Exam Bulletin - Aviation Officer III (Maintenance) (1050)

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Exam Code: EX-2908

Examination Plans Included:

  • AVIATION OFFICER III (MAINTENANCE) - Open

Final Filing Date: 10/14/2024

Bulletin Updates

  • Any editable section on the Exam Bulletin has been updated.

Classification Details

AVIATION OFFICER III (MAINTENANCE): $8,341.00 - $10,819.00 per Month

View the AVIATION OFFICER III (MAINTENANCE) classification specification.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 10/14/2024.

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.

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):

  • AVIATION OFFICER III (MAINTENANCE) - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the final filing date of October 14, 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.

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 copy of your Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) rating is REQUIRED and must be submitted. 

3.) A valid copy of your Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Inspection Authorization (IA) Card is REQUIRED and must be submitted.

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 - Copy of your valid Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) rating is REQUIRED and must be submitted.
  • Other - Valid copy of your Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Inspection Authorization (IA) Card is REQUIRED and must be submitted.

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.

00101050 - AVIATION OFFICER III (MAINTENANCE)

Possession of a valid Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) rating,

AND


A valid Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Inspection Authorization (IA), 

AND

EITHER I


One year in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Maintenance). (Applicants who have completed six months of service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Maintenance) will be admitted to the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete one year of this experience before they can be eligible for appointment.)

OR II


Four years of experience performing the duties of an A&P mechanic and any combination of the following:

1. One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations)

OR


2. Three years of increasingly responsible experience in the management and supervision of aircraft maintenance operations within the past five years.

Position Description

00101050 - AVIATION OFFICER III (MAINTENANCE)

DEFINITION

Incumbents at this level plan, organize, and direct department staff and contractors in the aviation maintenance and aircraft modifications for the department; perform contract development, implementation, and administration; provide advice and counsel to the Senior Aviation Officer regarding aircraft maintenance; recommend and assist in the development of policies and guidelines in all phases of maintenance of State-owned and contracted aircraft; plan and administer the budget for the maintenance program; and do other related work. This classification may participate in aviation accident investigations and may recommend policy changes as a result; and will provide guidance and function as lead person to Aviation Officers II (Maintenance) in carrying out their duties.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

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

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1InterviewN/A100%

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

STRUCTURED INTERVIEW (QUALIFICATIONS APPRAISAL PANEL) - WEIGHTED 100%

 

In this type of examination candidates will be asked pre-determined, job-related questions by a two or three-person panel and rated against pre-determined benchmarks. Candidates will be provided with scratch paper and a pencil.

 

It is anticipated examination interviews will be held in November/December 2024.

 

 

CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT APPEAR FOR THE STRUCTURED INTERVIEW EXAMINATION 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. Federal Aviation Administration and other regulations governing aircraft operation and maintenance (e.g., Part 135 operators, United States Forest Service, Department of the Interior, Military) to effectively maintain aircraft.

2. Parts certification requirements to ensure Department compliance with industry standards.

3. Aircraft operations to ensure proper maintenance procedures are followed.

4. Necessary qualifications (e.g., airframe and powerplant certificate [A&P], inspection authorization [IA]) to enhance knowledge and skills in accordance with Federal and State regulations.

5. Department policies and procedures governing aircraft operation and maintenance to effectively maintain aircraft.

6. Department aircraft operations manual (e.g., CAL FIRE 8300 Handbook, Part 145 repair station) to maintain aircraft maintenance standards.

7. Chain of Command to effectively operate within the organization.

8. Department Code of Conduct to professionally represent the Department.

9. Proper grammar (e.g., spelling, punctuation, sentence structure) to ensure that written materials are complete, concise, and error-free.

10. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and procedures to ensure employees are protected from discrimination in the workplace.

11. The Department’s safety procedures and programs (e.g., Injury and Illness Prevention Program, Violence in the Workplace, Workers’ Compensation Program, California Occupational Safety Health Administration [CAL/OSHA]) to achieve workplace safety.

12. Practical application of aircraft maintenance practices and procedures to provide guidance in maintaining State-operated aircraft.

13. Resources for aircraft design modifications to ensure current or future modifications comply with industry best practices.

14. Aircraft accident investigation procedures to participate in aircraft accident investigations for the Department or allied agencies.

15. Department policies, procedures, and strategies to understand and accomplish the mission of the Department.

16. The Department’s progressive discipline policies to ensure personnel are in compliance with Department standards.

17. Motivational techniques to ensure staff are performing at their best abilities to ensure Program efficiency.

18. Mediation techniques to resolve potential personnel conflicts to ensure Program maintains highest level of performance.

19. Research and application of approved technical data (e.g., aircraft maintenance publications, diagrams, drawings) to ensure effectiveness of Program.

20. Aviation maintenance trends and advancements to ensure program efficiency.

21. Operational Safety and Health Agency and Department requirements (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], Material Safety Data [MSD]) to ensure personal and personnel safety.

22. Interagency relationships (e.g., Federal, State, county, city governments) to ensure harmonious working relations.

23. Training requirements to ensure readiness of maintenance personnel.

24. Various logistical methods (e.g., sourcing, inventory control, planning) to ensure operational readiness of Program.

25. Mathematics (e.g., arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics) to complete various Department projects (e.g., new modifications, read drawings, create drawings).

26. Potential work hazards (e.g., ladders, propellers, wing walks) encountered during performance of duties for personal and personnel safety.

