I've been at my current position for a couple years now and I'm becoming more integral to the running of the (fairly small) operation I work for. I'm not surprised this happened and I would think that someone in my position would be expected to do so. My manager seems to think that I'm doing an exceptional job and working outside the expectations of my position, and emails me notes to that effect. Some notes are quite simple ("You did x very well. Keep up the good work") whereas a few are much more detailed (to the point of subtly suggesting different responsibilities/a promotion in the indefinite future).