Final Filing Date: 4/22/2025.

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.

*The HFEO Exam Supplemental Form is REQUIRED and MUST be submitted with your STD 678 to be considered for this examination. Candidates that do NOT submit this form may NOT be accepted. 

The purpose of this form is to assist the Department in determining whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications for this classification. Please click the following link to obtain this document: https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/F1AFAF4AB2824C2BA563079D1E235DE0. 

EXTENDED DUTY WEEK COMPENSATION 

This classification is eligible for the following  pay:

$6078 - $7506 Range A Base Salary (paid every month)

$2066 - $2551 Range A Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)

$6671 - $8240 Range B Base Salary (paid every month)

$2267 - $2801 Range B Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)

$99,794 – $123,235 Annual Compensation Range A

$109,523 – $135,293 Annual Compensation Range B

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for retirement and 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):

• HEAVY FIRE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the Final Filing Date of April 22, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

• Once you have participated in this examination, you may not test again for six (6) months.
• The following applicants 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:

• 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.

To apply for this examination, please complete and return the following:


1). A State Application (STD 678) is REQUIRED and must be submitted. This can also be found on the California Department of Human Resource’s website.

2). The HFEO Exam Supplemental Form is REQUIRED and MUST be completed and submitted with your application packet. If you do not submit this form, you may be disqualified from the testing process. 

3). All applications must include “from” and “to” employment dates (month/day/year), time base, and applicable civil service class titles. Applications received without this information may be rejected.

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 - HFEO Exam Supplemental Form

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.

Minimum Age: 18 years at the time of appointment.

Possession of the type of driver license required by law applicable to the types of heavy motorized vehicles operated on the job. (Applicants who do not possess the required license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to the performance test),

AND

One year of over the highway experience operating Class 8 transport vehicles with multi-speed manual shift transmissions, with a gross vehicle weight of at least 60,000 pounds or greater,

AND

One year of experience operating D6 or D7 bulldozers or equivalent size bulldozers produced by other manufacturers. Qualifying bulldozer experience must include at least 500 hours of operation of the specified bulldozers in rugged terrain,

AND

Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

NOTE: APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE “HFEO EXAM SUPPLEMENTAL FORM”. COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR STATE APPLICATION STD. 678. (YOU MAY USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS, IF NECESSARY.)

1. Applicants must specify the number of combined axles and weight(s) of loaded Class 8 transport vehicle(s). Please note: You must have one year

of over the highway experience operating Class 8 transport vehicles with multi-speed manual shift transmissions, with a gross vehicle weight of at least 60,000 pounds or greater. Please include name of employer(s), dates of employment, combined number of axles, weight of loaded transport(s), hours per week driving, and total hours of operation. (See “HFEO Exam Supplemental Form” to provide this information.)

2a. Applicants must specify the type(s) of bulldozer(s) and the number of hours operating D6 or D7 bulldozer (or equivalent size bulldozer). Please note: You must have one year of experience operating a D6 or D7 bulldozer or equivalent size bulldozer produced by other manufacturers. Please include name of employer(s), dates of employment, make/model of dozer(s), hours operating per week, and total hours of operation. (See “HFEO Exam Supplemental Form” to provide this information.)

2b. Applicants must specify the number of hours and type of “rugged terrain” in which they have experience operating a D6 or D7 bulldozer (or equivalent size bulldozer). In addition to providing name(s) of employer(s), dates of employment, make/model of dozer(s), please provide examples of the type of terrain, including the percentage or ratio of slope, and total hours of operation in rugged terrain.

Please note: You must have at least 500 hours of operation using the specified bulldozer(s) in rugged terrain. (See “HFEO Exam Supplemental Form” to provide this information.)

3. If applicant possesses the required Class A license, please provide a copy of the driver’s license and complete section 3. (See “HFEO Exam Supplemental Form” to provide this information.)

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMITTANCE TO THE EXAMINATION

Accepted applicants are required to bring the following to their performance examination:

1. A Valid Driver’s License of the appropriate class (Class A) AND
2. A current Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) printout showing medical certification dated within 30 days of their performance examination.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

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

PERFORMANCE EXAMINATION – WEIGHTED 100%

In the performance examination, candidates will be tasked with performing duties that are vital to the operations of the Heavy Fire Equipment Operator (HFEO) position. The tasks performed will reflect the responsibilities, equipment, and work settings typical of a CAL FIRE HFEO (first day on the job).

