Staff Ranks & Promotion Path
Chapter 21 — The four staff tiers, exact permissions for each rank, and how promotions are earned.
Federal SMP uses a tiered staff structure. Every rank builds on the trust and skill demonstrated in the one before it — there are no shortcuts, and no rank is handed out for reasons other than proven ability. The permissions listed below are the actual server permissions each rank holds.
Helper (Trial Moderator)
The entry point for all new staff. Helpers are tested and personally trained by management and senior staff before being trusted with commands. A Helper's job is to build the fundamentals: answering player questions, enforcing chat rules, and learning how the team operates.
Permissions
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/warn <player> <reason> | Issue a formal warning (logged in LibertyBans) |
/mute <player> <duration> <reason> | Mute a player for a specified duration (LibertyBans) |
Restrictions
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Cannot ban | No access to /ban, /ipban, or any ban commands |
| Cannot unmute | Must ask a Moderator or above to reverse a mute |
| Cannot teleport | No access to /tp or /tphere |
| Cannot vanish | No access to /vanish |
| Cannot screenshare | Must escalate suspected cheaters to a Moderator or above |
NOTE
Helpers are expected to focus on general player support and chat moderation. If a situation requires investigation tools or banning authority, escalate to a Moderator immediately.
Promotion to Moderator
There is no fixed timeline. Promotion happens once management and coworkers agree the Helper has demonstrated reliable judgement, rule knowledge, and professionalism.
Moderator
Promotion to Moderator happens after proven reliability, judgement, and professionalism as a Helper (typically 1-3 months). This is the rank at which a staff member gains full investigative and punishment authority, including independent screensharing.
Permissions
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| Everything from Helper | All /warn and /mute permissions carry over |
/unmute <player> | Reverse a mute issued by any staff member |
/ban <player> <duration> <reason> | Ban a player for a specified duration (LibertyBans) |
/ipban <player> <reason> | IP ban a player (LibertyBans) |
/tp <player> | Teleport to a player for investigation |
/tphere <player> | Summon a player to your location for investigation |
/history <player> | View a player's full punishment history |
/blame <player> | Check punishment records and responsible staff |
| Screensharing | Conduct screenshares independently without senior oversight |
Promotion to Admin
There is no fixed timeline. Promotion is based entirely on demonstrated experience, trust, and the judgement shown over time as a Moderator.
Admin
Admin is earned when management judges a Moderator has the experience, judgement, and trust necessary for the server's most sensitive tools and decisions. Admin is the highest staff-earned rank.
Permissions
| Command / Access | Description |
|---|---|
| Everything from Moderator | All investigation, punishment, and screenshare permissions carry over |
/vanish | Become invisible to all non-staff players |
/unban <player> | Unban a previously banned player |
/ipunban <player> | Remove an IP ban |
/god | Toggle invulnerability (for investigation and building) |
/fly | Toggle flight (for investigation and building) |
| Permanent bans & appeals | Final authority on permanent bans and appeal decisions |
Discord Permissions
| Access | Description |
|---|---|
| Manage channels/roles | Create, edit, and delete channels and roles below Admin level |
| AutoMod rules | Configure and manage Discord AutoMod rules |
| Server lockdowns | Initiate server-wide lockdowns during raids or emergencies |
Owner / Manager
This rank sits above Admin and is not a promotion path — it belongs to those who founded or manage Federal SMP itself. It carries full server authority.
Permissions
| Access | Description |
|---|---|
| Full server authority | Unrestricted access to all server commands and systems |
| Plugin configuration | Install, configure, and manage all server plugins |
| Policy & staff decisions | Final say on all policy, staff decisions, and this handbook |
Rank Comparison at a Glance
| Capability | Helper | Moderator | Admin | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
/warn | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
/mute | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
/unmute | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
/ban | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
/ipban | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
/unban | No | No | Yes | Yes |
/ipunban | No | No | Yes | Yes |
/tp / /tphere | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
/vanish | No | No | Yes | Yes |
/god / /fly | No | No | Yes | Yes |
/history / /blame | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Screensharing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plugin configuration | No | No | No | Yes |
GOLDEN RULE
Every promotion on this team is earned through demonstrated trust, not tenure alone. Time in rank matters far less than the judgement, consistency, and integrity you show while you're there.
Quick Review — Q&A
Q: What is the entry-level staff rank called, and what can it do?
A: Helper (Trial Moderator). Helpers can issue warnings with /warn and mute players with /mute. They cannot ban, unmute, teleport, vanish, or conduct screenshares.
Q: What punishment plugin does Federal SMP use?
A: LibertyBans. All warn, mute, ban, and IP ban commands go through LibertyBans.
Q: What is the single biggest new authority a Moderator gains over a Helper?
A: Several major ones: the ability to ban and IP ban players, teleport for investigations, check punishment history, and conduct screenshares independently.
Q: Can a Helper unmute a player they muted by mistake?
A: No. Helpers do not have /unmute access. They must ask a Moderator or above to reverse the mute.
Q: What tools does an Admin gain that a Moderator does not have?
A: /vanish, /unban, /ipunban, /god, /fly, final authority on permanent bans and appeals, and Discord management powers (channels, roles, AutoMod, lockdowns).
Q: Is there a fixed timeline for promotion from Moderator to Admin?
A: No — it is based entirely on demonstrated experience and trust, not a set schedule.
Q: Can staff be promoted into the Owner/Manager rank?
A: No — it is not a promotion path. It belongs to those who founded or manage Federal SMP.