Final Filing Date: 12/12/2024.

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:

$4,949 - $6,416 Range A Base Salary (paid every month)
$5,432 - $7,075 Range B Base Salary (paid every month)
$2,458 - $3,187 Range A Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$2,698 - $3,515 Range B Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$91,342 – $118,423 Annual Compensation Range A
$100,258 – $130,595 Annual Compensation Range B

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

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):

• FIRE CAPTAIN - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the start of the examination, 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.

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 and Fire Protection
  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 and Fire Protection
  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.) 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.

3.) Candidates that wish to apply unplanned overtime hours towards the experience requirements outlined in the Minimum Qualifications section of this bulletin, MUST complete the Unplanned Overtime (OT) Questionnaire. Please copy and paste this URL into your web browser to access this form: https://incidents.fire.ca.gov/media/pajeeh5x/updated-cal-fire-ot-supplemental.pdf

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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

00101095 - FIRE CAPTAIN

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 must secure the license prior to appointment.)

AND

EITHER I

Experience: Thirty-six months of full-time experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Fire Apparatus Engineer or Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic) and successful completion of the corresponding California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee Program. (Applicants who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination but must successfully complete the apprenticeship program before appointment.). or

Experience: Thirty-six months of full-time experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Fire Apparatus Engineer with an appointment to the class prior to the initiation of the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee Program on July 1, 1983. or

Experience: Applicants who gained employment with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection by Board Resolution may compete if they have thirty-six months of full-time experience as a Fire Apparatus Engineer or Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic) but must successfully complete the apprenticeship program before appointment or receive SubJAC certification of journey level status. [Experience with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection may be combined with prior Fire Apparatus Engineer or Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic) experience to meet this requirement.] (Applicants who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination but must successfully complete the apprenticeship program before appointment or receive SubJAC certification of journey level status.)

OR II

Experience: Forty-eight months of full-time experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Fire Apparatus Engineer or Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic). (Applicants who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination but must complete the experience requirement prior to appointment.)

OR III

Experience: Twenty-four months of experience as a full-time paid Company Officer leading an engine company (or equivalent) at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Fire Captain. (Applicants who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination but must complete the experience requirement prior to appointment.)

OR IV

Experience: Forty-eight months of experience as a full-time paid employee of a fire department supervising or leading a hand crew, such as an Incident Command System Type I or II Crew, at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Fire Captain. (Applicants who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination but must complete the experience requirement prior to appointment.)

FELONY DISQUALIFICATION

Existing law provides that person convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Such persons are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this class. The felony disqualification applies only to those positions designated as peace officers within a class. 

CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031 (a), in order to be a peace officer, a person must be either a U.S. Citizen or be a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. Citizenship. Any permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall be disqualified from holding that position if his/her application for citizenship is denied.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

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

ONLINE WRITTEN EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%

The written examination will be administered in an online format consisting of job-related multiple-choice questions.

Candidates will be provided via email: ClassMarker Test Link

Candidates will need the following: A cell phone, tablet, or computer with access to RELIABLE internet connection.

Recommended Compatible Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge, FireFox, Chrome, Safari, or Opera.

Information regarding the examination will ONLY be sent to the email address provided on your State Application (STD 678). *Please ensure you have access to the email address provided*

Check your email (including spam and junk) for more examination details during the week of December 30, 2024.

It is anticipated the online written examination will be held in January/February 2025.

(Candidates that do NOT test during the designated testing window will be disqualified from the examination.)

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:

