Final Filing Date: 5/31/2024.

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will not be accepted.

Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

If using the United States Postal Service (USPS) for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be postmarked and arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark and arrives after the final filing date, your application may not be accepted into the examination. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof the application was sent prior to the final filing date.

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

• FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST II - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the final filing date of May 31, 2024, unless otherwise noted.

• Once you have participated in this examination, you may not test again for six (6) months. 
  
• Applicants who have not passed probation in this classification are encouraged to apply.

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
  Attention: Examination Unit
  710 Riverpoint Court
  West Sacramento, CA 95605
  

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
  Attention: Examination Unit
  710 Riverpoint Court
  West Sacramento, CA 95605
  8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

Please note the following:

1). A State Application (STD 678) is REQUIRED and must be submitted.

2). A Training and Experience (T&E) Narrative document is also REQUIRED and must be submitted.

3). A copy of your unofficial transcripts and/or diploma showing proof of coursework/completion/graduation is required ONLY IF you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications (Pattern II). 

4). All applicants must include "from" and "to" employment dates (month/day/year), time base, and applicable civil service class titles on their STD 678. Applications received without this information may be rejected.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

The following items must be submitted with your Examination/Employment Application form. Failure to submit these items may result in rejection of your application.

• Other - Training and Experience (T&E) Narrative

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.

Either I

One year of full-time experience performing the duties of a Fire Prevention Specialist I with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Or II

Two years of increasingly responsible experience administering or coordinating a fire prevention program or conducting fire safety and code inspections of public/commercial buildings.  (Experience in the California state service applied toward the experience/education requirement must be at a level of responsibility equivalent to a Fire Prevention Specialist I.) AND

Education:  Equivalent to fifteen college semester units preferably in Journalism, Communications, Liberal Arts, English, Fire Science, Administration of Justice, or Fire Protection Engineering from a recognized institution of postsecondary education. (One additional year of qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education.)

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Components that are due with your application will be scored and will count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items may result in disqualification or elimination from the examination.

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

Complete and submit the following items with your application. These will be scored and count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items will result in disqualification from the examination.

Training & Experience Narrative: FPSIIexamquestions-instructionsforupload.pdf

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:

1. Socio-economic considerations (e.g., demographics, culture, trends) to identify and/or address local issues related to fire prevention and education projects within the community.
2. Recruitment techniques (e.g., promoting, networking, soliciting) to assist in the endorsement of public safety and education through the Volunteers in Prevention (VIP) Program.
3. Fire prevention principles and/or safe practices through education, and experience in engineering and enforcement to provide employee and public health and safety.
4. Basic inspection techniques (e.g., observation, documentation, interpretation, code compliance) to develop, oversee, and/or conduct an inspection ensuring compliance with state and/or local laws, codes, and standards.
5. Fire behavior (e.g., fuel conditions, topography, weather, fire terminology) to inform and educate the public and/or media regarding appropriate suppression strategies and tactics.
6. Fire suppression methods (e.g., direct, indirect), suppression tools (e.g., McLeod, Pulaski, hand tools), and/or equipment (e.g., dozers, engines, aircraft) to inform and educate the media and/or public.
7. Fire ground operations (e.g., structural, wild land, technical rescue) to inform and educate the public and/or media regarding appropriate suppression strategies and tactics.
8. Vegetation burn characteristics (e.g., burn rate, flame length, flammability) to provide information to the public regarding defensible space.
9. Basic fire science for inspections to ensure good judgment when determining code requirements and compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, and/or ordinances.
10. Basic fire science for incidents to inform the public with credible and accurate information during incidents.
11. Basic fire behavior for inspections and/or project review to ensure safe operating conditions and compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, and ordinances.
12. Basic fire protection engineering for inspections and/or project review to ensure safe operating conditions and compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, and ordinances.
13. Fire prevention programs and/or regulations to reduce fuel loading and ignition sources to educate the public about fire-safe landscapes (e.g., defensible space).
14. Building codes and/or fire laws to ensure proper compliance and/or education to the public.
15. Fire prevention requirements (e.g., equipment, industrial operations, clearance) to plan and/or conduct inspections ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and local ordinances.
16. Construction techniques to perform plan reviews and/or ensure compliance with fire codes.
17. Building materials and their burn characteristics to perform plan reviews, inspections, and ensure compliance with fire codes.
18. Time management and/or prioritization techniques to effectively and efficiently plan inspections and/or site visits within a large geographical area.
19. Various research techniques (e.g., verbal, written, virtual) to access information, compile and interpret data, and/or follow applicable guidelines needed to facilitate a variety of projects.
20. Inventory control and/or tracking methods to ensure adequate supplies (e.g., pens, brochures, forms) and equipment (e.g., tables, chairs, canopies) are maintained.
21. Chain of command of the department to use as a guideline of authority and responsibility to follow during incidents or as needed to effectively operate within the organization.
22. Incident management practices used to deliver emergency services with the intention of accurately interpreting and/or communicating information regarding incidents to the public and/or media.
23. Various training and teaching methods to develop and/or provide fire and/or life safety education at the appropriate level (e.g., public, volunteers, government agencies, stakeholders).
24. Public speaking methods (e.g., persuasive, informative, motivational) to effectively present information and/or instruction at the appropriate level (e.g., public, volunteers, government agencies, stakeholders).
25. Basic graphic design and/or display techniques to create effective visual displays (e.g., exhibits, signage, promotional items) used to convey fire and/or life safety education and information to the public.
26. Media operations to effectively utilize various media resources (e.g., print, radio, television, social platforms) to communicate relevant fire prevention and/or incident information to the public and media.
27. The incident command system to participate during incidents to perform required job duties, roles, and responsibilities.
28. The mission, vision, and values of the department to accurately provide information and/or service to the public.
29. The basic psychology of human behavior (e.g., understanding motivations, approaching others, reaching common ground) to gain public cooperation and/or provide personal safety.
30. Public information officer duties to communicate to constituents about programs, initiatives, events, and issues by providing information to the public and/or the media as required.
31. Firefighting nomenclature to inform and/or translate for the lay person.
32. Basic writing skills to write (e.g., news releases, newsletters, reports, memos) properly.
33. Fire science (e.g., oxygen, fuel, heat) in relation to prevention and education to competently present fire and/or life safety information.
34. Forestry and fire laws, rules and regulations (e.g., fire codes, burning, defensible space) as they pertain to inspections and/or engineering purposes to properly identify violations and to educate and enforce fire and/or life safety.
35. How fire suppression methods, suppression tools, and/or equipment are used effectively during incidents.
36. Fire prevention principles and/or practices to effectively educate the public.
37. Personal protective equipment for proper use and/or personal safety in accordance with department policies and procedures.

