Final Filing Date: 12/29/2025.

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):

• DIVISION CHIEF, CALIFORNIA STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the final filing date of December 29, 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 & 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.

Please note the following:

1.) A State Application (STD 678) is REQUIRED and must be submitted.

2.) A Training and Experience (T&E) Narrative document is also REQUIRED and must be submitted with your application packet. 

3.) If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications under Pattern II, please attach a copy of your diploma and/or transcripts showing proof of coursework/completion/graduation, to 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 - Training and Experience (T&E) Narrative is REQUIRED with application submission.

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

Experience: Two years of experience with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Deputy State Fire Marshal III (Supervisor) or Deputy State Fire Marshal III (Specialist).

OR II

Experience: Four years of experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity in professional engineering, fire protection, fire and life safety regulatory development, and/or legislative bill analysis and advocacy, fire protection engineering, fire service training/development, hazardous liquid pipeline safety, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, or fire protection information systems development work. AND

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with major work in public administration, fire service administration, fire protection and technology, fire protection engineering, architecture, law enforcement, or criminal justice administration. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Note: Applicants qualifying under Pattern II above must provide a copy of their four-year degree or a copy of their transcripts indicating the degree was obtained with the required coursework.

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 January/February 2026. 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. 

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


1). During setup for an indoor concert with close proximity to pyrotechnic fireworks, the licensed pyrotechnic operator alleges and informs you that a Deputy State Fire Marshal appears to be under the influence of alcohol. List at least six steps you would take to handle this situation.

2). During an inspection of a facility, a Deputy State Fire Marshal was reported to have made inappropriate advances to a facility employee. You were informed of the incident the day after it occurred, explain at least six steps you would take to handle this situation.

3).  Legislation was passed mandating the State Fire Marshal to adopt the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code as a model code. Explain at least six steps you would take during pre-ruling activities to submit to the California Building Standards Commission.

4). You are given direction to deliver a 30-minute presentation on a new State Fire Marshal program, please outline at least seven steps you would take to prepare for the presentation.

5). A recent law was passed which required the creation of a new program in your division, describe at least seven steps you would take to set up the new program.

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 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 (e.g., proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure) to ensure that written materials are complete, concise, and error-free.
2. The California Code of Regulations, Titles 8, 14, 19, and 24, to promulgate, interpret, educate, and enforce regulations adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
3. State laws (e.g., California Penal Code, California Health and Safety Code) to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
4. Fire prevention principles and techniques to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
5. Fire protection technology and equipment to meet the fire and life safety requirements and standards.
6. Safe work practices to provide a safe work environment for personnel and the public.
7. Fire behavior (e.g., types, phases, characteristics) to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
8. Industry protocols, standards, and guidelines (e.g., National Fire Protection Association, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers) to influence Department operations.
9. Modern fire protection principles and practices to evaluate alternate means, materials, and methods requests (e.g., building construction, fire equipment and products) to ensure compliance with public safety standards.
10. Mobile communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios, laptops) to effectively communicate with staff, stakeholders, agencies, and public and private entities.
11. The mission, vision, and values of the Department to meet Department goals.
12. A manager’s role in promoting equal opportunity in selection, development, and promotion of employees and for maintaining a work environment which is free of discrimination and harassment.
13. Effective supervision (e.g., progressive discipline, employee evaluations) to promote a valuable, efficient, and ethical workforce.
14. The Department hiring policies and procedures for effective oversight.
15. The Peace Officer Bill of Rights and the Firefighter Bill of Rights to ensure that employee rights are protected.
16. Fire hazard reduction methods to successfully reduce fires.
17. Laws and Department policies regarding mandatory job-related training for employees to ensure compliance.
18. Computer software programs (e.g., public presentation programs, database programs) to compile data, communicate with others, research, and produce project reports (e.g., statistical, historical, budgetary).
19. The principles of fire protection engineering to provide sound judgments to architects, engineers, and consultants regarding the application of State building codes to ensure compliance with public safety standards and to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
20. Law enforcement’s capabilities to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
21. Employment interviewing principles and techniques to ensure hiring of competent personnel.
22. The principles of combustion and causes of fire to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
23. Job-related bargaining unit agreements of employees to ensure compliance.
24. The principles of training methodologies and modalities to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
25. Techniques and methods of team building and leadership to facilitate team efficiency, collaborative tasks, and ensure effective division management.
26. Principles and practices of modern public administration and management to accomplish the mission and goals of the Department.
27. Risk Management and systems to safely perform job duties in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
28. The Department’s safety practices, policies, and procedures adhering to applicable laws and regulations (e.g., Injury and Illness Prevention Program, California Occupational Safety and Health Administration [CAL/OSHA], Violence in the Workplace, Worker’s Compensation program) to achieve employee and workplace safety and protection.
29. Supervisory responsibilities under the Ralph C. Dills Act to ensure compliance.
30. Signs and symptoms to recognize a substance abuse problem to recommend and/or take appropriate corrective action.
31. Management practices and organizational techniques to provide effective leadership to maximize employee and division efficiency.
32. New building materials to meet the fire and life safety requirements and standards.
33. Defensive driving techniques (e.g., traffic laws, intersection approach, utilization of warning devices) to safely operate Department vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations.
34. Injury reporting procedures (e.g., State Compensation Insurance Fund, Injury Assessment Prevention System) to comply with Federal and State law and Department policies and procedures.
35. Resources for supervision (e.g., progressive discipline, Equal Employment Opportunity) located on the Department’s Intranet for guidance and tools for managing employees.
36. Organizational command structures to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
37. Personal Protective Equipment to ensure appropriate care, maintenance, application, and timely replacement.
38. Legislative processes and the structure of State government to build and maintain effective and positive relationships.
39. Adverse impact (e.g., environmental, political, social, economic) of emergency operations to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
40. Fire suppression principles for various types of fires (e.g., structural, vehicle, wildland) to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
41. Department forms (e.g., incident, personnel, safety) for effective job performance.
42. State of California policies (e.g., State Administrative Manual, personnel) to ensure sound management practices.
43. Department’s fire prevention bureau (e.g., law enforcement, civil cost recovery, investigations) for appropriate use and/or notification.
44. Other agencies responsible for the built environment (e.g., Department of Toxic Substances Control, Division of the State Architect, Department of Healthcare Access and Information, California Department of Transportation) to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
45. Instructional techniques, methods, and management for successful training programs.
46. Standard response plans (e.g., medical, wildland, structure) to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the DIVISION CHIEF, CALIFORNIA STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE 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.