Exam Bulletin - Assistant Chief (1039)

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Exam Code: EX-4883

Examination Plans Included:

  • ASSISTANT CHIEF - Promotional

Final Filing Date: 4/9/2026

Classification Details

ASSISTANT CHIEF: $10,569.00 - $13,674.00 per Month

View the ASSISTANT CHIEF classification specification.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 4/9/2026.

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.

Who Should Apply:

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.

Promotional Examination(s):

  • ASSISTANT CHIEF - Promotional

In addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications, competition is limited to individuals who meet at least one of the following filing criteria:

  • 1. Have a permanent civil service appointment with a promotional testing department (see Testing Departments), or
  • 2. Are current or former employees of the legislature for 2 or more years as defined in Government Code 18990, or
  • 3. Are current or former non-elected exempt employees of the executive branch for 2 or more consecutive years as defined in Govt. Code 18992, or
  • 4. Are persons retired from the United States military honorably discharged from active duty with a service disability or honorably discharged from active duty as defined in Government Code 18991. Applicants must provide a copy of discharge papers (DD 214) for verification purposes at the time of application.

Under certain circumstances other employees may be allowed to compete under provisions of Rules 234, 235 and 235.2. California Code of Regulations Rules 233, 234, 235.2 and 237 contain provisions regarding civil service status and eligibility for promotional examinations.

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the final filing date April 9, 2026, 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.

How 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.

Please note the following: 

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

2). 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. 

Special Testing Arrangements:

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.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

00101039 - ASSISTANT CHIEF

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

AND

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Battalion Chief. (Applicants who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination but must fully meet the experience requirement before being eligible for appointment.)

Position Description

00101039 - ASSISTANT CHIEF

This is the full supervisory level. In a typical unit, Assistant Chiefs serve as Division Chiefs supervising either the entire administrative program, operations program, or conservation camp. Positions at this level ensure consistent application of the Department's fire prevention, pre-fire engineering, education, information, volunteers in prevention, and law enforcement policies and procedures.

In unit administration, Assistant Chiefs are responsible for the unit's budget, personnel functions, including the selection, hiring, assignment, staffing, training, performance, promotion, discipline, and grievances of employees; Assistant Chiefs in administration will also have other unit program responsibilities such as the emergency command center, mobile equipment, fire prevention, or training and safety.

In unit operations, Assistant Chiefs assure that emergency resources, personnel, and equipment are trained, available, and ready to respond to fires and other emergencies; establish incident objectives and ensure the effective management and mitigation of emergencies; coordinate, develop, and implement the unit's Emergency Resource Directory, County Emergency Response Plan, Local Government Mutual Aid Plans, Local Government Automatic Aid Plans, and Interagency Operational Plans.

In a conservation camp, Assistant Chiefs liaise with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation staff to ensure the cooperative program function within the policies and guidelines of both agencies; direct the workday custody, training, and daily ratings of inmates and wards; responsible for planning, developing, inspecting, implementing, and evaluating work projects for federal, state, and local agencies.

In a region or headquarters office, Assistant Chiefs serve as Division Chiefs supervising program staff and assisting higher level managers with direction of a major fire protection or fire prevention program. Assistant Chiefs may have other unit program responsibilities. Assistant Chiefs may also serve as Deputy Chiefs in very large and complex units or have staff responsibility for program direction in a region or headquarters office.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS 

Certain positions in these classifications require peace officer status as a condition of appointment and continued employment.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Existing law provides that a peace officer must be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development (GED) Test indicating high school graduation level, pass the California High School Proficiency Examination, or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1InterviewN/A100%

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

This exam will consist of the following:
 

STRUCTURED INTERVIEW (QUALIFICATIONS APPRAISAL PANEL) - WEIGHTED 100%


In this type of exam candidates will be asked pre-determined, job-related questions by a 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 May/June 2026.