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. Factors affecting wildland fire behavior (e.g., fuel, weather, topography) to ensure safe and effective operations.
2. Wildland firefighting safety rules of engagement (e.g., 10 Standard Firefighting Orders, 18 Situations That Shout Watch Out, Lookouts, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones) for safe operations.
3. Fire suppression practices and procedures for various types of fires (e.g., structural, vehicle, wildland) to safely and effectively mitigate an incident.
4. Basic fire behavior (e.g., types, phases, characteristics) to identify the most effective extinguishing methods.
5. The strategies and tactics (e.g., indirect, direct, combination) used to safely and effectively suppress various types of fires (e.g., vehicle, structure, wildland).
6. Emergency scene safety practices (e.g., traffic, life safety hazards, apparatus placement) to ensure the safety of the public and emergency response personnel.
7. Emergency scene safety practices (e.g., traffic, life safety hazards, apparatus placement) to ensure the safety of the public and emergency response personnel.
8. Fuel, weather, and topography as they relate to wildland fire behavior for firefighter safety.
9. Wildland-urban interface strategies and tactics for structure defense.
10. Emergency operations (e.g., fires, rescues, hazardous materials incidents) to mitigate incidents in a safe and efficient manner.
11. Various terminology (e.g., incident command system, medical, fire) to communicate effectively.
12. Life hazard notification policies (e.g., Emergency Command Center notification, Injury Illness Prevention Program [IIPP], personnel accountability) to ensure scene safety.
13. Principles and practices of emergency medical procedures (e.g., Basic Life Support [BLS], cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR], Automated External Defibrillator [AED]) to safely respond to and render medical aid.
14. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CAL/OSHA) regulations (e.g., two in – two out, accountability, lockout – tag out) to ensure personnel safety and compliance with Federal and State law.
15. Fire apparatus (e.g., engine, truck, rescue) and their capabilities for appropriate utilization.
16. Rescue, Exposure, Confinement, Extinguishment, Overhaul with Ventilation and Salvage (RECEO-VS) activities to mitigate an incident.
17. Emergency vehicle (e.g., engines, ladder truck, rescue) operations according to Federal, State, and local regulations and Department policies and procedures.
18. Firing tools and equipment (e.g., drip torch, fusees, aerial devices) used during fire activities for safe and effective fire operations.
19. Leadership principles and management practices to effectively lead subordinates.
20. Chainsaw operations (e.g., felling, brushing, ventilation, bucking, rescue) to ensure life safety and compliance with Department chainsaw policy.
21. Incident accountability techniques (e.g., safety checks, Personnel Accountability Report, accountability tags) to ensure personnel safety.
22. Fire tools and equipment (e.g., chainsaw, axe, ventilation fans) to ensure proper use and maintenance.
23. Decontamination techniques (e.g., proper hand washing, sanitization of reusable medical equipment, biohazard disposal) used to minimize the spread of communicable diseases following an incident.
24. Patient assessment (e.g., vital signs, skin signs, level of consciousness) to effectively treat patients at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level.
25. Wildland chainsaw operations (e.g., felling, brushing, limbing) for fire control and firefighter safety per National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and Department policy.
26. Mobile communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios, Mobile Data Computers) for effective communication.
27. Maintenance and operation of Department mobile equipment (e.g., utility vehicles, fire apparatus, pumps) to ensure safe and effective utilization.
28. Rescue and/or extrication equipment (e.g., hydraulic and pneumatic tools, stabilizing devices) to safely and effectively remove entrapped victims.
29. Techniques (e.g., positioning, movement, oxygen administration) as used on patients in respiratory distress to ensure effective treatment.
30. Safe work practices to provide a safe work environment for employees and the public.
31. Weather observation tools and techniques (e.g., belt weather kit, digital weather devices, online weather resources) to obtain location specific weather information.
32. The principles of effectively directing and training personnel in fire protection, emergencies, and conservation efforts to effectively carry out the Department's mission.
33. Rapid intervention crew and/or team tactics (e.g., large area search, breaching and breaking, softening a structure) for firefighter safety and rescue.
34. The Department’s organizational structure to work effectively within the organization.
35. Navigational aids (e.g., Global Positioning System [GPS], maps, compass) to accurately orient yourself and others to the land.
36. Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) airway adjuncts and techniques used on patients during medical and traumatic emergencies to secure a patent airway.
37. Fire hose types (e.g., attack, supply) to ensure appropriate use in fire suppression and other activities.
38. Utility control (e.g., water, gas, electrical) to ensure personnel safety during incidents.
39. Basic human anatomy for effective treatment of patients during medical emergencies.
40. Fire service ladders (e.g., testing, maintenance, use) to ensure operational readiness and personnel and public safety.
