Exam Bulletin - Forester II - Supervisory (1042)

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Exam Code: EX-1802

Examination Plans Included:

  • FORESTER II (SUPERVISORY) - Open

Final Filing Date: 7/8/2024

Classification Details

FORESTER II (SUPERVISORY): $7,371.00 - $9,559.00 per Month

View the FORESTER II (SUPERVISORY) classification specification.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 7/8/2024.

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.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

 

$7,371 - $9,559 Base Salary (paid every month)

$1,105 - $1,433 Extended Duty Pay (15% of base pay paid every month)

$1,851 Recruitment and Retention Differential (paid every month)

$123,924 – $154,116 Annual Compensation

 

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for retirement and medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

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):

  • FORESTER II (SUPERVISORY) - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the final filing date, July 8, 2024, to be considered for this administration. 

  • 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.

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.

You may apply by mail to:

  • Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
    Attention: Examination Unit
    710 Riverpoint Ct.
    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 Ct.
    West Sacramento, CA 95605
    8:30 AM - 4:30 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 Narrative is also REQUIRED and must be submitted with your STD 678. See instructions below under "Examination Information" to complete this document. 

3.) 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.

4). A copy of your valid Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license issued by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.  

5). Candidates that wish to qualify for the exam using Pattern II listed on the classification specification under Minimum Qualifications, MUST include a copy of their transcripts and/or diploma showing proof of coursework/graduation/completion with their STD 678.


APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

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.

00101042 - FORESTER II (SUPERVISORY)

License Requirement: Possession of a valid license as a Registered Professional Forester issued by the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection,


AND


EITHER I


Experience: Two years of experience in the California state service performing forest, range, or watershed management duties in a class comparable in level to a Forester I (Nonsupervisory),


OR II


Experience: Three years of experience in forestry work requiring professional skill involving management of a forest area, management of forest resources, appraisal of forest resources, forest engineering, regulating forest practices, controlling forest pests, reforestation or tree nursery production, urban forestry, or range and watershed management duties. (Graduate work in forestry may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.),


AND


Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with specialization in forestry, range management, or a closely related natural resource field. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for up to two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

EDUCATION

Existing law provides that a peace officer must be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development (GED) Test indicating high school graduation level, pass the California High School Proficiency Examination, or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university.


AGE REQUIREMENT

Must meet minimum age requirement to be appointed as a California peace officer per the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and in accordance with existing law.

Position Description

00101042 - FORESTER II (SUPERVISORY)

Forester II (Supervisory) perform the more difficult, sensitive, and complex professional forestry duties in connection with forest, range, watershed management, protection, and planning, and interpret, develop, and implement regulations and policy to ensure consistent application.


In units with large Resource Management staff, Forester II (Supervisory) supervise two or more staff, which may include Forester I (Nonsupervisory), Forestry Assistants or Forestry Technicians, and fire protection and prevention staff. At the largest State Forest, Forester II (Supervisory) serve as supervisors in charge of a segment of State Forest operations. In region offices and at units with large resource management staff, Forester II (Supervisory) serve as THP Review Team Chairpersons. In region offices and headquarters, Forester II (Supervisory) supervise staff in performing the activities of a major resource management, resource assessment, fire risk assessment, or planning program. This level may also be involved with the drafting and development of policy and regulations for the Department. Incumbents with appropriate training, ICS qualifications, experience, and certifications may serve in emergency assignments.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS


Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.


Certain positions in these classifications require peace officer or public officer status as a condition of appointment and continued employment.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Supplemental ReportWith Application100%

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.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (T&E) NARRATIVE - WEIGHTED 100%

In this type of examination the T&E Narrative document IS THE EXAMINATION. 

The T&E Narrative is a written document that responds to the questions listed below. 

An evaluation of the Narrative documents will be conducted by a rating panel consisting of CAL FIRE subject matter experts (SMEs) (in July/August 2024). The rating panel will compare each candidates' Narrative responses against standardized, pre-determined rating criteria. The examination questions below were derived from the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) listed in this bulletin and the classification specification.

When preparing your T&E Narrative document please respond to the following four (4) questions:

 

1. You have been approached by multiple landowners to develop a Vegetation Management Program (VMP) on their properties. Due to workload, you can only choose one project. Utilizing four or more sub-goals of the CAL FIRE VMP, explain how they would apply in your considerations for which project to implement.

2. You are working in Southern California, and you have confirmation of a Goldspotted Oak Borer in your unit. Briefly describe this pest and explain at least four steps you would take to develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program.

