This is NOT a timed exam. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation your account will be locked, and you will not be able to proceed with the exam until the request is processed.

Extended Duty Week Compensation (EDWC)

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$7,948 - $10,488 Base Salary (paid every month)

$2,701 - $3,564 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)

$130,489 – $172,188 Annual Compensation

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):

• FORESTRY FIRE PILOT - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

4551

For FORESTRY FIRE PILOT, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

• EX-04551

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.

*Applications for this examination will only be accepted via electronic submission through CalCareers. Applications sent via mail, email, or delivered in-person will NOT be accepted. 

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.

Licenses: Possession of a valid Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Commercial Airman Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating or a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot's Certificate with a rotorcraft- helicopter rating. AND

Possession of a valid and current Class II Airman's Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner. AND

Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment. AND

Experience: Applicants must have logged at least 2,000 hours of pilot-in-command flying helicopters, which must include the following:

1. At least 500 hours of mountain pilot-in-command helicopter flight time, routinely making landings in mountainous terrain above 4,000 feet MSL.

2. At least 500 hours of turbine helicopter time as pilot-in- command.

3. Two hundred and fifty hours as pilot-in-command of helicopters performing low level missions in fire control, map survey, powerline patrol, search and rescue, and spray or seeding operations over mountain or forested or comparable military operations.

4. At least 100 hours as pilot-in-command in helicopters carrying sling loads.

5. At least 50 hours as pilot-in-command in helicopters in the past year.

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the application and examination. A stable internet connection is recommended. 

For a preview of the Forestry Fire Pilot examination, please see the section in this bulletin titled "Forestry Fire Pilot -Training and Experience (T&E) Exam Preview".

This examination consists of the following component(s):

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

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. Federal Aviation Regulations at a commercial pilot level as they relate to flight operations to safely and legally operate in the national airspace environment.
2. Pre-mission planning requirements (e.g., CAL FIRE duty time, controlled airspace, fuel requirements, Notice to Air Missions [NOTAMs], Temporary Flight Restrictions [TFRs]) to facilitate safe air operations.
3. Basic instrument flight procedures to reduce the risk inherent to Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions.
4. Fire suppression strategy and tactics as they pertain to wild land fire behavior and influencing factors (e.g., Fire Traffic Area [FTA], fuel models, weather conditions, terrain) to mitigate fire advancement as defined in Department policies and procedures.
5. Helicopter operating and maintenance procedures (e.g., maintenance inspections, daily airworthiness directives, engine wash procedures) to operate the aircraft safely as required in the Federal Aviation Regulations, helicopter operator’s manual, and/or Department policies and procedures.
6. Navigation and radio communication systems (e.g., Global Positioning System, FM radios) for safe and effective in-flight navigation and communication.
7. Proper radio procedures to convey accurate and pertinent information.
8. Low-level tactical flying in hazardous terrain (e.g., confined areas, pinnacles, mountains) to suppress fires, conduct reconnaissance, search and rescue, and external load operations.
9. Night flying operations (e.g., physiological, illusions, night vision goggles [NVG]) to safely operate the aircraft.
10. Local and area weather patterns, trends, and terrain influencing factors (e.g., density altitude, turbulence, wind, aviation weather reporting services) to conduct safe flight operations.
11. Crew Resource Management (CRM) to safely conduct flight operations.
12. Helicopter performance and limitations in all environments (e.g., high altitude, maximum gross weight, high temperatures) to operate the aircraft efficiently and safely.
13. Knowledge and understanding of helicopter systems (e.g., electrical systems, hydraulics, turbine engines) to safely operate the aircraft.
14. Off-airport operations (e.g., unimproved landing areas, slopes, hazards) to safely deliver crews, supplies, and equipment.
15. Aeronautical principals (e.g., aerodynamics, weight and balance) at the commercial pilot level to conduct safe flight operations.
16. Helicopter systems and related emergency procedures required to respond to a system failure or an in-flight emergency.
17. Hazardous material handling and transport procedures to reduce risk and hazards aboard the helicopter.
18. Crew resource management concepts (e.g., interpersonal communication, leadership, decision making) and procedures to improve flight safety and efficiency.
19. The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar to effectively convey information.

Skill to:

1. Perform dropping operations using fire suppression materials to accurately drop on a target.
2. Operate in the fire environment (e.g., Interagency Practical Test Standards [IPTS], Federal Aviation Administration Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards [PTS]) to effectively achieve the Department’s mission.
3. Safely operate a helicopter using all known devices and equipment associated with helicopter forestry firefighting while conducting Department missions to make correct and sound decisions.
4. Safely operate a helicopter at maximum gross weight in challenging conditions (e.g., high density altitude, winds, terrain) to support all-risk missions.
5. Perform technical maneuvers (e.g., hover steps, air rescue, aerial firing operations, pinnacle, confined area operations) in adverse wind conditions and mountainous terrain to effectively operate the aircraft.
6. Perform emergency procedures (e.g., engine failure, stuck pedal, hydraulic failure) to mitigate injury or death to personnel and damage to aircraft.
7. Perform low-level flight to support reconnaissance missions (e.g., mapping, assessing fire status, firing operations).
8. Perform night flying operations to safely control a helicopter.
9. Operate the helicopter while utilizing multiple radios to communicate and coordinate with other aircraft and ground personnel.

