Exam Bulletin

Department of Justice

Exam Code: EX-3710

Examination Plans Included:

  • ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER - Open

Final Filing Date: 10/11/2024

Classification Details

ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER: $12,149.00 - $14,492.00 per Month

View the ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER classification specification.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 10/11/2024.

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.

Do not submit applications to Calfornia Department of Human Resources through fax or interagency mail. 

If using the United States Postal Service 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 will be considered late and not be accepted into the examination unless you are able to provide clear evidence that it was submitted timely. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof the application was sent prior to the final filing date. 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.

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):

  • ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER - Open

How To Apply:

Applications received without the required documents will be considered incomplete and may be rejected. To apply for this examination, please complete and return the following required documents:

  • Standard State Employment Application (Form STD 678): All applications must include “to” and “from” employment dates (month/day/year), time-base, and applicable classification titles 
  • Training and Experience Narrative Responses
  • Signed Affirmation Page - Training and Experience Narrative Affirmation (ca.gov)

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 Justice
    Testing and Selection Unit
    ATTN: Assistant Bureau Chief (Non-Sworn) Examination
    P.O. BOX 944255
    Sacramento, CA 94244-2550

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 Justice
    Testing and Selection Unit
    ATTN: Assistant Bureau Chief (Non-Sworn) Examination
    1300 I Street, 1st Floor Lobby
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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

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

  • Other - Training and Experience Narrative Affirmation Page - Please refer to the link in the "How to Apply" section
  • Other - Training and Experience Narrative Responses

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.

00108680 - ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

 

1. One year of experience in the Department of Justice, performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator II. or

 

2. Two years of experience in the Department of Justice performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator I.

 

Or II

 

Experience: Five years of supervisory experience in a law enforcement agency. At least two years must have been in a supervisory position which included administrative responsibilities, such as budgeting, management analysis, personnel, statistical analysis, or research in an identification, criminal statistics, narcotic enforcement, investigations, or technical services program area. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least one year performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator II or two years performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator II or two years performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator I. (Possession of a graduate degree in public administration, business administration, law, political science, or related areas may be substituted for one year of required experience.) and

 

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

DEFINITION OF TERMS:

“…duties…comparable in level…” means that the applicant must have State civil service experience of appropriate type and length in

a class at the same or higher level of responsibility as the class specified.

 

“Equivalent to graduation from college” means satisfaction of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. This means the applicant must show receipt of a bachelor’s degree (4 year college degree). Unofficial transcripts accepted for purposes of examination.

 

“Performing law enforcement related duties” means that duties must be related to criminal justice and/or in a program/division/bureau that oversees the work of law enforcement related classifications (e.g., Criminalists, Crime Analysts, Special Agents).

Position Description

00108680 - ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER

Assistant Bureau Chiefs are responsible for assisting a Bureau Chief, in the planning, organizing, direction, and administration of a major program area of the Division of Law Enforcement or of the California Justice Information Systems Division. Incumbents are involved in a wide range of administrative and managerial duties of program implementation, such as the review of major projects within the Bureau, formulation of Bureau training programs, representing the Department before the general public and other law enforcement agencies, and acting for the Bureau Chief in his/her absence. Incumbents may be ordered by the Attorney General to assume responsibility for direction of local law enforcement activities in the event of a regional or statewide emergency.

 

Positions exist in Sacramento and Riverside.

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.

This exam will consist of the following:

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE NARRATIVE - 100%

 

The Training and Experience Narrative consists of job-related questions for which candidates must submit typed responses. A panel of subject matter experts will evaluate competitors’ responses to each question using pre-determined rating and scoring criteria. Exams will be scored only for those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Candidates are not to receive any coaching or assistance and supervisors are not to review, edit or make suggestions. The questions are provided at the end of this examination bulletin.

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. The criminal justice system and law enforcement related governmental functions and the organization.
  2. The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.  
  3. The principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management.  
  4. Techniques for organizing and motivating teams of staff.
  5. Leadership principles, techniques, and practices.
  6. Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies that interact with or significantly impact the mission of the bureau.