41. Firing methods, techniques, and equipment for fire activities (e.g., Vegetation Management Program [VMP], fire control, training) for safe and effective fire operations.
42. The Department's mission, vision, and value statements to carry out the day to day activities of the Department.
43. Reference materials (e.g., Incident Response Pocket Guide [IRPG], Field Operations Guide, Fireline Handbook) to ensure firefighter safety and survival.
44. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies in the workplace to ensure compliance with Federal and State laws.
45. Accepted command systems (e.g., Incident Command System, National Incident Management System [NIMS]) for proper incident organization and structure.
46. Tactics and techniques (e.g., observation, retardant drop, mapping) used in air operations to assist in fire suppression activities.
47. Patient triage procedures and techniques (e.g., Respirations Perfusion Mental status [RPM], Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment [START], triage tags) to ensure appropriate treatment.
48. The Department’s safety procedures and programs (e.g., Injury and Illness Prevention Program [IIPP], Violence in the Workplace, Workers’ Compensation Program, California Occupational Safety Health Administration [Cal/OSHA]) to achieve workplace safety.
49. The Firefighters Bill of Rights and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure that employee rights are protected in accordance with State law.
50. Standard response plans (e.g., medical, wildland, structure) for appropriate response to incidents.
51. Extinguishing agents (e.g., water, foam, dry chemicals) and their appropriate application for fire suppression.
52. Incident types and dispatch priorities (e.g., life safety vs. property) to assign resources in the appropriate sequence.
53. Fire hose maintenance (e.g., testing, proper storage) to ensure operational readiness and personnel safety.
54. Hazardous material incident operations to analyze the situation and determine the appropriate actions (e.g., isolate and deny entry, lock-out/tag-out, dike or dam the flow) to safely minimize and/or mitigate an incident.
55. Applicable Department policies and procedures (e.g., administrative, safety, training) for effective job performance.
56. Specialized rescue procedures (e.g., rope rescue, water rescue, confined space) to safely and effectively rescue victims.
57. Building construction (e.g., wood frame, masonry, metal frame) to determine appropriate fire suppression tactics and ensure firefighter safety.
58. 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 personnel in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
59. Personnel policies and procedures (e.g., performance management, workers compensation, Employee Assistance Program [EAP]) to ensure effective operations.
60. The Department’s safety programs (e.g., Injury Illness Prevention Program [IIPP], Respiratory Protection Program [RPP]) to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.
61. Helicopters and helitack equipment capabilities (e.g., rescue, suppression, crew transport) for use in air operations.
62. Federal, State, and local regulations affecting emergency plans (e.g., operating plans, response plans, pre-plans) to ensure personnel are in compliance during emergency operations.
63. The Department’s and cooperating agencies’ communications systems (e.g., Very High Frequency [VHF], 800 MHz, Ultra High Frequency [UHF]) to allow effective communications between agencies.
64. Basic mechanics (e.g., automotive, small engine, household appliances) to perform general repairs to ensure proper maintenance and operational readiness.
65. Basic construction (e.g., buildings, trails, water systems) for appropriate maintenance and project completion.
66. Agency responsibility (e.g., State Responsibility Area, Local Response Area, Federal Responsibility Area) as it relates to fiscal accountability.
67. The various fire cause classifications (e.g., arson, electrical, mechanical) for statistical and investigative purposes.
68. Fire prevention principles and practices (e.g., defensible space, school programs, weed abatement) to prevent fires and provide fire safety.
69. Fire protection systems (e.g., sprinkler systems, fire department connections, standpipes, alarm systems) for preplanning and fire suppression.
70. Hazardous material storage (e.g., bulk fuel, insecticides, flammable liquids) to ensure environmental safety and compliance with Federal, State, and local laws.
71. Aircraft capabilities (e.g., fixed and rotor wing) for safe and effective air operations.
72. Hazardous material incident command structure (e.g., technical reference specialist, entry team leader, decontamination leader) to safely mitigate the incident.
73. Proper evidence handling and preservation techniques as part of the investigation process to ensure compliance with state laws.
74. Fire prevention laws and ordinances (e.g., Federal, State, local) to ensure compliance and life safety.
75. Fixed wing safety procedures (e.g., pre-flight briefing, approaching the aircraft, hand signals) to ensure the safety of personnel.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the FIRE CAPTAIN 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.

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.

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

CAL FIRE Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
710 Riverpoint Ct.
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: (916) 894-9916 ext. Option3
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.

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.