3. A Forestry Assistant II that you supervise is making decisions that are not in line with Department policy, which is creating misinformation to the public. Please describe four or more steps you would take in addressing these issues.

4. An operator installed a crossing on a flowing watercourse that was not approved in the Timber Harvest Plan (THP). This resulted in sediment delivery to the watercourse and removal of vegetation. Identify and explain at least four environmental factors you would consider in developing mitigation measures.

In addition to responding to the questions above, your T&E Narrative document MUST follow the instructions listed below. Failure to follow these instructions may result in disqualification from the testing process. 

 

• Please use Arial font, size no smaller than 12.

 

• Limit your responses to no more than a total of four (4) pages (Only the first four pages will be scored)

 

• Your document MUST be typewritten (NO handwritten narratives)

 

• Please clearly label the number that corresponds to the question to which you are responding.

 

• You may include multiple responses on a single page.

 

• Please place your name on each page of your narrative.

APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT A NARRATIVE WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

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. English grammar (e.g., sentences, phrases, words) for accurate report writing.
  2. Natural resource management principles and practices to guide the application of Department programs and responsibilities.
  3. Forestry, range, wildlife, and fisheries management principles and practices to assess potential impacts and manage ecosystems effectively.
  4. Timber harvest methods and practices (e.g., tractor logging, cable logging) to ensure equipment and practices are utilized to protect all forest resources.
  5. Natural sciences (e.g., wildlife, biology, soil, climatic conditions) to ensure appropriate environmental analysis and project implementation.
  6. Federal, State, and local environmental forest and fire laws (e.g., Public Resource Code, California Code of Regulations, Forest Practice Act, California Environmental Quality Act), and Department policies and procedures to ensure compliance and enforcement for public safety and environmental protection.
  7. Appropriate forest and range inventories (e.g., wildlife resources, watershed classification, species) to collect and analyze information.
  8. California Environmental Quality Act to identify the significant environmental impacts of actions and develop measures to avoid or mitigate those impacts within a professional forester’s scope of license and expertise.
  9. Watershed management and erosion control methods to protect natural resources.
  10. The identification and protection process for cultural resources (e.g., historic, pre-historic) to ensure their preservation.
  11. Understanding of the California Foresters Licensing Law to ensure Registered Professional Foresters are functioning in a manner that meets the standards of professional forestry practices.
  12. Environmental effects from land management and incident related activities (e.g., vegetation treatment methods, range management) and mitigation measures necessary to protect forest resources and health and safety of personnel and the public.
  13. Vegetation fuels management (e.g., fuel types, fire behavior, fuel breaks) sufficient to ensure the protection of life, property, and natural resources.
  14. Integrated pest management concepts, methods, and identification of forest and range pests to protect resources.


Skill to:

  1. Prepare clear and concise reports to communicate effectively.
  2. Identify environmental impacts and develop or evaluate mitigation to protect natural resources.
  3. Work effectively in a team to complete tasks, event/incident planning, problem solving, and decision making.
  4. Apply Resource Management principles and practices to ensure efficient and effective completion of assignments.
  5. Plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to ensure efficient completion of assignments.
  6. Operate, demonstrate, and direct the use of forestry and firefighting tools (e.g., compass, Global Positioning System, clinometer, prism, increment borer, maps) to conduct surveys, inventories, measurements, observations, and other field work in a safe and effective manner.
  7. Tactfully and diplomatically arbitrate conflicts between opposing viewpoints to accomplish program goals.
  8. Read and interpret various sources of information (e.g., maps, street signs, reference manuals, training materials, issuance, reports, correspondence) for successful job performance.
  9. Operate computers and software programs effectively (e.g., e-mail, spreadsheets, presentations) to provide accurate reports and information exchange with Department employees and other public/private entities.
  10. Identify and evaluate vegetation conditions to adequately protect natural resources.
  11. Manage and respond to sensitive and/or high-profile issues to achieve Department goals and objectives.
  12. Gather, compile, and apply information and data from various sources for research, decision making, and developing action plans, for inclusion in written and oral reports, communication, and completion of assignments.
  13. Keep staff motivated to accomplish program goals.
  14. Develop and deliver effective oral and written presentations for information exchange and education of employees, management, and others.
  15. Communicate performance standards and expectations to personnel for successful job performance.

