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I know that many of us have that final bullet point on our job description that says something like “Other duties as required.”

For myself, that little add-on has meant doing or performing some tasks that I never imagined myself doing in a particular job. I’ll give an example in the next post.

How about you?

Do you have some interesting “other duties as required” that you can share? Things you never expected to do or be asked to do in your job?

Share them here!

7 Spice ups
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When I used to program, I had to develop a Job Description Development and Documentation system for Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) in the early 90’s. The release of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) forced Martin Marietta, a government contractor, to re-write all their job descriptions, as well as condense them down. We had over 5,000 job descriptions and reduced them down to about 560 or something similar.

Anyway, they sent me to a lot of classes (non-programming and I was hired as a Database Development Consultant) about HR, staffing, writing job descriptions, etc. And, since all the funding didn’t come through, I was actually the project manager for a 1/2 manual (front end) and 1/2 computerized (back end) system. This means we manually re-wrote Job Descriptions and then we input them into a mainframe-based system for documenting the final revisions and allowing for future updates and documenting those changes.

I was also responsible for training my staff and management (upper and middle) within the company on how to write correct job descriptions and was the “go to” guy when people became stuck.

Additionally, I’ve done a lot of Training & Development through the years too and one of the tricks of the trade is to write about a training class so that it sounds fun and appealing (which, hopefully they are anyway).

So, now I find myself with a skill of “wordsmithing” resumes, job descriptions and training classes that gives a positive spin on things (without lying).

So, by hook or crook, this is one of my many “other duties as required” skills that I picked up through the years! lol

3

Reprogramming a 5-screen printer servo controller (as well as having to make up a custom serial cable to do it) is my best! Was good fun though!

4

I have done alot in the way of 5% other related duties over the years, including impromptu janitorial services.

I have always looked at it as a service to the company I worked for, making sure I did everything I could do to make its mission succeed because in the long run if the company as a whole doesn’t make it, there is a lot more suffering.

That doesn’t mean I do things without kicking an screaming though. I guess its just the ole country boy coming out in me :))

I currently mop the computer room, go around the office reclaiming office supplies etc, reboot executives phones and reset there BB email sync’ng for the 100th time because their network password changed and they can’t remember the url.

I love my job!!!

Terry

5

Cleaning the car of the boss :slight_smile: But this was in the days of my apprenticeship.

6

I’ve done various maintenance around the school. But that’s only when the maintenance guy asks for help. We’ve got that kind of “you scratch my back I’ll scratch your’s” agreement since we’re both one man shops.

7

Since I am the second youngest employee at the corporate office, mine is Manual Labor. I had to move File Cabinets last week.

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Since I am always two hours earlier than anyone else, I get to make the coffee. I also get to take the recycle bin out every week.

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Texkonc wrote:

Since I am the second youngest employee at the corporate office, mine is Manual Labor. I had to move File Cabinets last week.

I can remember a few times as an (Engineering) intern being asked to come in after hours and move furniture around the office. Fortunately, no injuries and I was paid overtime. :slight_smile:

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Oh, I once had to put together a IKEA Billie- sideboard. The girls from the finance department broke their fingernails on it…

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In the days before bluetooth headsets, I had to install hands free car kits in the company vehicles.

I have also installed CCTV cameras and hooked them upto 24hr video recorders.

But I can’t complain, the directors are hands on and will do some of the menial tasks in the factory.

12

I worked on campus at the local college for a while and did everything from move furniture to installing spotlights, to running microphones and TV video cameras for presentations.

The Helpdesk was also responsible for being Parking Attendants for big events. Gotta love the “other duties” item.

13

I’m the coffee guy too. I also change light bulbs every so often if i have nothing else to do. Ive put chairs and tables together, moved file cabnets, picked up trash in the parking lot. I dont mind it in my down time i guess. Gets me out of the office/brain for a while.

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Installing and removing keyboard trays from cubicle desks; despite the fact that this task is supposed to be carried out by the building maintenance people, the Support Department is always asked to do this.

Oh and in our old building, we were apparently responsible for knowing where the toiletry supplies were kept…

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Anything that runs on electricity is considered my territory, but I have also cleaned the flood drains, fixed toilets, built flower beds, built a mailbox stand in the parking lot, picked pecans, changed A/C filters, made coffee, and more. I also pick up the birthday cakes for employees.

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General handyman duties; fixing shelves, hanging paintings; whiteboards etc.

I’ve also plunged out more than a dozen clogged sinks and am, I suppose, angling to be the office photographer. At least I can’t do a worse job than the people who currently try and do it.