Exam Bulletin - Supervising Pipeline Safety Engineer (2581)

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Exam Code: EX-3988

Examination Plans Included:

  • SUPERVISING PIPELINE SAFETY EN - Open

Final Filing Date: 4/15/2025

Bulletin Updates

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

Classification Details

SUPERVISING PIPELINE SAFETY EN: $12,783.00 - $16,005.00 per Month

View the SUPERVISING PIPELINE SAFETY EN classification specification.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 4/15/2025.

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):

  • SUPERVISING PIPELINE SAFETY EN - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the final filing date of April 15, 2025, 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:

  • 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:

  • Examination Unit
    710 Riverpoint Ct.
    West Sacramento, CA 95605
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

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

Please note the following:

1). A State Application (STD 678) is REQUIRED and must be submitted.

2). A Training and Experience (T&E) Narrative document is also REQUIRED and must be submitted.

3). A copy of your unofficial transcripts and/or diploma showing proof of coursework completion/graduation is required ONLY IF you are using education to meet the Minimum Qualifications (Pattern II).

4). All applicants must include "from" and "to" employment dates (month/day/year), time base, and applicable civil service class titles of their STD 678. Applications received without this information may be rejected.

5). 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) Supplemental Form. 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.

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 - T&E Narrative

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.

00102581 - SUPERVISING PIPELINE SAFETY EN

EITHER I

One year of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Pipeline Safety Engineer, Range C.

 

OR II

Experience: Four years of experience performing responsible engineering duties in hazardous liquid, petroleum, or natural gas pipeline safety. and Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in civil, chemical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Position Description

00102581 - SUPERVISING PIPELINE SAFETY EN

TYPICAL TASKS

The Pipeline Safety Engineer series describes work concerned with the enforcement of Federal and State hazardous liquid pipeline safety laws, rules, regulations, and policies.

 

Work assignments are varied and require both field and office technical review and inspection work to determine that pipeline systems and operators are in conformance with the law. Employees in this class series conduct detailed review and inspections of the design, construction, modification, operation, and maintenance of hazardous liquid pipeline systems and operators; investigate pipeline accidents; provide technical advice for the development, implementation and revision, as needed, of State and local emergency response plans as related to hazardous liquid pipelines and train first-in response personnel; and do other related work.

 

This is the supervisory level of the series. Incumbent(s) have supervisory responsibility for staff within an assigned geographic area of the State or have supervisory  responsibility for difficult, sensitive, or statewide pipeline safety projects.

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Willingness to work throughout the State and at unusual hours, evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; may be on 24-hour call; alertness and keenness of observation; wear job-required attire and personal protection equipment; possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles and good driving record. Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.

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 (T&E) NARRATIVE - WEIGHTED AT 100%

In this type of examination, the T&E Narrative document IS THE EXAMINATION.
 
The T&E Narrative is a written document that responds to the questions listed below. 

An evaluation of the Narrative documents will be conducted by a rating panel consisting of CAL FIRE subject matter experts (SMEs) in May/June 2025. The rating panel will compare each candidates' Narrative responses against standardized, pre-determined rating criteria. The examination questions below were derived from the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) listed in this bulletin. 

When preparing your T&E Narrative document, please respond to the following five (5) examination questions:


1). As a supervisor, one of your employees is not completing assignments on time and arriving late to work. Describe in detail at least five steps you would take to address this situation.


2). A major pipeline accident has occurred, and you are assigned as the State Liaison Officer. You need to coordinate a meeting with several different agencies to define the response tasks and goals. Identify and explain at least four critical tasks or goals for this meeting.

3). You are an inspector with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Pipeline Safety Division. Describe in detail at least six steps used for a thorough and complete inspection on a pipeline company.

4). You have been given multiple projects on top of your normal workload. Provide at least four examples of how you would ensure completion of all projects.

5). Describe in detail at least four industry accepted pipeline inspection methods to ensure pipeline integrity.


