Exam Bulletin

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Exam Code: EX-3804

Examination Plans Included:

  • DEPUTY STATE FIRE MARSHAL III (Supervisor) - Open

Final Filing Date: 11/20/2024

Classification Details

DEPUTY STATE FIRE MARSHAL III (Supervisor): $8,732.00 - $11,950.00 per Month

View the DEPUTY STATE FIRE MARSHAL III (Supervisor) classification specification.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 11/20/2024.

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):

  • DEPUTY STATE FIRE MARSHAL III (Supervisor) - 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.

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 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://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/36B2F1AA2D7F4FA281AAEC6E0FA7F827

 

4.) If you are using education to meet the Minimum Qualifications under Pattern II, please attach a copy of your diploma and/or transcripts showing proof of coursework/completion/graduation to your application.

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 - Training and Experience Narrative (T&E)

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.

00109010 - DEPUTY STATE FIRE MARSHAL III (SUPERVISOR)

Either I

 

Two years of experience performing the duties of a Deputy State Fire Marshal, Range B, in the California state service.

 

Or II

 

Experience: Five years of experience, at least three years of which shall have been in a lead or supervisory capacity, in any one or a combination of the following:

 

1. In fire prevention work in a public fire prevention bureau, unit or agency; or

 

2. On fire prevention or industrial safety engineering in private industry; or

 

3. In building compliance/inspection work in a public bureau, unit, or agency.

 

(College training may be substituted for the nonsupervisory experience on the basis of two years of college being equivalent to one year of experience.) and

 

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

FELONY DISQUALIFICATION

Existing law provides that persons 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.

Position Description

00109010 - DEPUTY STATE FIRE MARSHAL III (SUPERVISOR)

TYPICAL TASKS

A Deputy State Fire Marshal III (Supervisor) may supervise the office and field inspection staff, i.e., plan, direct, and control the work within a portion of a region; or supervise the review of plans and specifications for public and private buildings for compliance with panic and fire safety laws and regulations.

 

Incumbents consult with State and/or local fire, health, planning and construction officials, architects, engineers, and contractors on sensitive problems regarding panic and fire safety in the design, construction, and operation of buildings and other facilities subject to regulation by the State Fire Marshal; cooperate with other public agencies on mutual problems relating to fire safety; review reports and recommendations of field inspectors and prepare letters of instruction and recommendation to owners, grant code alternatives; make special field inspections with personnel in unusual or controversial problems; may conduct informal hearings and prepares cases for court, as required; oversee the application, within a portion of region, of all laws and regulations of the State Fire Marshal; conduct training meetings for technical field personnel; supervise field personnel in following up enforcement of laws and regulation of the State Fire Marshal; train new field personnel on inspection work and enforcement and evaluates their performance; counsel staff regarding disciplinary problems; and initiate punitive action as necessary.

 

This class supervises and trains subordinates in the review of plans and specifications for all occupancies, fire alarm systems, both manual and automatic, fire extinguishing systems, and modifications of existing buildings for compliance with panic and fire safety laws and regulations; advises the Office of the State Architect and other State agencies concerning the application of fire prevention laws and regulations in the design and construction of State buildings. Representing the State Fire Marshal, incumbents in this class attend meetings of fire prevention associations, service clubs and similar groups to give fire prevention talks and to present fire prevention material.

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Supervisory ability, tact, and keenness of observation.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

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

Components that are due with your application will be scored and will count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items may result in disqualification or elimination from the examination.

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

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE NARRATIVE - WEIGHTED AT 100%

In this type of exam, the TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE NARRATIVE DOCUMENT is the examination. It is imperative you refer to the knowledge, skills, and abilities when responding to the question below.

A TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE NARRATIVE IS A WRITTEN DOCUMENT THAT RESPONDS TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW.

1.  Explain at least three differences between a California statute and a regulation.

 

2.  It is 4:00 p.m. on a Friday and you receive a time sensitive, high priority project from your supervisor that needs to be completed by Monday morning. Describe at least five steps that you would take to complete the project.

 

3.  You have been assigned to present to local government about the delegation to regulatory oversight within the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Describe in detail at least seven objectives that would need to be covered during this presentation.

