table, the text shall control.