Final Filing Date: 4/14/2025.

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):

• FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION A - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the final filing date, April 14, 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:

• 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 Narrative is REQUIRED and must be submitted.

3.) If you are using education to meet pattern III, please submit a copy of your diploma with your application packet. 

4.) 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.

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

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.

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Deputy Chief or a Forester III.

Or II

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Division Chief, California State Fire Marshal's Office; Assistant Chief (Supervisory); Assistant Chief (Nonsupervisory); Forester II (Supervisory); Forester II (Nonsupervisory); and Fire Prevention Officer II.

Or III

Experience: Three years of forestry experience which has included responsibility for an extensive administrative area, a major staff activity, or an extensive resource management project. Such experience must have been at least comparable to that of a Deputy Chief or a Forester III in the California state service.

AND

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with specialization in forestry, resource management, or other closely related natural resource field. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Demonstrated administrative ability; willingness to accept increasing responsibility; willingness to work long and irregular hours, to work in remote parts of the State, and to work on Sundays and holidays; willingness during the fire season to remain on duty as necessary or as emergency circumstances require; neat personal appearance; and hearing sufficient to perform the duties of the position.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

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 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 on this bulletin. 

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

1. Provide in detail at least two examples of your experience managing a program as it relates to preparing clear and concise reports, analyzing situations accurately, and adopting or recommending an effective course of action.

2. Describe at least three examples of your experience fostering and maintaining cooperative relationships as it relates to working/coordinating/collaborating with various internal and/or external stakeholders/programs/groups.

3. Describe in detail at least three examples of your experience in areas related to one or more of the following programs:
A. Fire Protection
B. Resource Management
C. Office of the State Fire Marshal

4. Describe in detail at least two examples of your experience providing fiscal oversight and/or managing assigned budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility.

5. Describe in detail at least two examples where you have participated in the development/update/modification of policies and procedures.

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:

• Arial font, size no smaller than 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.

• Please place your name on each page of your narrative.

APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT A NARRATIVE 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. Writing elements (e.g., spelling, grammar, sentence structure) to ensure written materials are complete, concise, and error free.
2. Basic business office methods, protocols, and procedures to complete daily tasks for successful job performance.
3. Supervisory and management principles to effectively manage staff.
4. Basic mathematic calculations (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication) for effective job performance.
5. Basic techniques of team building and leadership skills to promote and enhance the goals of the Department.
6. The Department’s organizational structure to work effectively within the organization.
7. Emergency incident management systems (e.g., Incident Command System [ICS], Standardized Emergency Management System [SEMS], National Incident Management System [NIMS]) for proper incident organization and management.
8. Computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Department-specific programs) to maintain accurate records, communicate effectively, and contribute to the Department operations.
9. Personnel procedures (e.g., employee evaluations, progressive discipline, effective supervision) to promote an effective workforce.
10. Various terminologies (e.g., Incident Command System [ICS], medical, emergency operations, fire prevention) to communicate effectively.
11. Safe work practices to provide a safe work environment for employees and the public.
12. The Department's Strategic Plan to carry out the daily activities of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
13. Applicable codes, laws, rules, and regulations (e.g., Public Resource Code [PRC], Health and Safety Code [HSC], Government Code) to ensure appropriate application in all Department programs.
14. Defensive driving techniques (e.g., traffic laws, intersection approach, utilization of warning devices) to safely operate Department vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations.
15. State of California policies (e.g., fiscal, property, personnel) to ensure sound management practices.
16. Fire suppression principles for various types of fires (e.g., structural, vehicle, wildland) to safely and effectively mitigate an incident.
17. Supervisory roles in promoting equal opportunity (e.g., selection, development, promotion) of employees to maintain a discrimination and harassment free environment.
18. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies in the workplace to maintain a discrimination free work environment.
19. Factors affecting wildland fire behavior (e.g., fuel, weather, topography) for consideration in safe and effective operations.
20. Interagency relationships within Department programs to maintain effective cooperative relationships.
21. Laws and Department policies regarding mandatory training for employees to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
22. The Department’s safety procedures and programs (e.g., Injury and Illness Prevention Program, Violence in the Workplace, Workers’ Compensation Program, California Occupational Safety Health Administration [CAL/OSHA]) to achieve workplace safety.
23. Injury reporting procedures (e.g., State Compensation Insurance Fund, Injury Assessment Prevention System [IAPS], Procedure 800) to comply with Federal and State law, State policies and procedures.
24. Government forms (e.g., incident, personnel, safety) for effective job performance and proper documentation.
25. Department Intranet to access Department specific information, policies, and forms.
26. Emergency operations (e.g., rescue, fires, hazardous material incidents) to mitigate incidents in a safe and effective manner.
27. Adverse effects (e.g., environmental, political, social, economic) of emergency operations to ensure safe and effective operations.
28. State and Department budgetary processes (e.g., budget changes, appropriate expenditures, fiscal deadlines) to ensure appropriate fiscal oversight.
29. Research and statistical methodology to support and/or develop Department programs.
30. Principles, methods, and terminology of resource management (e.g., forest and wildland management, environmental protection, conservation) for successful job performance.
31. Attendance, leave standards, and procedures (e.g., eFC33, e-Pay, e-PayFE) to accurately maintain personnel records.
32. Cooperative agreements (e.g., Federal, State, local) to ensure effective operations.
33. Department command, control policies and procedures for all incidents to meet the Department’s mission.
34. Direct Protection Areas (DPA) (e.g., Federal, State, local) to adequately mitigate the incident and ensure responsible fiscal management.
35. Public relations methods within Department programs to provide effective communication.
36. Personnel policies (e.g., performance management, workers compensation, citizens’ complaints) to ensure the health and wellbeing of employees.
37. The care, maintenance, and replacement of facilities to provide safe and adequate resources for employees.
38. Modern fire protection organization standards/guidelines and management practices (e.g., Fire Scope, National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], National Wildfire Coordinating Group [NWCG]) used to guide wildland and structural fire protection, as well as other emergency services.
39. The Department’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Program (BHWP) (e.g., Employee Assistance Program [EAP], Employee Support Services [ESS], Peer Counseling, Critical Incident Stress Management [CISM], Substance Abuse Assistance Program [SAAP]) to encourage health and wellbeing of staff in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
40. The organization of State government (e.g., executive, judicial, legislative) and the roles of each for effective job performance.
41. Department acquisition procedures to acquire materials and equipment to ensure appropriate fiscal operations.
42. State computer programs (e.g., California Automated Travel Expense Reimbursement System [CalATERS], Collective Data, Financial Information System for California [FI$Cal], eFC33) to continue Department operations in compliance with policies and procedures.
43. Interagency agreements between State agencies (e.g., CAL FIRE, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations [CDCR], California Conservation Corps [CCC], California Military Department [CMD]) to ensure effective operations.
44. Department substance abuse policy to ensure workforce health and safety.
45. Command and control operations to ensure efficient utilization of emergency resources.
46. Necessary qualifications to enhance knowledge and skills in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
47. Ryan White Act in the event of an actual and/or potential communicable disease exposure to ensure appropriate policies and procedures are followed according to Department standards.
48. Instructional techniques, methods, and management of training programs to provide effective leadership and training.
49. Criminal and civil law as it pertains to Department legal compliance.
50. Firefighting equipment and apparatus capabilities for the efficient and effective management of emergency incidents.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION A 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.