DATE: Tentatively scheduled for June 2025.

LOCATION: CAL FIRE Training Center - Ione, California. 

It is the candidate's responsibility to anticipate possible participation and to plan travel accordingly.

**More information regarding the examination will be sent to the email address provided on your application. Please ensure we have the correct email information on file.

CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT APPEAR FOR THE PERFORMANCE EXAMINATION WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. 

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. Transport semi-truck to safely operate on highways, steep, narrow, and rough roads.
2. Equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus) capabilities in various environments to safely complete fire suppression assignments and various projects.
3. Proper methods to secure loads (e.g., grader, loader, logs) in accordance with Federal and State regulations, and Department policies and procedures.
4. Equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus) maintenance (e.g., tune-up, lubrication) to ensure the reliability and safety of equipment.
5. Equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus) adjustments (e.g., brakes) to ensure the reliability and safety of equipment.
6. Equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus) repair (e.g., welding) to ensure the reliability and safety of equipment.
7. Diverse makes and models of equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus) to properly operate various equipment.
8. Department policies, procedures, and exhibits to effectively manage a program for operational readiness.
9. Tools used in the maintenance, adjustment, and repair of equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus) to ensure the reliability and safety of equipment.
10. Road construction and maintenance practices to perform daily assignments.
11. Available training resources (e.g., software programs, classes, manuals) and methods to provide effective instruction for employees.

Skill to:

1. Adequately control the dozer blade during fire suppression and various assignments.
2. Safely operate equipment during fire suppression and various assignments on steep, rugged, and forested slopes.
3. Construct adequate fire lines and safety zones to suppress fires.
4. Operate extralegal (e.g., transport) loads safely during fire suppression and various assignments on highways and roads.
5. Operate hand tools, power tools, and welders to diagnose, repair, and maintain equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus).

Ability to:

1. Determine limitations of equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus) during assignments and emergency situations to comply with safety standards.
2. Safely operate vehicles and equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus) in all types of terrain and conditions to accomplish assignments.
3. Maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License to enable the legal operation of Department-owned equipment.
4. Effectively work in remote locations and adverse conditions in emergency and non-emergency situations.
5. Operate transport safely in compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations.
6. Work independently by following directions and taking appropriate actions with little or no supervision.
7. Follow oral instructions to ensure completion of assignments.
8. Communicate effectively during stressful situations to maintain a safe work environment.
9. Work long and arduous hours in emergency and non-emergency environments to effectively meet the mission, vision, and values of the Department.
10. Read, write, comprehend, and communicate in English to exchange information  and accomplish daily activities.
11. Inspect equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus) to determine required repairs for safe operation.
12. Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions to provide a productive and a safe work environment.
13. Interpret maps, Global Positioning System, and road signs to minimize delays and increase productivity when traveling or directing travel to emergency/non-emergency situations.
14. Test equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus) to determine if equipment is operating properly.
15. Utilize communication equipment (e.g., portable radio, mobile radio, radio pager, cell phone) to safely and effectively communicate with others (e.g., staff, vendors, cooperating agencies, contractors).
16. Operate and make emergency repairs to heavy motorized equipment in mountainous areas under hazardous fire conditions.
17. Manage multiple assignments to meet job demands of varying complexities.
18. Prioritize assignments to maximize program efficiency.
19. Update knowledge and skills of equipment to provide a productive and a safe work environment.
20. Repair equipment (e.g., dozer, transport, construction, fire apparatus) for safe operation.
21. Implement and comply with Department policies and procedures (e.g., Substance Abuse Assistance Program, handbooks, Equal Employment Opportunity).
22. Maintain cooperative relations with other organizations and agencies at a level for successful job performance.
23. Resolve conflicts to provide a productive and a safe work environment.
24. Establish goals and objectives as needed to maximize program efficiency.
25. Pass the Respiratory Protection Program physical for respiratory fit testing and wear.
26. Mentor staff for workforce succession planning.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the HEAVY FIRE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 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.

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) 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.

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.