Final Filing Date: 4/30/2025.

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 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):

• SENIOR AVIATION OFFICER - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the final filing date, April 30, 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.

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 (CAL FIRE)
  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 (CAL FIRE)
  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.

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 - Senior Aviation Officer Supplemental Questionnaire

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 the following certificates:

A valid and current second-class Airman's Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized examiner. AND

1. A valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine land airplane and instrument ratings. OR
2. A valid FAA ATP Certificate with multi-engine land airplane ratings and instrument ratings. OR
3. A valid FAA Commercial Airman Certificate with a helicopter-rotorcraft class rating. OR
4. A valid ATP Certificate with helicopter-rotorcraft class rating. AND 

AND

Either I

1. One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer III (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer III (Maintenance). OR
2. Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer II (Maintenance). OR
3. Five years of broad and extensive experience with direct oversight of the operations and/or maintenance of 15 or more aircraft, at least two years of which has been in a managerial capacity in military, government, or commercial air services.

Or II

Possession of a valid A&P rating and a valid FAA IA.

AND

Either

1. One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer III (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer III (Maintenance). OR
2. Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer II (Maintenance). OR
3. Five years of broad and extensive experience with direct oversight for the operations and/or maintenance of 15 or more aircraft, at least two years of which has been in a managerial capacity in military, government, or commercial air services.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

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

STRUCTURED INTERVIEW (QUALIFICATIONS APPRAISAL PANEL) - WEIGHTED 100%

In this type of exam candidates will be asked pre-determined, job-related questions by a two or three-person panel and rated against pre-determined benchmarks. Candidates will be provided with scratch paper and a pencil.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held in June/July 2025.


Below is a list of the proposed testing sites. (Note: these locations are subject to change based on availability of participating staff).

• West Sacramento, CA
• Sacramento, CA

CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT APPEAR FOR THE STRUCTURED INTERVIEW 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. The English language and grammar to effectively communicate within the Department and with the public.
2. Department’s policies and procedures, Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation and Safety Board, and other regulations governing aircraft  operation  and  maintenance  (e.g.  California  Department  of Transportation, United States Forest Service, Department of Interior, Military) to effectively maintain aircraft.
3. Repair station requirements needed in order to acquire and maintain a Part 145 Repair Station license enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration.
4. Mathematics (e.g., arithmetic, algebra, geometry) and statistics to complete various Department projects.
5. Bulletins and emergency directives to ensure compliance with industry standards and safe operating practices.
6. Available aviation weather reports and pertinent application to ensure safe flight operations.
7. Services contracts management policies and procedures (e.g., aircraft maintenance, pilot services, aircraft acquisition) to ensure compliance and appropriate enforcement.
8. Aviation terminology and principles for proper application to the job.
9. Aviation human factors (e.g., fatigue) to facilitate accident investigation and to ensure safe operation of State-operated aircraft.
10. The Chain of Command to effectively operate within the Department.
11. Proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure that written materials are complete, concise, and error-free.
12. Types of aircraft and their performance capabilities, characteristics, capacity for specialized modifications, and adaptability for Department use.
13. Types  of  aircraft  and  adaptability  (e.g.,  performance  capabilities, characteristics, capacity for specialized modifications) for Department use.
14. Safety precautions involved in aviation and maintenance (e.g., use of checklist, visibility minimums, performance planning) to ensure personal and public safety.
15. Aviation  maintenance  tracking  software  (e.g.,  Aviation  Information Management System) to properly schedule maintenance of State-operated aircraft.
16. Department  aircraft  operations  manual  (e.g.,  Aviation  Management Procedures Handbook) to maintain aircraft maintenance standards.
17. Interagency relationships (e.g., Federal, State, local Governments) to ensure cooperative working relations.
18. Department policies, procedures, and strategies to understand and accomplish the mission of the Department.
19. Ground operations of aircraft to ensure proper maintenance procedures are followed.
20. Various logistical methods to ensure operational readiness of the Aviation Management Program.
21. Aerial firefighting techniques and procedures to perform the Department’s mission.

22. Currently installed avionics specialized equipment (e.g., tactical radios, moving map systems) to ensure effective utilization of equipment.
23. Department of Homeland Security requirements as applicable to State- operated aircraft and facilities.
24. State budgetary practices to ensure compliance with State regulations.
25. Principles and practices of supervision and management, including a manager’s/supervisor’s responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
26. Parts certification requirements to ensure Department compliance with industry standards.
27. Resources for aircraft design modifications to ensure current or future modifications comply with industry best practices.
28. Aircraft accident investigation procedures to participate in aircraft accident investigations for the Department and cooperative agencies.
29. Incident Command System to ensure safe integration in accordance with Department’s mission.