Skill to:

1. Safely operate and/or drive different makes and models of Department vehicles in a variety of conditions (e.g., long distances, inclement weather, rugged terrain) to travel as needed for job assignments.
2. Tactfully and diplomatically mitigate complaints from the public to accomplish program goals.
3. Prepare clear and concise reports to communicate effectively.
4. Work effectively in a team to complete tasks, event/incident planning, problem solving, and decision making.
5. Keep staff motivated to accomplish program goals.
6. Inspect, investigate, and/or document projects or incidents to determine compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations and Department policies and procedures.
7. Develop and deliver effective oral and/or written presentations for the information exchange and education of the public, employees, and/or others.
8. Plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to ensure efficient completion of assignments.
9. Manage and respond to sensitive and/or high-profile issues to achieve Department goals and objectives.
10. Gather, compile, and apply information and/or data from various sources for research, decision making, and action plan development, for inclusion in written and oral reports, communication, and/or the completion of assignments.
11. Operate computers and/or software programs effectively (e.g., e-mail, spreadsheets, presentations) to provide accurate reports and information exchange with the public and/or Department employees.
12. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to ensure personal safety.
13. Communicate performance standards and expectations to personnel for successful job performance.
14. Read and interpret written materials (e.g., maps, manuals, policies, reports) for successful job performance.
15. Create visual reports and/or conduct presentations (e.g., PowerPoint) for successful job performance.
16. Produce accurate and timely social media content.
17. Effectively organize and/or manage time to accomplish the timely completion of multiple assignments, deadlines, projects, and/or goals. 

Ability to:

