Exam Bulletin - Electrical Engineer

State of California

Exam Code: EX-1723

Examination Plans Included:

  • ELECTRICAL ENGINEER - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: $6,175.00 - $8,848.00 per Month

View the ELECTRICAL ENGINEER classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed examination. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation, your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the examination until the request is processed.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

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):

  • ELECTRICAL ENGINEER - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

    1723

For ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-01723

How 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.

Special Testing Arrangements:

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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

00103613 - ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Education: Graduation from a curriculum in electrical or electronic engineering accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, or equivalent qualifications. (Registration as a Senior in such a curriculum will admit applicants to the examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation before they can be considered eligible for appointment.)

Or

Possession of equivalent qualifications which may be demonstrated by qualifying in a written examination covering basic electrical engineering and by graduation from college in a curriculum which includes the courses normally included in a standard four-year course either in electrical or electronics engineering. (Registration as a Senior in such a curriculum will admit applicants to the qualifying written examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation before they can be considered eligible for appointment.)

Position Description

00103613 - ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Incumbents prepare or assist in the preparation of designs, plans and specifications for electrical and electronic systems in dams, electric power and pumping plants, substations, radio stations, highways, bridges, tunnels, and institutional and office buildings, including traffic signal systems, power and lighting distribution systems, motor installations, telephone, radio, motion picture, x- ray, and other electrical systems; develop software for related equipment; assist in operation of related equipment; prepare material lists for electrical layouts; prepare requisitions for the purchase of electrical and electronic materials and components; inspect the installation of electrical materials and equipment; check electrical shop plans and details; prepare reports.

Special Personal Characteristics

Willingness and ability to work at considerable heights above the ground.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

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This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1CalHR Online ExamN/A100%

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

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. Computer theory and operation
  2. Mathematics related to electrical engineering
  3. Electrical and electronic theory and practices
  4. Modern electrical apparatus, communications, instrumentation
  5. Direct and alternating current circuits
  6. Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in electrical and electronic construction work
  7. National Electric Code and Electrical Safety Orders of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health
Ability to:
  1. Do electrical and electronic design work
  2. Make neat and accurate drawings and technical sketches
  3. Make electrical calculations
  4. Inspect electrical installations
  5. Specify necessary equipment and materials
  6. Accurately interpret drawings, circuit diagrams, and specifications
  7. Maintain cooperative relations with employees whose work is being inspected
  8. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action
  9. Make effective oral and written reports

Eligible List Information

A Servicewide Open eligible list for the ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Classification will be established for:

  • State of California

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

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.

Electrical Engineer Training and Experience Examination Preview

Section 1: Tasks

 

Instructions: Respond to each of the following items by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every item. Using the scales (Experience/Education, Frequency, Verification) provided, you will rate your experience performing specific job-related tasks.

 

In responding to each item, use the information you listed in Employment/Education Verification. Please reference any paid and/or unpaid experience (e.g., employment, education, volunteer work).

 

  1. Communicate technical subjects in plain language to the general public, stakeholders and/or management.
  2. Organize, conduct and participate in workshops, hearings, conferences, briefings and training sessions.
  3. Serve as an electrical engineer technical resource and provide professional engineering advice.
  4. Perform engineering tasks with a fluency of analytical and mathematical skills.
  5. Prepare materials and documents as needed for meetings.
  6. Investigate to find root cause of equipment problems and failures.
  7. Use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), and engineering computational software programs to complete tasks.
  8. Prepare concise written documentation, reports, spreadsheets, task descriptions, work plans, and correspondence.
  9. Perform a wide variety of field and office electrical engineering assignments pertaining to electrical engineering design and compliance with standards.
  10. Analyze data to form conclusions and recommendations.
  11. Modify electrical design prints.
  12. Establish cooperative relations with others during the course of work.
  13. Perform less complex electrical and electronic engineering technical analysis involved with building illumination, power installations, power density, complicated electric control systems and communication and electronic systems.
  14. Participate in technical engineering design, operation, testing and/or maintenance.
  15. Provide technical support for installations, testing, start-up, and commissioning.
  16. Assist in the preparation of program budgets, special engineering studies, and drafting reports.
  17. Prepare feasibility study reports to support recommendations for a course of action.
  18. Assist or lead investigations of problems and failures related to electrical systems and equipment, and provide technical assistance in the development, design, and implement or recommend corrective action.
  19. Manage engineering contracts to develop designs and specifications.
  20. Inspect materials for completeness and conformance to plans, specifications, and applicable codes during fabrication, assembly, installation, and testing.

 

Section 2: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

 

Instructions: Respond to each of the following items by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every item. Using the scales (Experience/Education and Verification) provided, you will rate your experience performing specific job-related tasks.

 

In responding to each item, use the information you listed in Employment/Education Verification. Please reference any paid and/or unpaid experience (e.g., employment, education, volunteer work).

 

  1. Knowledge of basic computer operation to perform daily tasks.
  2. Ability to effectively communicate with coworkers, management, and/or external stakeholders to respond to requests in a timely fashion.
  3. Ability to prepare materials and documents as needed for meetings.
  4. Knowledge of basic Microsoft Office Suite functions to perform daily tasks.
  5. Ability to gather and collect technical subject information.
  6. Ability to make organized and effective written reports to present data clearly.
  7. Ability to communicate in plain and simple language about science and technologies.
  8. Ability to investigate and research on technical subjects.
  9. Knowledge of mathematics to accurately perform computations related to electrical engineering theory.
  10. Knowledge of electrical and electronic theory and practices to perform calculations related to electrical systems.
  11. Ability to develop and execute effective presentations for various groups.
  12. Ability to interpret regulatory requirements on devices and systems.
  13. Ability to respond to requests for information on technical matters.
  14. Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to support compliance.
  15. Knowledge of high and low voltage alternating current circuits to perform calculations.
  16. Knowledge of direct current circuits to perform calculations.
  17. Ability to accurately interpret electrical drawings and/or specifications to perform work functions.
  18. Ability to make electrical calculations to accurately set electrical system parameters.
  19. Knowledge of electrical apparatus to understand expected function to make recommendations for maintenance and/or modification.
  20. Knowledge of National Electrical Code and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Standards to perform mathematical calculations and/or accurately assess equipment.
  21. Knowledge of Electrical Safety Orders of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health and the National Fire Protection Association to perform work safely.
  22. Ability to make electrical calculations to evaluate system hazards.
  23. Ability to evaluate life cycle cost analysis and energy savings.
  24. Ability to coordinate with the department, the consultation teams and key stakeholders for various tasks.

Testing Departments

  • State of California

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

State of California
CalCareer Service Center
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (866) 844-8671
CalCareer@calhr.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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

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.

State of California 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.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)