30. Emerging technologies in aircraft equipment to recommend future upgrades for the fleet.
31. Incident-related maps and charts (e.g., operating plans, Incident Action Plans, Fire Traffic Area) to ensure safe aerial operations on incidents.
32. Practical application of aircraft maintenance practices and procedures to provide guidance in the maintenance of Department utilized aircraft.
33. Principles and practices of employee training, including determining training needs and evaluating results of training given to ensure an effective workforce.
34. Personnel management policies and procedures (e.g., Equal Employment Opportunity,  Personnel  Management  Policy  and  Procedures  Manual, Bargaining  Unit  Memorandum  of  Understanding)  to  ensure  personnel compliance and appropriate enforcement.
35. Procurement management policies and procedures (e.g., Business Services Office,  Acquisition  Services,  State  Administrative  Manual)  to  ensure compliance and appropriate enforcement.
36. Fire protection techniques, strategies, and principles to ensure the safety and preparedness of aviation personnel.
37. Industry standards to maintain licenses and credentials to comply with minimum qualifications of the position.
38. Department accounting procedures to ensure proper coding of contractual or procurement invoices.
39. Aviation  maintenance  trends  and  advancements  to  ensure  program effectiveness.
40. Computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Maximo, Aviation Information Management  System)  to  generate  necessary  data,  documents,  and correspondence.
41. Potential work hazards encountered during performance of duties for personal and personnel safety.
42. Motivational techniques to ensure staff are performing at their best abilities to ensure Program effectiveness.
43. Mediation techniques to resolve personnel conflicts to ensure Program maintains highest level of performance.
44. Contract management techniques to ensure compliance and appropriate enforcement of contractor obligations.
45. Operational Safety and Health Agency and Department requirements (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment, Material Safety Data Sheets, Injury Illness Prevention Program) to ensure personal safety.
46. Available vendors according to the Department of General Services supply chain to utilize available vendors and services.
47. The Department’s progressive discipline policies and procedures to ensure personnel actions are in compliance with Department standards.
48. Federal, State, and Department rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and directives to make recommendations on use of specialized aircraft.
49. The Department’s safety procedures and programs (e.g., Injury and Illness Prevention Program, Violence in the Workplace, Workers’ Compensation Program, Operational Safety Health Agency) to achieve workplace safety.
50. State hiring policies and procedures to ensure compliance with State employment practices.
51. Various collective bargaining agreements to effectively manage State and contract personnel.
52. Flight Check procedures to ensure competency of State and contract pilots.
53. Functional Flight Check procedures to validate completed maintenance processes.
54. Research  and  application  of  approved  technical  data  (e.g.,  aircraft maintenance publications, diagrams, drawings) to ensure effectiveness of Program.
55. Warehousing and inventory management policies and procedures to ensure compliance and appropriate enforcement.
56. Information  technology  management  policies  and  procedures  (e.g., procurement, internet, Standard Procurement List) to ensure compliance and appropriate enforcement.
57. Various office equipment (e.g., computer, fax, printer) to perform the duties of the job.
58. Telecommunication devices (e.g., telephone, smartphones, tablet) to perform the duties of the job.
59. Federal Excess Personal Property program as it pertains to the use and disposal of Federal Property to ensure compliance with Federal regulations.
60. Personnel services available (e.g., Employee Assistance Program, Employee Support Services, training resources) to provide resources to personnel.
61. Instructional techniques in basic maneuvers, aerial firefighting, and ground training to ensure safe operation of State-operated aircraft.

Skill to:

1. Read, write, and understand English to effectively apply Federal Aviation Administration regulations, Department policies, and other publications in accordance with Federal regulations.
2. Perform basic analysis in reviewing and assessing technical and administrative data.
3. Implement the Incident Command System at the level necessary for appropriate all-hazard response.
4. Operate computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Access) to electronically compile and analyze data, produce reports, and manage operations.
5. Operate aircraft to commercial standards by utilizing the Federal Aviation Administration Pilot Practical Test Standards.
6. Conduct aerial firefighting activity in aircraft in accordance with established Department and interagency standards, policies, and procedures.
7. Effectively coordinate adequate inventory stock levels at multiple locations throughout the State.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the SENIOR AVIATION OFFICER Classification will be established for:

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

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

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

• A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
• A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

CAL FIRE Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
710 Riverpoint Ct
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: (916) 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.