 

4.  You have an employee that is continually calling in sick every Monday which is affecting their work performance. Describe at least five steps you would take to address the situation.

5.  You have been made aware of a statutory change about to go into effect that will have a significant change in a process with stakeholders. Provide at least five examples of how you would present this change to your stakeholders.

It is anticipated the Training and Experience Narrative review will be held in December 2024/January 2025.

When preparing your Training and Experience Narrative; follow the instructions below:

  • Please use Arial font, size no smaller than 10.
  • Limit your responses to no more than a total of five (5) pages (Only the first five pages will be scored).
  • Your document MUST be typewritten (NO handwritten narratives).
  • Please clearly label the number that corresponds to the question to which you are responding.
  • You may include multiple responses on a single page.
  • Please place your name on each page of your narrative.
APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT A NARRATIVE MAY RECEIVE A DISQUALIFYING SCORE.

PLEASE NOTE: All exam questions are based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed in this bulletin and the Deputy State Fire Marshall III (Supervisor) classification specification, which is located on the CAL HR website. Use this information when preparing for this exam and retain this bulletin for your reference.

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. Fire behavior to determine origin and cause.
  2. Peace Officers Bill of Rights and Fire Fighter Bill of Rights to ensure compliance with State laws and Department policies and procedures.
  3. The operational responsibilities in the absence of the Division Chief, as directed, to ensure compliance with Department policies and procedures.
  4. Department policies and procedures for conducting hiring interviews.
  5. Fireworks classifications (e.g., illegal, approved) to provide consistent application of the law.
  6. The review process of the California Automated Travel Expense Reimbursement System to ensure timely accurate reimbursement of the travel expenses for staff.
  7. The various types of records and documents (e.g., inspection notices, curriculum, building inventories, official decisions, licenses, certifications) to understand required documentation and the statutory requirements for a records retention program.
  8. Other Government agencies (e.g., Office of Emergency Services, Division of State Architect, Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development) and private organizations [e.g., National Fire Protection Association, UL (Underwriters Laboratory), Factory Mutual] responsible for codes, standards, and regulations related to fire prevention engineering, education, and enforcement.
  9. Rules of evidence and court procedures to provide witness testimony in court proceedings and administrative hearings.
  10. Approved testing laboratories that conduct tests and examinations on equipment (e.g., fire alarm devices, construction materials, fire sprinkler systems) to understand the need for accuracy and laboratory dependability.
  11. How to compile evidence and information in preparation to present an expert witness testimony.
  12. Publications, listings guides, codes and standards, and technical references for an effective job performance.
  13. The State Board of Fire Services and advisory committees as a forum for addressing fire prevention, training, and protection issues for the State.
  14. Potential stakeholders with shared concerns for available resources on issues of fire prevention engineering, education, and enforcement.
  15. The Office of Administrative Law and Building Standards Commission rule making processes to develop or amend regulations.
  16. The California Joint Apprenticeship Committee policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
  17. Budget procedures and revenue sources for funding purposes to meet operational needs.
  18. Federal, State, and local fireworks laws and regulations for sale of State approved fireworks.
  19. Search and seizure laws to conduct a legal search in compliance with State laws and regulations.
  20. The curriculum development model and to utilize best practices while providing training to stakeholders.

Skill to:

  1. Effectively communicate both verbally and written in English.
  2. Use proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure that written materials are complete, concise, and error-free for effective performance and communication.
  3. Operate computers and software programs effectively (e.g., e-mail, spreadsheets, presentations) to provide accurate reports and information exchange with Department employees and other public/private entities.
  4. Operate all information technology devices (e.g., smartphones, computers, laptops) for correspondence, effective job performance, and communication.
  5. Multi-task and meet deadlines.
  6. Plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to ensure efficient completion of assignments.
  7. Gather, compile, and apply information and data from various sources for research, decision making, and developing action plans, for inclusion in written and oral reports, communication, and completion of assignments.
  8. Manage and respond to sensitive and/or high-profile issues to achieve Department goals and objectives.
  9. Communicate performance standards and expectations to personnel for successful job performance.
  10. Document and complete employee performance evaluations for successful job performance.
  11. Inspect, investigate, and document projects or incidents to determine compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, and Department policies and procedures.
  12. Read and interpret various sources of information (e.g., maps, street signs, reference manuals, training materials, issuance, reports, correspondence) for successful job performance.
  13. Develop and deliver effective oral and written presentations for information exchange and education of employees, management, and others.
  14. Work effectively on a team to complete tasks, event/incident planning, problem solving, and decision making.
  15. Speak publicly.
  16. Keep staff motivated to accomplish program goals.
  17. Operate specialized equipment (e.g., mechanical/architectural scales, Global Positioning System, cameras, decibel meter, communication equipment) for conducting inspections, investigations, and other field work in a safe and effective manner.