In addition to responding to the questions above, your T&E Narrative document MUST follow the instructions listed below. Failure to follow these instructions may result in disqualification from the testing process:

When preparing your Training and Experience Narrative, follow the instructions below:
  • Please use Arial font, no smaller than size 12.
  • 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.

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 State Fire Marshal mission statement and strategies to protect life and property through the development and the application of fire prevention, engineering, education, enforcement, and regulations.
  2. Nationally recognized hazardous liquid pipeline standards, associations, regulations, and laws relating to the hazardous liquid pipeline industry to ensure compliance.
  3. Hazardous liquid pipeline design and construction to enforce Federal and State laws and regulations.
  4. Practices and techniques for a thorough and complete hazardous liquid pipeline accident investigation.
  5. Accepted hazardous liquid pipeline repair methods to ensure safe operation.
  6. Basic electrical principles for cathodic protection to ensure pipeline integrity.
  7. Various methods of hazardous liquid pipeline testing (e.g., in-line inspection, pressure testing, acoustic testing) to determine hazardous liquid pipeline integrity (e.g., damage, leaks, defects).
  8. Fundamentals of engineering as applied to hazardous liquid pipeline safety work to ensure safe hazardous liquid pipeline operation.
  9. Proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure that written materials are complete, concise, and error-free.
  10. Hazardous liquid pipeline terminology and principles for proper application to the job.
  11. Potential work hazards encountered during the performance of field duties (e.g., traffic, tripping hazards, construction equipment, hazardous materials) for personal and public safety.
  12. Safety precautions involved in hazardous liquid pipeline activities (e.g., construction, hazardous liquid pipeline investigations, trench shoring) to ensure personal and public safety.
  13. Engineering as applied to fire protection and pipeline safety work to maintain safe pipeline systems.
  14. Fire protection principles and practices (e.g., fire tetrahedron, fire suppression, fire extinguishers, safe zones) to monitor and enforce compliance with hazardous liquid pipeline safety regulations.
  15. Applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies and procedures (e.g., Injury and Illness Prevention Program, Code of Safe Practices, California Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Violence in the Workplace Policy, Workers’ Compensation Program) for employee workplace safety and protection.
  16. Operate appropriate Department vehicles (e.g., pick-up trucks, SUVs, ATVs) in various types of terrain to ensure employee and public safety and protect State property.
  17. Specialized industry equipment (e.g., in-line inspection, mag-particle testing, holiday detectors) used in the hazardous liquid pipeline industry to ensure safe pipeline operation.
  18. Various hazardous liquid pipeline organizations the Division interacts with (e.g., Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives) to understand their purpose as it relates to hazardous liquid pipeline safety.
  19. Hazardous liquid pipeline safety regulations (e.g., operation, maintenance, design, construction) to determine if there has been a violation.

Skill to:

  1. Operate all information technology devices (e.g., smartphones, computers, laptops) for correspondence, effective job performance, and communication.
  2. Operate software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, inspection software) to electronically compile and analyze data, produce reports, and manage operations.
  3. Use communication equipment (e.g., portable radio, mobile radio, radio pager, cell phone) to safely and effectively communicate with others.
  4. Manage time and prioritize daily activities during emergency and routine operations to ensure safe and an effective program.
  5. Make sound decisions under stressful situations with staff, stakeholders, or the public to effectively manage daily operations.
  6. Create graphic visual reports and conduct presentations (e.g., PowerPoint) for successful job performance.
  7. Multi-task during emergency and non-emergency situations for effective job performance.
  8. Research regulatory documentation (e.g., advisory bulletins, interpretations, enforcement guidance) to determine and interpret the proper application of Federal and State laws and regulations.
  9. Operate appropriate Department vehicles (e.g., pick-up trucks, SUVs, ATVs) in various types of terrain to ensure employee and public safety and protect State property.
  10. Use and maintain appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety.
  11. Publicly address groups and facilitate meetings to all levels (e.g., staff, management, public, stakeholders) to effectively disseminate necessary information.
  12. Inspect pipeline operators on accidents to determine compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations and Division policies and procedures.
  13. Recognize code violations (e.g., corrosion, records discrepancy, maintenance) during inspections to identify probable violations in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
  14. Tactfully and diplomatically arbitrate conflicts between opposing viewpoints to provide a productive and safe work environment.
  15. Demonstrate effective communication in written or verbal form to others (e.g., staff, executive, public, stakeholders) to disseminate necessary information.

