• The Final Filing Date has been changed to August 19, 2025.

Final Filing Date: 8/19/2025.

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.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$5987 - $7164 Base Salary (paid every month)

$71,844 – $85,968 Annual Compensation (plus Fire Mission Pay)*

*Fire Mission Pay: Incumbents receive approximately 10% of base pay paid monthly when fire season is declared for the employee’s Unit.

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):

• HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY) - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the final filing date, August 19, 2025, to be considered for this administration.

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 and 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.

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 - Training and Experience Narrative (T&E)

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 Class 3 driver license. (Applicants who do not possess the license will be allowed to compete in the examination, but the license must be obtained prior to appointment.) AND

EITHER I

Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a gas and diesel-powered truck mechanic, or a heavy construction equipment mechanic. (Apprentices who are within six months of completing their apprenticeship program may be admitted to the examination, but they must present evidence of completion of a recognized apprenticeship before they may be appointed.)

OR II

Four years of varied mechanical experience on gas and diesel-powered trucks or heavy construction equipment. An Associate of Arts Degree in Heavy Equipment Maintenance, Diesel Mechanics, or Heavy Equipment Mechanics, or a certificate of completion from an accredited Community college or equivalent degree or certificate approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education under the provisions of California Education Code Division 10, Part 59, Chapter 3, may be substituted for two years of the required experience. (Students who are within six months of completing their degree will be admitted to the examination but must present evidence of completion prior to appointment.)

OR III

Three years performing the duties of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic Apprentice in the California state service, at least two years of which shall have included experience on gasoline and diesel-powered heavy construction or highway maintenance equipment. 

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 (T&E) 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 August/September 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 and the classification specification:

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

1. Explain in detail at least eight of the required components you would check during a 90-day compliance inspection on a class 8 regulated vehicle.
2. While alone in your workshop three vehicles pull in at the same time with out-of-service concerns. Explain your considerations when resolving the situation.
3. A late model International MAXX Force Engine will crank but will not start. Explain your diagnostic considerations when determining the correct course of action to make the repairs.
4. A truck has a dead battery after not being operated for several days. Provide examples of how you would diagnose the problem.
5. Provide examples of how you would handle the situation if an inmate challenged your knowledge and authority in a work environment.

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:

• Please use 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 DOCUMENT 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. Regulations (e.g., California Occupational Safety and Health Administration [CAL/OSHA], Department of Transportation [DOT], California Air Resources Board [CARB]) to ensure compliance with government mandates.
2. Inspection methods and criteria to approve the work of others (e.g., vendors, Department personnel, inmates and/or wards).
3. Hazardous material (e.g., waste oil, batteries, antifreeze) storage, handling, and disposal used for maintenance and repairs to ensure safe and well-maintained facilities.
4. Vehicle status (e.g., recalls, in-service date, warranty) to ensure appropriate fiscal oversight.
5. Protocols and standards (e.g., National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance [CVSA], Society of Automotive Engineers [SAE]) to ensure compliance with industry standards.
6. 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.
7. The Department's mission, vision, and value statements to carry out the day to day activities of the Department.
8. Non-hazardous material (e.g., scrap metal, plastics, tires) storage, handling, and disposal used for maintenance and repairs to ensure safe and well-maintained facilities.
9. Department policies and procedures (e.g., mobile equipment handbook, modification requests, procurement) to ensure compliance and effective operations.
10. Equipment modification techniques and practices (e.g., body, frames, running gear) to ensure equipment meets the needs of the Department.

Skill to:

1. Inspect and adjust gas, diesel-powered, and electric equipment (e.g., emergency, construction, stationary) to ensure safe and well-maintained equipment.
2. Repair gas, diesel-powered, and electric equipment (e.g., emergency, construction, stationary) to ensure safe and well-maintained equipment.
3. Perform mechanical repairs on mobile and stationary equipment (e.g., fire apparatus, generators, vehicles) to ensure operational readiness.
4. Multi-task during emergency and non-emergency situations for safe and effective operations.
5. Effectively instruct and train (e.g., safety, repair, procedures) inmates and/or wards on duties as assigned for safe and effective operations.
6. Move in various ways (e.g., twist, kneel, squat) in order to complete jobs, tasks, and projects.
7. Operate various tools (e.g., power, hand, diagnostic) for safe and effective use.
8. Communicate (e.g., orally, written, electronic) effectively in order to exchange and/or provide information and/or direction.
9. Use communication equipment (e.g., radio, cell phone) for effective communication in emergency and non-emergency situations.
10. Perform arduous physical activity (e.g., heavy lifting, hiking, climbing) in all conditions and terrain (e.g., long work hours, extreme weather, smoke exposure) for effective job performance.
11. Safely drive and operate equipment (e.g., utility vehicles, mobile repair unit, fire apparatus) through adverse conditions (e.g., mountainous/rough terrain, heavy traffic, long drives) to ensure safe and effective operation.
12. Properly lift tools and equipment (e.g., tires, brake drums, pneumatic equipment) to prevent personal injury and damage to equipment.
13. Operate a computer in order to perform daily duties (e.g., inventories, repair, service order) to ensure effective job performance.
14. Produce written correspondence (e.g., email, letters, forms) to effectively convey information.
15. Effectively supervise the work of inmates and/or wards for safe and effective operations.
16. Skill to perform gas and electric welding (e.g., fabricate, repair, modify) of standard or specialized equipment or components for safe and effective operations.

Ability to:

1. Have situational awareness with inmates and/or wards to ensure the safety and security of the institution and personnel.
2. Observe inmates and/or wards (e.g., behavior, contraband, work performance) on a daily basis to ensure the safety and security of the institution and public.
3. Maintain the safety and security of persons and property to stay in compliance with Department policies and procedures (e.g., Title 15, camp handbook, operating guidelines).
4. Communicate (e.g., read, write, speak) effectively in English at a level required for successful job performance.
5. Inspect and adjust gas, diesel-powered, and electric equipment (e.g., emergency, construction, stationary) to ensure safe and well-maintained equipment.
6. Interpret applicable codes, laws, rules, and regulations (e.g., Federal, State, local) to ensure appropriate application in all administrative and mechanical activities.
7. Instruct inmates and/or wards to carry out repair orders and repair facility procedures for effective job performance and to ensure the safety and security of the institution and public.
8. Troubleshoot various equipment (e.g., pumps, engines, accessories) to pinpoint repairs and maintenance.
9. Determine and implement effective and appropriate courses of action (e.g., prioritize, delegate) to perform maintenance on equipment.
10. Manage time effectively, multi-task, and prioritize assignments in order to meet objectives.
11. Train and supervise inmates and/or wards assigned to the repair facility for effective job performance and to ensure the safety and security of the institution and public.
12. Read and interpret reference materials (e.g., training, policies, reports) for effective application.
13. Work independently and/or as part of a team to meet the mission of the Department.
14. Install various equipment (e.g., pumps, engines, accessories) to ensure proper functionality.
15. Communicate effectively (e.g., oral, written, electronic) to ensure correct and clear information is conveyed and understood.
16. Perform safety inspections and repairs at various locations (e.g., incident bases, fire line, roadside) for operational readiness.
17. Inspect and approve work done by others (e.g., vendors, employees, inmates and/or wards) to ensure correct completion of assignment.
18. Document all repair work utilizing department forms and/or fleet software (e.g., work order, faulty equipment report, permanent equipment record) to stay in compliance with Department policies and procedures.
19. Interpret applicable protocols and standards (e.g., National Fire Protection Agency [NFPA], Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance [CVSA], Society of Automotive Engineers [SAE]) to ensure compliance with industry standards.
20. Perform repairs in remote locations (e.g., fire line, roadside, base camp) utilizing mobile repair unit to support emergency operations.
21. Repair various equipment and systems (e.g., compressors, pumps, generators) to ensure proper maintenance and use.
22. Work from resources (e.g., schematics, manuals, flow charts) to complete repairs on equipment and tools.
23. Perform arduous physical activity (e.g., heavy lifting, hiking, climbing) in all conditions and terrain (e.g., long work hours, extreme weather, smoke exposure) for effective job performance.
24. Operate Department equipment (e.g., fire engines, vehicles, shop equipment) safely to minimize injury and comply with regulations.
25. Interpret manufacturer’s resources (e.g., schematics, manuals, flow charts) of component replacements or broken parts for identification, replacement, or modification.
26. Effectively identify (e.g., verbal description, sketches, images) components or broken parts for replacement and/or repair.
27. Test various equipment (e.g., pumps, engines, accessories) to ensure proper functionality.
28. Use computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, fleet software) to complete reports, create documents, invoices, and communicate appropriately with others.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY) 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.