1. Read and understand written materials (e.g., reference manuals, training materials, policies) to effectively educate a variety of audiences (e.g., public, media, personnel).
2. Use mobile communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios, tablets) to communicate with a variety of audiences (e.g., public, media, personnel).
3. Explain and/or enforce appropriate rules, laws, and/or codes as they relate to inspections and/or fire prevention to promote compliance.
4. Read the topography of the land, analyzing the relationship between the natural landscape and fire behavior, to educate stakeholders to fire and life safety requirements.
5. Advise stakeholders and/or the public (e.g., homeowners, landowners, builders) regarding fire and/or life safety requirements (e.g., defensible space, applicable codes, building placement on property) ensuring compliance with state and local laws, codes, and standards.
6. Assert yourself on behalf of the department to ensure enforcement of and compliance with state and local laws, codes, and standards.
7. Operate electronic devices (e.g., cell phone, global positioning system, tablets) to facilitate job assignments (e.g., projects, inspections, incidents).
8. Be a leader to coordinate group activities (e.g., Volunteers in Prevention [VIP] Program, students, media).
9. Be resourceful (e.g., locating vendors, funding, networking) to accomplish job assignments.
10. Interact professionally and demonstrate patience with coworkers and/or the public in stressful, hazardous, or emergency situations to facilitate cooperation and effective communication.
11. Use situational awareness to maintain personal and public safety.
12. Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information and/or situations encountered during the performance of the job.
13. Successfully pass department physical examination and/or meet respiratory protection program requirements.
14. Successfully pass required training (e.g., public officer, defensive driving, first responder/cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to be prepared for all assigned job duties.
15. Perform intermediate mathematics (e.g., algebra, percentages, ratios) to complete various tasks, including inspections, budgets, grant proposals, inventory control, and other calculations.
16. Communicate verbally and in writing to convey clear and concise ideas and/or information to various audiences (e.g., public, media, personnel) in emergency and/or non-emergency situations.
17. Make formal and/or informal public presentations on various topics (e.g., defensible space, fire and life safety, volunteer training) to communicate and educate a variety of audiences with varying levels of understanding.
18. Use electronic devices (e.g., cell phone, tablet, computer) to create documents and/or reports to provide accurate information to department personnel and other public/private entities, maintain accurate records, and/or meet program requirements.
19. Perform administrative duties (e.g., filing, inventory, completing paperwork) necessary to meet operational needs.
20. Analyze situations (e.g., emergencies, inspections, media events) and make sound decisions to ensure appropriate and effective action.
21. Maintain cooperative relationships with various entities (e.g., personnel, stakeholders, media, partners) to complete tasks and/or reach common goals.
22. Navigate (e.g., maps, global positioning systems, computer software) to locate specific job destinations (e.g., inspection sites, property with no physical address, industrial buildings) and plan a route to arrive at job assignments.
23. Operate a variety of recording equipment (e.g., computer, camera, audio/visual systems, voice recorder) for successful job performance.
24. Oversee the work of others (e.g., volunteers, personnel) to plan, organize, and evaluate their performance and/or ensure safe, effective, and efficient completion of assignments.
25. Recruit, retain, and motivate volunteers (e.g., Volunteers in Prevention [VIP] Program) to maintain workforce to meet recruitment goals, program needs, and/or objectives.
26. Create, design, and/or construct artistic visual displays to promote the department’s fire life and/or safety message for various events (e.g., fairs, community events, schools, service organizations, career days).
27. Educate and/or train others (e.g., personnel, volunteers, the public) to provide knowledge and understanding of fire and/or life safety information within the department and/or to the public.
28. Effectively coordinate, organize, and/or manage time to accomplish the completion of multiple assignments, deadlines, projects, and/or goals.
29. Oversee and participate in inspections performed by the Volunteers in Prevention (VIP) Program and/or station personnel for compliance with state laws, local codes, and regulations.
30. Physically perform duties of the position (e.g., hiking, bending, lifting) to accomplish required job assignments.
31. Independently conduct and schedule inspections and/or meetings to plan time for consulting with the public and/or allied agencies.
32. Interpret, explain, and/or enforce codes, rules, and/or department policies and procedures to successfully convey information to the public and personnel.
33. Understand and employ good fire and/or life safety practices to protect self and others.
34. Be flexible with hours and change focus or priorities at short notice to accommodate the needs of the job.
35. Be a quick and effective speaker to manage unplanned communications.
36. Adapt to new ideas and/or changes to meet challenges (e.g., policies/procedures, problem solving, political issues) of the job.
37. Listen and follow directions to carry out assigned duties.
38. Be professional and cooperate with individuals (e.g., public, contractors, personnel) with diverse backgrounds (e.g., age, cultural differences, gender) to accomplish work assignments.
39. Address and/or resolve conflicts to meet demands of the job while dealing with various issues that may arise (e.g., inspections, emergencies, enforcement).
40. Work in close proximity with others to carry out assigned duties.
41. Communicate (e.g., written, verbal, electronic) clearly and concisely to be understood and to provide necessary information.
42. Effectively communicate the department’s message to the media (e.g., sound bytes, press releases, interviews).
43. Remain calm and perform effectively in high stress situations to perform job duties (e.g., incidents, inspections, deadlines).
44. Lead people in stressful, hazardous, and/or emergency situations to help mitigate incidents.
45. Recognize audience type (e.g., children, public, personnel) and deliver suitable message to convey necessary information to achieve understanding.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST II Classification will be established for:

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

The list(s) will be abolished 12 months after being established, unless the needs of the State and conditions of the list(s) warrant a change in this period.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

• A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
• A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

CAL FIRE Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
710 Riverpoint Court
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: (916) 894-9570 ext. Option 3
ReasonableAccommodations@fire.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.