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

  • West Sacramento, CA
  • Riverside, 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 Department’s mission, vision, and values to ensure that strategic goals are met.
  2. Safe work practices to provide a safe work environment for employees and the public.
  3. Factors affecting wildland fire behavior (e.g., fuel, weather, topography) to make strategic decisions regarding incident management.
  4. Basic fire behavior (e.g., types, phases, characteristics) to facilitate incident management.
  5. Cooperative fire protection programs with Federal, State, and local agencies to ensure effective operation.
  6. Basic grammar (e.g., sentences, phrases, words) for accurate report writing.
  7. Current emergency incident management systems (e.g., Incident Command System, Standardized Emergency Management System, National Incident Management System) to ensure effective operation.
  8. Supervisory and management personnel practices for effective leadership.
  9. Principles and methods of effective supervision, disciplinary actions, and employee evaluations for an effective workforce.
  10. Department command and control policies and procedures for effective oversight.
  11. Department codes, rules, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance.
  12. Departments hiring policies and procedures for effective oversight.
  13. Supervisory responsibilities under the Ralph C. Dills Act to ensure compliance.
  14. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and procedures to ensure employees are protected from discrimination in the workplace.
  15. Risk management processes to safely carry out missions in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
  16. Policies, objectives, and standards established by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to effectively meet the Department’s mission, vision, and values.
  17. Mobile communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios, laptops, Global Positioning System) to effectively communicate with staff, stakeholders, agencies, and public and private entities.
  18. Basic techniques and methods of team building and leadership to facilitate team efficiency and collaborative tasks.
  19. Current fire protection organization standards and management practices used to deliver emergency services, wildland, and structural fire protection to meet the Department’s mission.
  20. Attendance reporting requirements, leave standards, and procedures to maintain accurate records.
  21. Firefighting tools and equipment for safe and effective use.
  22. Personal Protective Equipment to ensure appropriate care, maintenance, application, and timely replacement.
  23. Adverse effects (e.g., political, social, economic) of emergency operations to recognize the consequences of strategic decisions.
  24. Unit and Department level safety practices to ensure health and wellness of personnel.
  25. Department substance abuse policy and procedures to ensure workforce health and safety.
  26. 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.
  27. The Department’s Employee Support Services (ESS) Program (e.g., Employee Assistance Program [EAP], 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.
  28. Signs and symptoms to recognize a substance abuse problem and appropriate corrective action to ensure workforce health and safety.
  29. Computer software programs (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Visio) to electronically compile data, communicate with others, and perform research.
  30. Memorandum of Understandings to assist with cooperative agreements and contracts.
  31. Job-related Memorandum of Understandings of employees to ensure compliance.
  32. Job-related Memorandum of Understandings of employees to advise staff on agreements, complaints, and adverse actions.
  33. Adverse personnel actions on employees as part of the Progressive Discipline process to manage employees.
  34. Resources (e.g., supervisor’s toolbox) for managing employees.
  35. Department requisition, purchasing procedures, and procurement process to acquire materials and equipment for facilities, programs, or projects.
  36. Laws and Department policies regarding mandatory job-related training for employees to ensure compliance.
  37. Instructional techniques, methods, and management for successful training programs.
  38. State and local fiscal accounting/budgets, property, and personnel policies to oversee the development of the budgeting process to ensure compliance.
  39. Emergency Command Center operations to ensure successful coordination of work.
  40. Various Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances regarding land use, life hazard, fire hazard, and risk reduction to protect the public and natural resources of the State.
  41. Fire hazard reduction methods to successfully reduce fire hazards.
  42. The maintenance, application, and replacement of mobile equipment to ensure continued operation.
  43. Methods to monitor activities and progress of Department programs and projects to ensure effective oversight.
  44. The maintenance, and replacement of facilities, equipment, and infrastructure to maintain operational readiness and safety.
  45. The Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau (e.g., law enforcement, civil cost recovery, investigations) for appropriate use and/or notification.
  46. Principles, methods, and terminology of forest management, environmental, wildland management, and conservation to relay pertinent information and ensure compliance.
  47. Required licenses and certifications to enhance knowledge and skills in accordance with Federal and State laws and Department policies and procedures.