 

Ability to:

  1. Maintain registration as a professional forester as required by the Department’s policies and procedures.
  2. Exhibit ethical behavior, display appropriate conduct, and maintain a high level of professionalism in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
  3. Communicate clearly and concisely in English to be understood and to provide necessary information.
  4. Work effectively with others (e.g., co-workers, fire protection agencies, the public, landowners, governmental agencies, business community) to ensure successful job performance.
  5. Interact effectively with a variety of personalities and situations without discrimination to comply with laws and regulations.
  6. Ability to read, write, and speak English to effectively exchange information and accomplish daily tasks.
  7. Work independently, make decisions, and take appropriate action with little or no direction in emergency and non-emergency situations.
  8. Work effectively in an individual environment under all conditions.
  9. Listen effectively for successful job performance.
  10. Read and interpret information (e.g., reference manuals, training materials, issuance, laws, regulations, reports, maps, data, correspondence) to acquire knowledge and effectively perform required job duties.
  11. Work effectively in a team to complete tasks, event/incident planning, problem solving, and decision making.
  12. Operate a variety of electronic equipment (e.g., personal computer, cameras, audio/visual systems, computer software) for successful job performance.
  13. Identify environmental impacts and develop mitigation measures to comply with laws and regulations.
  14. Adjust to changing work environments to accomplish daily tasks.
  15. Prepare accurate and concise reports and correspondence for effective job performance.
  16. Reprioritize urgent assignments with short notice when new assignments are given.
  17. Conduct various forest measurements (e.g., area, slope, density, canopy closure) using forestry tools to achieve management objectives.
  18. Determine and establish priorities for the completion of assignments.
  19. Function in stressful situations or emergencies to accomplish the responsibilities of the Department.
  20. Supervise the work of others to plan, organize, direct, control, and evaluate performance to ensure efficient, safe, and effective completion of assignments.
  21. Evaluate, review, analyze, and apply information and technical data to make sound decisions.
  22. Apply forestry principles and practices (e.g., mensuration, silviculture, engineering) to achieve management objectives.
  23. Demonstrate leadership under stressful conditions in both emergency and non-emergency situations for successful job performance.
  24. Maintain records for successful job performance.
  25. Tactfully and diplomatically arbitrate conflicts between opposing viewpoints to provide a productive and safe work environment.
  26. Apply safety practices, policies, and procedures for workplace safety and protection.
  27. Interpret and explain codes, rules, and Department policies and procedures.
  28. Explain complicated information in simple understandable language for successful job performance.
  29. Effectively develop, evaluate, and communicate performance standards and expectations to ensure staff accomplishes the responsibilities of the Department.
  30. Delegate and coordinate the work of others to meet project objectives.
  31. Effectively plan and implement programs, projects, and emergency operations for successful job performance.
  32. Identify the need to consult with experts outside your area of expertise to accomplish the responsibilities of the Department.
  33. Develop and deliver presentations effectively in English for information exchange, education of employees, management, and Department needs.
  34. Perform office activities (e.g., photocopy, file, scan) necessary for office management, and program or project administration.
  35. Perform arduous and physically demanding work (e.g., bending, climbing, lifting) in all weather conditions (e.g., heat, snow, wind) and terrain to meet the demands of the Department.
  36. Gather, compile, and apply information and data from various sources for program accountability, research, decision making, and developing action plans for inclusion in written and oral reports, communication, and completion of assignments.
  37. Identify and evaluate vegetation conditions to determine where and when to apply appropriate management practices.
  38. Oversee the implementation of new and/or revised programs for successful job performance.
  39. Develop and implement creative solutions to accomplish program objectives.
  40. Develop and deliver presentations for informative exchange, education of employees, management, and Department needs.
  41. Perform mathematics (e.g., algebra, geometry, trigonometry) and statistics to complete projects, including research findings and associated budgets.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the FORESTER II (SUPERVISORY) Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

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.

Successful candidates from this administration will be merged onto the current, existing eligibility list for the Forester II (Supervisory) classification. Candidates' list eligibility is guaranteed for a minimum of 12 months, but may be extended up to 48 months, depending on the needs of the Department. 

It is recommended that candidates apply for this examination if one or more of the following is true:

  • You are a Limited Term (LT) hire.
  • You have NOT passed probation in this classification.
  • You are a Temporary Appointment (TAU) hire.
  • You are not on the current eligibility list.

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.

Testing Departments

  • Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

CAL FIRE Examination Unit
710 Riverpoint Ct.
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: (916) 894-9580
CALFIREexams@fire.ca.gov

CAL FIRE Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
710 Riverpoint Ct.
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.

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.

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.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)