Exam Bulletin - State Park Superintendent IV

Department of Parks & Recreation

Exam Code: EX-2803

Examination Plans Included:

  • STATE PARK SUPERINTENDENT IV - Open

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

Classification Details

STATE PARK SUPERINTENDENT IV: $9,826.00 - $13,821.00 per Month

View the STATE PARK SUPERINTENDENT IV classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed exam. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the exam 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):

  • STATE PARK SUPERINTENDENT IV - Open

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

Exam Code(s):

    2803

For STATE PARK SUPERINTENDENT IV, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02803

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.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00100973 - STATE PARK SUPERINTENDENT IV

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 they must produce evidence of the license before they can be considered eligible for appointment.) Graduation from a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) basic course academy within 12 months after appointment. and

Education: Successful completion of two years (60 semester units) of study from a State accredited college or university of which a minimum of 21 semester units must be successfully completed satisfying the General Education Curriculum standards as identified for colleges and universities accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities. Courses which meet this requirement include: Natural/Social Sciences, Language, Humanities, Mathematics. and Possession of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Regular Basic Certificate within 24 months after appointment. and

Either 1

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a State Park Superintendent III or a Lifeguard Supervisor IV.

Or 2

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a State Park Superintendent II or a Lifeguard Supervisor III.

Or 3

Experience: Broad and extensive (more than five years) experience in the management or administration of a park, public recreational, historical area, or a resource or recreation management organization, at least two years of which must have included management of multiple programs through subordinate supervisors. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include one year in a class equivalent in level of responsibility to a State Park Superintendent III.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for up to two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.)
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.

Special Physical Requirements

Possession and maintenance of sufficient strength, endurance and agility necessary to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation; hearing, vision and color vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation; demonstrate sufficient swimming ability for self-preservation and to direct aquatic and lifesaving operations.

Drug Testing Requirement

Applicants are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement.

Special Requirements

Existing law provides that persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as a peace officer. Such persons are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this class.

Existing law provides that a background investigation be completed on or prior to appointment date. Persons who are not successful in the investigation cannot be appointed as a peace officer.

Existing law provides that physical and psychological suitability examinations be completed on or prior to appointment date. Persons who are not successful in these examinations cannot be appointed as a peace officer.

Existing law provides that a reading and writing ability examination consisting of an entry-level test battery or equivalent as determined by POST must be completed on or prior to appointment. Persons who are not successful in this examination cannot be appointed as a peace officer.

Existing law provides that a candidate for a peace officer position be fingerprinted for search of local, State, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.

Citizenship Requirement

Existing law provides that persons in the State Park Superintendent and Ranger class series be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship at least one year prior to the final file date for this examination. The one-year requirement is waived for a permanent resident alien who either applied for a peace officer position prior to his or her 19th birthday or applied for a peace officer position in California prior to September 10, 1982. A permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall apply for and meet all of the requirements for U.S. citizenship as soon as legally possible and shall be disqualified from holding that position if three years have passed without so obtaining citizenship since filing of application for the employment position. Any peace officer who is ultimately denied citizenship must be separated from employment.

Position Description

00100973 - STATE PARK SUPERINTENDENT IV

Positions in this class serve as superintendents of level IV districts. Supervision may include staff at the State Park Superintendent I, II, or III level.

Special Personal Characteristics

Aptitude and demonstrated interest in park and recreation work, philosophy, and principles; willingness to wear the prescribed uniform and conform to departmental personal appearance standards; willingness to work at various locations throughout the State; willingness to work on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and at odd or irregular hours; willingness to perform law enforcement duties; satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen; aptitude for interpretive and public relations work; emotional maturity; dependability; punctuality; tact and diplomacy; poise and self-confidence; sensitivity to needs and attitudes of others; neatness and courtesy.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Possession of (1) a valid Red Cross Advanced First-Aid Certificate or First Responder Certificate (EMSA approved) and (2) either a valid Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate. (An approved Department of Health Emergency Medical Technician Certificate may be substituted for both of the required certificates.)

Bachelor of Arts/Science with specialization in Park Administration, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Law Enforcement, Business, or other related field.

Possession of a valid instructor certificate for: Advanced First Aid, First Responder (EMSA approved), Basic First Aid, and/or CPR from American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Completion and current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician Level I or II.

Successful completion of California State Lifeguard Training.

