A system and method which efficiently manages the status of resources or services in a document processing system or device and uses a priority-based dynamic allocation process for allocating or releasing selected resources for a user or task. A job resource manager receives resource requests containing a resource name, quantity and order of use. The resource manager then determines if the request meets predetermined parameters, so as to lock the designated resource for use by the job with which the request is associated. The resource is then released for use by the job and remains inaccessible to other jobs until unlocked. The resource is unlocked by the job resource manager upon receipt of notification that the job has been completed.