27. The Department’s Employee Support Services (ESS) Program (e.g., Employee Assistance Program [EAP], Peer Counseling, Critical Incident Stress Management [CISM], Substance Abuse Assistance Program [SAAP]) to encourage health and wellbeing of staff in accordance with Department policies and procedures.

28. Aviation maintenance tracking software (e.g., Aviation Information Management System [AIMS], Aviation Management Unit system) to properly schedule maintenance of State-operated aircraft.

29. Inventory control procedures to maintain appropriate stock levels in multiple locations.

30. State procurement methods to ensure compliance when ordering parts or services.

31. State contracting procedures to ensure compliance with Department of General Services regulations.

32. Department accounting procedures to ensure proper coding of contractual or procurement invoices.

33. Computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Aviation Information Management System [AIMS], Aviation Management Unit system) to generate necessary data, documents, and correspondence.

34. Available vendors according to the Department of General Services supply chain to maintain compliance.

35. The selection and hiring process (e.g., develop interview questions, participate in panels) to ensure qualified candidates are selected.

36. Personnel and services contracts to ensure personnel compliance and appropriate enforcement.

37. Training techniques (e.g., classroom and online instruction, on-the-job training) and resources to ensure readiness of maintenance personnel.

38. Incident Command System to coordinate operational readiness.

39. Hiring practices to ensure fair and equitable treatment of applicants.

 

Skill to:

1. Communicate effectively with personnel at the technical level required to perform the duties of the job.

2. Read, write, speak, and understand English to effectively apply Federal and inter-agency regulations, Department policies, and other publications in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

3. Manage employees effectively (e.g., progress discipline, mentoring, counseling, clear communication) to ensure Program needs are met.

4. Provide oversight of multiple programs simultaneously to maintain effective and efficient operations.

5. Mentor subordinates on a professional level to promote career advancement to maintain institutional knowledge in accordance with Department policies and procedures.

6. Operate basic office equipment (e.g., fax machine, copier, scanner, computer) to perform the duties of the job.

7. Perform mathematical computations (e.g., algebra, arithmetic) to perform the duties of the job.

8. Operate information technology devices (e.g., smartphones, computers, tablets) for correspondence, effective job performance, and communication.

9. Effectively coordinate adequate inventory stock levels at multiple locations throughout the State to ensure operational readiness.

10. Operate computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Aviation Information Management System [AIMS], Aviation Management Unit system) to electronically compile and analyze data, produce reports, and manage operations.

11. Operate machinery (e.g., electric cart, ramp equipment, cranes) to support facility operations.

12. Operate digital camera equipment to support aviation activities (e.g., accidents investigation, inspections).

 

Ability to:

1. Provide technical guidance to maintenance personnel to ensure airworthiness of State-operated or contracted aircraft.

2. Plan, organize, and direct the work of others in maintenance of State-operated aircraft to ensure operational readiness.

3. Provide technical guidance to other cooperative agencies (e.g. counties, United States Forest Service, Department of the Interior) to ensure operational readiness.

4. Read, write, and understand English to communicate effectively.

5. Interpret and extrapolate information from technical data (e.g., graphs, tables, charts, specifications, manuals, drawings) for maintaining State-operated and contracted aircraft.

6. Think and act independently, in the absence of supervision, to respond in a timely manner to the needs of the Department.

7. Manage time to effectively perform the duties of the job.

8. Prioritize multiple projects and deadlines to maintain operational readiness.

9. Schedule required maintenance on State-operated aircraft to ensure operational readiness.

10. Prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports and correspondence for effective job performance.

11. Motivate subordinates to ensure smooth operation of Program.

12. Develop corrective action plans to ensure operational readiness.

13. Work with diverse groups of individuals with varying levels of education and skills to accomplish daily tasks.

14. Work independently with minimal supervision for an effective job performance.

15. Diagnose mechanical irregularities to ensure operational readiness.

16. Identify hazards and risks associated with maintenance activities.

17. Apply mediation techniques to resolve interpersonal conflicts within the Unit.

18. Operate electronic communication devices (e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer) to communicate effectively in a timely manner.

19. Maintain positive stakeholder relationships to enable a cohesive working environment.

20. Use technical vernacular to properly communicate with maintenance personnel and cooperative agencies.

21. Speak in public to effectively communicate Program needs.

22. Coordinate multiple personnel and activities to ensure effective operation of Program.

23. Identify facility deficiencies (e.g., safety report, operational hazard report) for necessary improvements to maintain effective operations.

24. Read and understand reference manuals, training materials, data, and correspondence to acquire knowledge essential to the performance of the job.

25. Maintain positive relationships with cooperating agencies to promote a cohesive and productive work environment.

26. Follow oral and written directions for an effective job performance.

27. Apply mitigations to hazards and/or risks identified with maintenance activities to reduce operational exposure.

28. Compose technical reports (e.g., standard inspection activity, investigation) to accurately report and summarize findings.

29. Assist in personnel functions (e.g., hiring, performance management, training) to meet the Department’s mission, vision, and values.

30. Identify root causes of problems to ensure long-term solutions for the effective management of the Program.

31. Schedule maintenance Functional Check Flights in accordance with Department procedures.

32. Analyze situations and recommend an effective course of action for fire suppression and effective job performance in accordance with the Department’s mission.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the AVIATION OFFICER III (MAINTENANCE) 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 in

    Successful candidates from this administration will be merged onto the current, existing eligibility list for the Aviation Officer III (Maintenance) 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)