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. Principles and practices of administering, interpreting, protecting, and maintaining State park districts 
  2. Mission, goals, organization, policies, procedures, and rules of the Department of Parks and Recreation 
  3. Principles and techniques of natural and cultural resource management and protection and enhancement of biological diversity 
  4. Principles of public safety including: law enforcement management, hazardous materials management, critical incident command, and aquatic safety 
  5. Principles of business and fiscal management 
  6. Budgeting and budget administration, grant development and administration, concessions management, revenue generation, auditing practices and procedures 
  7. Principles of personnel management, supervision and leadership, labor relations, volunteer program management, Equal Employment Opportunity laws, occupational health and safety, employee development techniques 
  8. Modern management methods including: data collection strategies, data analysis tools, problem solving, and long-range planning 
  9. Principles of public administration, nonprofit organizational structure, political process, social and economic trends, intergovernmental planning processes, community and media relations techniques 
  10. Principles of facilities maintenance, construction, repair, restoration, housekeeping, groundskeeping, equipment maintenance, water and waste water systems management, and preventive maintenance practices 
  11. Methods of interpretation and education relative to natural, cultural, and recreational resources 
  12. Real property management methods and procedures and land acquisition practices
Ability to:
  1. Supervise a State park sector or park operation or serve as a program supervisor within a State park 
  2. Organize, coordinate, plan, and supervise programs for resource management and protection, public safety and enforcement, administration, maintenance, interpretation and special services of park districts 
  3. Develop and provide staff services and programs to support and monitor field activities 
  4. Analyze situations, solve problems, and take effective action 
  5. Define a clear link between actions, long-term goals, and department mission 
  6. Ensure efficiency of work processes 
  7. Determine and respond to changing needs and expectations
  8. Establish and maintain effective relations with community organizations, special interest groups, local State and Federal agencies, legislators, legislative staff, and the media 
  9. Coordinate mutual aid operation with other agencies
  10. Build and maintain relationships across work groups
  11. Plan and facilitate effective teams and coalitions 
  12. Work with a variety of persons and organizations having diverse issues, concerns, agendas, and values 
  13. Provide leadership to public and private sector working groups to achieve workable solutions consistent with departmental goals 
  14. Analyze and interpret data in decision making 
  15. Evaluate and measure the effectiveness of processes 
  16. Understand and utilize modern information systems 
  17. Plan and implement personnel practices, motivate and support staff, plan and implement employee development and programs
  18. Effectively contribute to the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity programs
  19. Supervise a level II sector, unit, or park program operation within a State park district or division
  20. Manage the operation of a level III State park district or supervise a level III sector, unit, or program operation within a State park district or division
  21. Direct the operation of a level IV State park district

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the STATE PARK SUPERINTENDENT IV Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Parks & Recreation

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.

State Park Superintendent IV Training and Experience Exam Preview

Instructions:
Rate your experience performing specific job-related tasks.

Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every question and provide relevant examples. Also, indicate the references who can verify the information provided.

In responding to each statement, you may refer to your WORK EXPERIENCE, whether paid or volunteer, your EDUCATION, and/or FORMAL TRAINING COURSES you have completed.

PLEASE NOTE: This examination is designed to gain an overall assessment of your education, training, and experience as it directly relates to the duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position. All components of this examination have been carefully validated by tying them directly to job requirements and documenting their relevance to the position.

  1. Managing interpretive programs including program development, review, quality control, reporting, recording, staff oversight, implementation to ensure programmatic excellence and compliance with department policy and strategic goals.
  2. Managing natural and cultural resources in compliance with policy, state, and federal law to ensure the protection and well-being of park resources including monitoring, budgeting, contracting, supervising staff, and making programmatic decisions.
  3. Managing and taking action relating to encroachments, right of entry permits, housing utilization, acquisitions, leases, easements, and trespasses in accordance with policy and law.
  4. Managing facility and maintenance programs to ensure employee safety, budget development, cost avoidance, training mandates, policy adherence, and proper equipment use.
  5. Managing budgets, approving expenditures, and ensuring fiscal resources are properly expended and tracked in compliance with guidelines, policies, procedures, and strategic goals.
  6. Planning, developing, and evaluating concession operations to ensure fiscal responsibility, increase business opportunities, and enhance park services provided to the public.
  7. Managing, planning, and overseeing park operations to address current and future needs including partnerships, visitor management, agreements, special events, and revenue generation.
  8. Managing and providing guidance and support to subordinate supervisors on supervisory activities including delegation, monitoring, scheduling, training needs identification and implementation, documentation of performance, feedback, and disciplinary action.
  9. Meeting regularly and facilitating stakeholder forums with public officials, allied agencies, and constituencies to ensure healthy and productive external relationships in compliance with policies, procedures, and strategic goals.
  10. Managing law enforcement functions and programs including training, reporting, and employee performance to ensure compliance with policies and laws.
  11. Managing the delivery of public safety programs including the standardized emergency management system (SEMS), the incident command system (ICS), and coordination with allied agencies.

Testing Departments

  • Department of Parks & Recreation

Contact Information

Technical questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Department of Human Resources
CalCareer Service Center
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (866) 844-8671
CalCareer@CalHR.CA.GOV

Administrative questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
Phone: (916) 902-8674

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 Parks & Recreation 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)