Changing jobs
Thinking about a temporary move, acting in a higher-level role or exploring a career secondment? Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, pay, benefits and who to talk to before you make a change.
Types of job changes
There are several circumstances for job changes at UVic; each have their own nuances. The first step is knowing what kind of job changes are available to you.
You are always welcome to browse the for new opportunities. Accepting a new job will mean resigning from your current job, except in the case of career secondments.
Internal employees may be entitled to interview for positions they are qualified for within their current union; review your Collective Agreement for more information.
A secondment is a temporary move to a different role, often in another department or bargaining unit, while you keep your home position status (benefits, pension, leave accruals). Secondments require supervisor approval. PEA secondments may also be with an external institution.
A temporary assignment is when you are temporarily assigned to perform the full or principal duties of a higher-level PEA role for 20+ working days to cover a vacancy or leave.
A provisional appointment is when you temporarily move into a vacant role where you are taking on some or all of the duties of a higher level position within your department.
Review the relevant section below for more information about pay adjustments and related processes.
Secondments
Career secondments are a common way to develop new skills and experiences by taking on temporary higher-level work, often in a new department or work context.
Secondments require supervisor approval before you accept the position. If approved, your start date will be determined by your current and new supervisors, based on the operational needs of both departments.
If a secondment request is not approved, you may still pursue and accept other roles by formally resigning from your current position. It is recommended that you consult with HR, the Benefits Office, and Pension Services before resigning, to fully understand your rights and entitlements, especially if you transition from a regular to a temporary position.
Vacation & benefits
Vacation & benefits remain with your home position when participating in a career secondment. Leave approval is managed by the new department.
Professional development funding
While participating in a career secondment, your professional development funding remains linked to your home position. You may continue to apply for funding opportunities based on the eligibility criteria associated with your regular role.
In addition, your home department may offer supplementary support for specific professional development initiatives. We encourage you to speak with your supervisor to explore available options and ensure your plans align with departmental priorities.
For further details, please visit the professional development funding webpage.
Pay adjustment
Excluded leaders assess based on PEA position.
Note: When a CUPE employee is seconded to a PEA role, no modified/flex schedules apply while in the PEA role.
Starting salary determined following consultation with Human Resources.
Note: When an employee is seconded to an ME role, they may not accrue compensatory time off (CTO), but may be eligible for ME special leave, depending on the length of their leave.
To initiate a secondment
Secondments are initiated by you, the employee.
- Talk with your supervisor about your professional development goals and your interest in temporary developmental opportunities.
- Look for temporary roles on the UVic job board. In your cover letter, identify that you are seeking the role as a career secondment opportunity.
- If offered a temporary job, seek approval from your supervisor for a career secondment leave.
Provisional appointment (CUPE 917/951)
A provisional appointment a temporary move into another position (usually higher-level) to cover a vacancy or someone’s leave. You return to your regular job when it ends.
Durations
- CUPE 917: Normally up to 60 days
- CUPE 951: Normally up to 3 months
Pay adjustment
- CUPE 917: Article 25 – Section D: Provisional Job Payment
- CUPE 951: Article 25 - Section B: Provisional Payment
Vacation & benefits
Vacation accrual, benefits, and pension all continue under your home CUPE position. If your provisional appointment is in a new department, leave approval may shift to the new department for the duration of your appointment.
Note: No modified or flex schedules will apply while provisionally appointed to a PEA role.
Provisional pay (CUPE 917/951)
Provisional pay is short term extra pay when you’re asked to perform the principal duties of a higher-level job while you stay in your current position. As a result, there are no changes to vacation entitlements, benefits, or leave approvals.
Duration
- Provisional pay is for short term coverage while you stay in your job. If longer, your manager will usually move to a provisional appointment.
Pay adjustment
- 5 percent increase within the higher classification pay range, if duties are within the same bargaining unit, up to the maximum of that pay band.
- Minimum 10 percent increase if the temporary duties are outside the CUPE unit (Article 25.04)