1. (a) For original assignments into the state classified system and, subject to Per 901.06, for assignments into the state classified system after a separation, the appointing authority shall set the beginning pay at the minimum step established for a job title, except as specified in (c) through (d), below.
2. (b) For assignments of candidates already employed in state service at the time of the assignment, the appointing authority shall set pay in accordance with Per 901.08, except as specified in (c) and (d), below.

3. (c) The director, at the request of the appointing authority or their designee submitting a waiver, shall set pay at a higher step than established in (a) or (b) if the director determines that:

   1. (1) Difficulties in recruitment necessitate placement at a higher step than the minimum; or
   2. (2) The applicant selected to fill a vacancy possesses skills, education, work experience, and a compensation history justifying a higher step and that it is in the best interest of the state to hire the applicant at the higher step.

4. (d) When determining whether to set beginning pay at a higher step than the minimum, for the reasons specified in (c), the director shall consider:

   1. (1) The length of time the position has been vacant;
   2. (2) The length of time the position has been in active recruitment;
   3. (3) The number of applications received;
   4. (4) The number of applicants meeting the certification requirements of Per 403;
   5. (5) The proposed pay band, step, and annual pay;
   6. (6) A written statement by the appointing authority setting forth the appointing authority’s reasons for requesting a starting pay above the minimum step;
   7. (7) A written statement by the appointing authority setting forth the employment and compensation history of the applicant, or if currently unemployed, the past compensation history of the applicant that the appointing authority believes justifies placement above the minimum step established for the job title; and
   8. (8) A statement by the appointing authority setting forth the specific skills, background, and experience of the applicant that justifies a placement above the minimum step.

Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Per 100) #8738, eff 10-18-06; ss by #10817, eff 5-17-15; ss by #14439, eff 12-1-25, EXPIRES: 12-1-35