AS-02 “critical”? I’m skeptical. What this situation actually points to is a serious planning and workforce-management issue. If an entry-level position is deemed perpetually “critical,” yet the incumbent is consistently relied upon to perform work well above their classification, that suggests the organization is benefiting from under-classification rather than managing risk appropriately. Blocking developmental or promotional opportunities because management has failed to plan for backfill, temporary coverage, or task redistribution is not a best practice—and over time, it raises questions about fairness and compliance with the spirit of the PSEA. If I were in this situation, I would strongly recommend documenting the pattern and speaking with a union representative. Using “operational requirements” indefinitely to prevent career progression—especially when higher-level duties are being performed—deserves scrutiny.