Ability to:

1. Understand and comply with Federal Aviation Regulations and Department policies and procedures to facilitate safe flight operations.
2. Maintain flight currency to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations and/or Department policies and procedures.
3. Follow correct administrative and operational chain of command in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
4. Safely operate a helicopter over a full spectrum of surfaces (e.g., mountains, water, heavily wooded areas) and environmental conditions to achieve the Department’s mission.
5. Safely operate a helicopter under high-stress and dynamic conditions (e.g., limited visibility, extended duty days, high temperatures, congested and controlled air spaces) to achieve the Department’s mission.
6. Operate in the fire environment (e.g., Interagency Practical Test Standards [IPTS], Federal Aviation Administration Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards [PTS]) to effectively achieve the Department’s mission.
7. Pass a CAL FIRE pilot checkride to maintain certification.
8. Direct personnel (e.g., ground crew, flight crews, helitack crews) in dynamic and dangerous conditions to enhance safety.
9. Use good decision-making processes and sound reasoning to maintain situational awareness.
10. Fly external loads to transport water, supplies, equipment, and individuals, as applicable.
11. Identify, assess, mitigate, and manage mission risk to enhance overall safety.
12. Weigh risk versus gain to decline flight operations that have unacceptable risk levels.
13. Recognize and be aware of personal limitations (e.g., human factors, aeromedical, physiological) to ensure individual safe performance.
14. Perform required physical activities (e.g., lift, climb, swim, extended sitting) to complete all duty related tasks and training.
15. Communicate effectively using aviation and fire terminology to ensure safe flight operations.
16. Read, write, speak, and comprehend English to accomplish daily tasks.
17. Operate autonomously to perform job duties in complex situations with little or no input from others during the decision-making process.
18. Utilize maps (e.g., aeronautical, incident), extrapolate coordinates, and identify terrain features as they apply to pilot navigation and providing ground resource guidance to ensure safe flight operations.
19. Cooperate (e.g., communicate, interact, resolve conflicts) with others in all situations to accomplish the Department’s mission.
20. Use Crew Resource Management in the Fire Traffic Area to identify possible conflicts and/or to increase situational awareness.
21. Conduct and coordinate training regarding helicopter operations to ensure safety in and around the helicopter.
22. Adapt to a mission profile and equipment changes within the Department to meet the needs of an evolving aviation program.
23. Utilize electronic media and devices (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Foreflight, automated flight following) to fulfill administrative and flight duties.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the FORESTRY FIRE PILOT 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.

1. Perform pre-mission planning (e.g., load calculation or performance data, aeronautical information, controlled airspace) to ensure the aircraft is operated within its limitations and safe to fly in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations and/or manufacturer's specifications.

2. Perform pre-flight inspection (aircraft and mission equipment) to ensure airworthiness in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and/or manufacturer's operating manual.

3. Fly a helicopter in low-level flight (<500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL)), as pilot-in-command in dynamic and hazardous conditions (e.g., close proximity to aircraft, limited visibility, low/high temperatures, internal/external cargo, day/night) utilizing sound Aeronautical Decision Making to safely accomplish the mission.

4. Conduct fire suppression in a helicopter as pilot-in-command utilizing materials from identified sources (e.g., lakes, ponds, retardant source) using a bucket or a tank to drop on fires in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations, and as applicable, interagency procedures.

5. Transport passengers (e.g., firefighters, fire support personnel, utility personnel) to unimproved Landing Zones (LZ) and work sites.

6. Gather and analyze mission critical information (e.g., hoist capability, fire behavior, environmental conditions, policy/contractual limitations, performance limitations, risk management) to coordinate with personnel or equivalent ground crews to ensure safe and efficient operations.

7. Complete aircraft flight/maintenance logs and enter necessary data (e.g., cycles, flight time, fuel used, take-offs/landings, water drops) into electronic/paper tracking systems to account for required operational data and maintenance inspections.

8. Operate a helicopter while simultaneously using onboard systems (e.g., aircraft navigational aids, tablets, digital systems, radios, flight director, autopilot) to safely accomplish the mission in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations and/or organizational policies.

9. Perform ground and aviation training for personnel (e.g., fire crews, military, civilian cooperators, law enforcement, crew members) to reduce risk and improve mission effectiveness in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations, interagency policies, cooperative agreements, or equivalent.

10. Provide flight crew and passenger briefings (e.g., responsibilities, hazards, emergency procedures, Crew Resource Management) to minimize risk, improve efficiency, and establish roles for mission completion in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations, interagency standards, or equivalent.

11. Fly special missions (e.g., search and rescue, medevac, law enforcement, utility work) in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations and organizational policies and procedures.

12. Fly missions in a low-level (< 500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL)) flight profile (e.g., reconnaissance, mapping, vegetation management, training flights, aerial fire suppression, agricultural work, or military equivalent) in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations and aircraft operator’s manuals.

13. Operate as pilot-in-command in a congested airspace environment (e.g., in Fire Traffic Area, air traffic control, coordination with ground resources and other aircraft) using clearances and deconfliction measures.

14. Provide observations and input regarding safe helicopter/helispot/helibase operations, and landing zone selection (e.g., markings, lighting, safety areas, landing zone coordination) to facilitate a safe operational area in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations and organizational policies.

15. Fly a helicopter at/near maximum gross weight in mountainous terrain (4,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) and above), as pilot-in-command in dynamic and hazardous conditions (e.g., close proximity to aircraft, limited visibility, low/high temperatures, internal/external cargo, day/night) utilizing sound mountain flying techniques and analysis to safely accomplish the mission.

• 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.