Ability to:

  1. Inspect hazardous liquid pipelines to ensure compliance with all Federal and State hazardous liquid pipeline safety laws and regulations.
  2. Understand and apply new and evolving hazardous liquid pipeline testing technologies and new regulations to reduce the impacts of hazardous liquid release, protect the environment, and ensure public safety.
  3. Inspect hazardous liquid pipeline operators to ensure public safety and compliance with Federal and State hazardous liquid pipeline safety laws and regulations.
  4. Follow oral and written directions for an effective job performance.
  5. Read and write to effectively exchange information and accomplish daily tasks.
  6. Interpret regulations, reference manuals, training materials, data, and correspondence to acquire knowledge essential to the performance of the job.
  7. Assess technical and administrative data to develop reports, briefings, and other documents.
  8. Analyze hazardous liquid pipeline design specifications of proposed hazardous liquid pipeline projects to verify compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations.
  9. Travel long distances in emergency and non-emergency circumstances (e.g., inspections, investigations, training) to accomplish the responsibilities of the Department.
  10. Facilitate meetings (e.g., committee, task groups, fire prevention) to achieve goals of the Department and disseminate information to stakeholders.
  11. Perform basic engineering calculations to ensure hazardous liquid pipelines are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated in a safe manner.
  12. Prepare accurate, clear, concise, and well-written reports and correspondence for an effective job performance.
  13. Analyze situations, reason logically, and recommend an effective course of action for hazardous liquid pipeline safety and an effective job performance.
  14. Work in a variety of hazardous situations on the job (e.g., construction sites, accidental releases, refineries) using safety protocol and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  15. Recognize hazardous situations and conditions (e.g., illegal activities, unsafe surroundings) to ensure personal and public safety.
  16. Write technical reports (e.g., inspection activities, investigation) to accurately communicate and summarize findings.
  17. Work independently with minimal supervision for an effective job performance.
  18. Manage workload and time to prioritize for a successful job performance.
  19. Adapt to a changing work environment to ensure Department’s mission is covered.
  20. Give oral presentations to educate and inform stakeholders on hazardous liquid pipeline safety and regulations.
  21. Make sound decisions under extreme situations (e.g., deadlines, hazardous surroundings) to ensure tasks are completed safely.
  22. Maintain a professional demeanor to represent the Department in a positive manner.
  23. Work cooperatively as part of team and lead on hazardous liquid pipeline accidents and non-emergency situations to ensure appropriate procedures are performed.
  24. Work effectively with various types of personalities to ensure a cohesive workforce and workplace.
  25. Review and recommend State Waiver requests from operators and determine risk to public safety.
  26. Lead and/or conduct investigations (e.g., root cause) to determine cause of hazardous liquid pipeline related incidents.
  27. Use basic computer software programs (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro) to produce reports and correspondence.
  28. Maintain State vehicles to comply with the Department of General Services.
  29. Mentor (e.g., lead by example, exposure to management processes, set expectations, Individual Development Plan) staff for work force succession planning.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the SUPERVISING PIPELINE SAFETY EN Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

The list(s) will be abolished 12 months after being established, unless the needs of the State and conditions of the list(s) warrant a change in this period.

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

PLEASE NOTE: All candidates that wish to have list eligibility in this classification MUST apply to take the examination.

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:

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (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) 767-8359
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)