 

ABILITY TO:

  1. Administer and manage a major law enforcement program of the Department of Justice.  
  2. Appear before public and private groups to explain departmental objectives, programs and general administrative matters.
  3. Organize and direct the work of others.  
  4. Communicate information and ideas in writing in a clear, articulate manner using appropriate tone, vocabulary, and grammar so others will understand.  
  5. Communicate information and ideas orally in a clear voice using appropriate tone, volume, vocabulary, grammar, speed, and non-verbal cues so others will understand.  
  6. Build effective working relationships with members of all levels of an organization or unit in order to ensure teamwork is completed in an efficient manner.  
  7. Speak clearly and effectively to audiences at all levels including program staff, administrators, and elected officials.  
  8. Write clearly and effectively using proper English grammar at a level sufficient to craft policy language or high visibility reports.
  9. Maintain credible relations with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.  

 

SKILL IN:

  1. Assigning and delegating work to bureau staff, ensuring that such assignments are equitable and reasonable based upon the relative qualifications and work load demands of individual staff members.  
  2. Delivering presentations and effectively communicating at high level meetings (e.g., large stakeholder groups, boards and commissions, the Legislature).
  3. Gaining and retaining the confidence and support of high level administrators.
  4. Organizing groups of staff or resources to advance the bureau’s objectives.
  5. Using various computer software to write and compile information, and analyze, manage and present findings.

 

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Justice

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.

Training and Experience Narrative

Training and Experience Narrative

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

This Training and Experience Narrative is the sole component of the Assistant Bureau Chief (Non-Sworn) examination. The Narrative will be rated by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) using predetermined rating criteria. To be placed on the eligibility list a minimum score of 70% must be received on this component. Read the instructions carefully before completing this examination; failure to do so may result in an inability to process your Training and Experience Narrative and disqualification from this examination.

  • This Training and Experience Narrative consists of 3 questions.
  • You must type your responses to these questions.
  • Your response to each question may only consist of 1 sheet of paper, single spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, with a 1-inch margin on all sides of the page. The maximum number of pages you should complete for this Training and Experience Narrative is 3 pages. Responses that do not meet this criteria may not be rated and may result in disqualification from this exam.
  • You must write the question number you are responding to in the top left corner of each page. You may hand write this number, however it must be clearly legible.
  • You must write the last 4 digits of your social security number on the top right corner of each page of your responses. You may hand write this number, however it must be clearly legible.
  • Please keep your answers concise, but be sure to answer all questions completely and accurately. Providing specific information will allow the SMEs to properly evaluate your qualifications. Omitted information cannot be considered and will not be assumed.
  • The exam submitted should solely be your work. Candidates are not to receive any coaching or assistance and supervisors should not review, edit, or make suggestions to the Training and Experience Narrative responses.

Training and Experience Narrative Questions: 

 

Question #1

Please provide a detailed narrative of the relevant training and experience that has prepared you to assume the duties and responsibilities of an Assistant Bureau Chief (Non-Sworn). In your response, please be sure to include specific examples of how your training and experience has prepared you for this position.


Question #2

Please describe your experience managing a program, including planning, directing, and/or organizing the work of multi-disciplinary staff. In your response, please include a specific example that demonstrates your role and how the program’s success was measured.  


Question #3

Please describe your experience presenting complex or sensitive information to stakeholders on behalf of your organization. In your response, please include the factors you considered in your preparation.



Appeal Information

Candidates may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board (SPB) within 30 days of the postmarked date of any decision notice (e.g., Minimum Qualifications denial, exam results). Examination appeals are required to meet one of the following grounds to be accepted by the State Personnel Board; (1) fraud; (2) discrimination; (3) erroneous interpretation or application of minimum qualifications (MQs); or (4) a significant irregularity in the examination process. Appeals can be filed online at the website above or mailed to Appeals Division, State Personnel Board, 801 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814-4806. Please refer to SPB's website for more information this process at https://www.spb.ca.gov/appeals/appeals.aspx

Testing Departments

  • Department of Justice

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Justice
OHR/Testing & Selection Unit
ATTN: Assistant Bureau Chief (Non-Sworn) Examination
1300 I Street, Suite 720
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 210-6021
Fax: (916) 445-1218
TSU@doj.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 Justice 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)