Ability to:

  1. Read and write in English to effectively exchange information and accomplish daily tasks.
  2. Comprehend and verbally communicate in English to exchange ideas and accomplish daily tasks.
  3. Follow oral and written directions for an effective job performance.
  4. Prepare accurate, concise, and well-written reports and correspondence for an effective job performance.
  5. Manage workload and time to prioritize assignments for a successful job performance.
  6. Recognize hazardous situations and conditions (e.g., illegal activities, animals, unsafe surroundings, prison activity) to avoid personal injury.
  7. Work independently with minimal supervision for successful job performance.
  8. Maintain a professional demeanor to represent the Department in a positive manner.
  9. Make decisions under extreme situations (e.g., deadlines, dangerous surroundings).
  10. Work and adapt to a changing work environment.
  11. Perform mathematical calculations (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to ensure correct calculations (e.g., egress requirements, building occupancy loads) to meet code requirements.
  12. Analyze situations and reason logically to determine an effective course of action for fire prevention engineering, education, and enforcement.
  13. Make decisions and/or recommendations under various situations (e.g., deadlines, controversial issues) for effective leadership.
  14. Mentor staff for workforce succession planning.
  15. Evaluate and resolve complaints (e.g., hazards, safety issues, building code violations) through the use of appropriate legal and administrative procedures.
  16. Identify acceptable construction methods, alternative methods, and materials related to fire safety to correct potential problems to maintain code compliance.
  17. Use computer software programs (e.g., record and learning management system, e-mail, spreadsheet) to produce reports and effectively carry out daily assignments requiring communication.
  18. Write technical reports to ensure proper documentation of information (e.g., investigation reports, correction notices) and summarize findings for an effective job performance.
  19. Interpret codes and standards for successful job performance.
  20. Read construction plans and identify symbols related to construction (e.g., electrical, mechanical, plumbing) to ensure code compliance and an effective job performance.
  21. Document sensitive materials (e.g., litigation, appeals, correspondence) to create a record of events.
  22. Conduct inspections in facilities for code compliance.
  23. Train staff, industry, stakeholders, and other Government agencies personnel on fire prevention engineering, education, and enforcement issues to ensure Statewide consistency.
  24. Evaluate other regulatory agencies’ regulations to negotiate and resolve conflicts regarding code development and enforcement for fire prevention engineering, education, and enforcement.
  25. Think spatially to visualize the completed process (e.g., building plan to building completion) to apply codes for fire prevention engineering, education, and enforcement standards.
  26. Effectively utilize the resources for supervision (e.g., progressive discipline, Employee Assistance Program, Equal Employment Office guidelines, Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding, Employee Support Services) located on the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Intranet for guidance and tools for managing employees.
  27. Deal with issues of a sensitive nature (e.g., trade secrets, proprietary equipment, patents, investigations) to maintain confidentiality matters.
  28. Make oral presentations to educate and inform stakeholders on fire prevention engineering, education, and enforcement.
  29. Facilitate meetings (e.g., committee, task groups, fire prevention) to achieve the goals of the Department and disseminate information to stakeholders.
  30. Recognize budget impact and make appropriate fiscal decisions.
  31. Screen job applicants to determine qualified candidates for potential hire.
  32. Conduct investigations to determine origin and cause of fire related issues.
  33. Maintain a positive relationship with media groups to represent the Department.
  34. Write an Incident Action Plan to document incident goals.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the DEPUTY STATE FIRE MARSHAL III (Supervisor) Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Successful candidates from this administration will be merged onto the current, existing eligibility list for the Deputy State Fire Marshal III (Supervisor) 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)