Final Filing Date: 12/27/2024.

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.

EXTENDED DUTY WEEK COMPENSATION - SALARY INFORMATION

The Fire Apparatus Engineer classification is eligible for the following pay: 

$5,416 - $6,689 Base Salary (paid every month)

$2,336 - $2,886 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)

$95,360 - $117,786 Annual Compensation

*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 APPARATUS ENGINEER - 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 & 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 & Fire Protection
  Examination Unit
  710 Riverpoint Ct.
  West Sacramento, CA 95605
  8:00 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

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

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.

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

Experience:

EITHER I

Eight months of fire-fighting experience.

OR II

Enrollment in the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee Preapprenticeship Outreach Program. and

Three months' fire-fighting experience until December 31, 1983; six months' fire-fighting experience until December 31, 1984; or eight months' fire-fighting experience thereafter.

OR III

Two years of experience as a certified volunteer firefighter. (Candidates who are within two months of satisfying the experience requirement under Pattern I above for this class will be admitted to the examination, but they must fully meet the experience requirement before being eligible for appointment.)

OR IV

Two years of experience as a Fire Prevention Specialist II and successful completion of the mandatory training courses prescribed for a Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Fighter I.

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 January 27, 2025.

It is anticipated the online written examination will be held in February/March 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:

Knowledge of:

1. Lookouts, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones (LCES) to mitigate incidents safely.
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. 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.
4. Patient assessment (e.g., vital signs, skin signs, level of consciousness) to effectively treat patients at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level.
5. Emergency scene safety practices (e.g., traffic, life safety hazards, apparatus placement) to ensure the safety of the public and emergency response personnel.
6. Basic fire behavior (e.g., types, phases, characteristics) to identify the most effective extinguishing methods.
7. Safety gear (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], traffic vest, fire shelter) to ensure compliance with safety rules, regulations, and personal safety.
8. Fire suppression principles for various types of fire (e.g., structural, vehicle, wildland) to safely and effectively mitigate an incident.
9. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) policies (e.g., two in – two out, accountability, lock out – tag out) to ensure personnel safety and compliance with Federal and State law.
10. The strategies and tactics (e.g., indirect, direct, combination) used to safely and effectively suppress various types of fires (e.g., vehicle, structure, wildland).
11. Emergency operations (e.g., fires, rescues, hazardous materials incidents) to mitigate incidents in a safe and efficient manner.
12. Fire tools and equipment (e.g., chainsaw, axe, ventilation fans) to ensure proper use and maintenance.
13. Life hazard notification policies (e.g., Emergency Command Center notification, Three Stripes You’re Out, personnel accountability) to ensure firefighter and scene safety.
14. Safety precautions (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], body substance isolation, proper needle disposal) to provide protection from communicable diseases.
15. Defensive driving techniques (e.g., traffic laws, intersection approach, utilization of warning devices) to safely operate Department vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations.
16. Wildland-urban interface strategies and tactics for structure defense.
17. Heat related illness and/or injuries to comply with Department policies and procedures.
18. Fire hose types (e.g., attack, supply) to ensure appropriate use in fire suppression and other activities.
19. Fire apparatus (e.g., engine, truck, rescue) and their capabilities for effective use and maintenance.
20. Structural chainsaw operations (e.g., rescue, ventilation, overhaul) to ensure life, safety, and compliance with Department Chainsaw policy.
21. Fire service ladders (e.g., testing, maintenance, use) to ensure operational readiness and personnel and public safety.
22. Emergency and non-emergency vehicles (e.g., engine, ladder truck, rescue) operations to ensure safe and effective utilization according to Federal, State, and local regulations, and Department policies and procedures.
23. Basic vehicle maintenance and repair (e.g., pre-trip inspection, scheduled maintenance, brake adjustment) to ensure safety and operational readiness.
24. The Department’s chain of command to ensure effective operation within the Department.
25. Building construction (e.g., wood frame, masonry, metal frame) to determine appropriate fire suppression tactics and ensure firefighter safety.
26. Extinguishing agents (e.g., water, foam, dry chemicals, Halon, gel) and their appropriate application during fire suppression for safe and effective fire operations.
27. Command systems (e.g., Incident Command System, National Incident Management System) for proper organization and structure.
28. Various terminology (e.g., Incident Command System, medical, fire) to communicate effectively.
29. Standard response plans (e.g., medical, wildland, structure) for appropriate response to incidents.
30. 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.
31. Fire ground hydraulics (e.g., gallons per minute, pump operations, friction loss) to provide safe and effective water use.
32. Rescue and extrication (e.g., vehicle, building, trench) techniques to safely and effectively remove entrapped victims.
33. Utility control (e.g., water, gas, electrical) to ensure personnel safety during incidents.
34. Maintenance and inspection methods for safety gear (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], traffic vest, fire shelter) to ensure compliance with safety rules, regulations, and personal safety.
35. Reference materials (e.g., Incident Response Pocket Guide [IRPG], Field Operations Guide, Fireline Handbook) to ensure firefighter safety and survival.
36. Safe food handling methods to ensure the health and wellbeing of personnel to avoid food borne pathogens.
37. Wildland chainsaw operations (e.g., felling, brushing, limbing) for fire control and firefighter safety per National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and Department policies and procedures.
38. The state-wide radio call plan to effectively communicate with Emergency Command Centers and other emergency responders.
39. California Vehicle Code as it applies to the operation of commercial vehicles and emergency vehicles on the highways.
40. Fire hose maintenance (e.g., testing, proper storage) to ensure operational readiness and firefighter safety.
41. Suppression resources (e.g., hand crew, dozers, aircraft) for ordering resources based on capabilities to ensure effective operations.
42. Department forms (e.g., incident, personnel, procurement) for effective job performance.
43. Navigational aids (e.g., Global Positioning System [GPS], maps, compass, Automated Vehicle Locator [AVL]) for assistance in navigation and mapmaking.
44. Tactics and techniques (e.g., observation, retardant drop, mapping) used in aerial firefighting to assist in fire suppression activities.
45. Fire protection systems (e.g., sprinkler systems, fire department connections, standpipes, alarm systems) for preplanning and fire suppression.
46. Ropes and related equipment and their proper use and maintenance to ensure operational readiness.
47. Specialized rescue procedures (e.g., high and low angle, water, confined space) to safely and effectively rescue entrapped victims.
48. The proper uses and abilities of transport resources (e.g., ambulance, air-ambulance, rescue helicopters) to ensure patient is provided proper transport to appropriate medical facility.
49. Basic mechanical systems (e.g., lowering, hauling, winching) for rescue operations.
50. Applicable Department policies and procedures (e.g., material management, safety, procurement) for effective job performance.
51. Basic human anatomy for effective treatment of patients during medical emergencies.
52. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) laws, rules, and regulations to ensure compliance and information security.
53. California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 22, Division 9 pertaining to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to ensure proper medical care.
54. The various fire cause classifications (e.g., arson, electrical, vehicle) for statistical and investigative purposes.
55. Hazardous material incident command structure (e.g., Technical Reference Specialist, Entry Team Leader, Decontamination Leader) to safely mitigate an incident.
56. Helicopters and helitack equipment capabilities (e.g., rescue, suppression, crew transport) for use in air operations.
57. 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.
58. Hazardous material storage (e.g., bulk fuel, insecticides, flammable liquids) to ensure environmental safety and compliance with Federal, State, and local laws.
59. Fire prevention principles and practices (e.g., defensible space, school programs, weed abatement) to prevent fires and provide fire safety.
60. Basic construction (e.g., buildings, trails, water systems) for appropriate maintenance and project completion.
61. Helicopter and helitack safety procedures (e.g., crash rescue, pre-flight briefing, approaching the aircraft) to ensure the safety of personnel.
62. Applicable codes, laws, rules, and regulations (e.g., Public Resource Code, Health and Safety Code, Penal Code, Uniform Fire Code) to ensure appropriate application in all administrative and firefighter activities.
63. Mathematical calculations (e.g., algebra, arithmetic, geometry) for effective job performance.
64. Inventory practices (e.g., Material Requisition Transfer, Safety Data Sheet, service center operations) to ensure operational readiness.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the FIRE APPARATUS ENGINEER 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:

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
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.

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.