Skill to:

  1. Speak to others in English to effectively convey information (e.g., incident, safety, education).
  2. Read and comprehend information (e.g., fire, medical, policies and procedures) to effectively interpret information.
  3. Communicate effectively to receive and convey information.
  4. Produce written correspondence in English (e.g., email, letters, forms) to effectively convey information.
  5. Communicate performance standards and expectations to personnel for comprehension.
  6. Safely operate Department vehicles through adverse conditions (e.g., heavy traffic, long drives, poor visibility) to effectively carry out day to day operations.
  7. Arbitrate conflicts tactfully and diplomatically between opposing viewpoints to build consensus.
  8. Multi-task in order to manage emergency and non-emergency situations.
  9. Document and complete employee performance evaluations for effective personnel management.
  10. Use communication equipment (e.g., radio, telephone, Mobile Data Computer) for effective communication in emergency and non-emergency situations.
  11. Perform various office clerical activities (e.g., photocopy, file, scan) necessary for the administration of the station, programs, or projects.
  12. Create graphic visual reports (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) to conduct oral and virtual presentations.
  13. Use navigation tools (e.g., Global Positioning System, maps, compass) for assistance in navigation and mapmaking.
  14. Use critical thinking by using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  15. Communicate by adjusting actions in relation to others' actions to achieve a successful outcome.

Ability to:

  1. Read, write, and speak English to successfully complete tasks.
  2. Listen effectively to obtain accurate and detailed information.
  3. Demonstrate leadership under stressful conditions to effectively coordinate both emergency and non-emergency situations.
  4. Exercise sound judgement in making decisions to effectively meet the Department’s mission, vision, and values.
  5. Work effectively with others (e.g., co-workers, the public, landowners, other agencies, the business community) to perform collaborative tasks.
  6. Perform at a command level during emergencies to ensure effective operations.
  7. Maintain a valid driver’s license to enable the legal operation of Department-owned vehicles.
  8. Apply the principles and methods of effective supervision for personnel management.
  9. Assess situations and make immediate decisions under emergency situations to provide direction to fire line personnel.
  10. Work long and irregular hours including weekends and holidays to meet the needs of the Department.
  11. Reprioritize urgent assignments with short notice when new assignments are given for effective workload management.
  12. Recognize sensitive situations and maintain confidentiality to meet the needs of the Department.
  13. Plan programs, projects, and emergency operations to ensure effective operation.
  14. Implement programs, projects, and emergency operations to ensure effective operation.
  15. Supervise programs, projects, and emergency operations to ensure effective oversight.
  16. Organize and implement fire prevention programs to ensure safe and effective operation.
  17. Address issues and seek cost effective solutions to manage Unit/Program budget.
  18. Effectively organize and conduct public education programs to increase fire prevention knowledge.
  19. Obtain and maintain Department required certifications (e.g., Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, appropriate Emergency Medical Services certification) to ensure safe operations in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations, and Department policies and procedures.
  20. Identify problems and take appropriate action when problems arise to ensure a safe and effective workforce.
  21. Work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment under various conditions to perform cooperative tasks.
  22. Effectively promote Equal Employment Opportunity to maintain a work environment which is free of discrimination and harassment.
  23. Effectively coordinate the work of others to meet goals and objectives.
  24. Prepare clear and concise reports for effective communication.
  25. Ensure accountability through the progressive discipline and adverse action process to ensure an effective workforce.
  26. Work in an individual environment under various conditions to ensure effective operation.
  27. Adjust and adapt in a changing work environment to ensure effective operations under all conditions.
  28. Determine and establish priorities for the completion of assignments.
  29. Explain complicated information in simple and understandable language to ensure comprehension.
  30. Respond to complaints or concerns from citizens to ensure effective communication.
  31. Perform arduous physical activities and maintain situational awareness necessary to prevent injuries and complete job duties.
  32. Participate in and assist with projects to ensure deadlines are met.
  33. Evaluate strategic analysis to translate it into tactical action.
  34. Maintain records to ensure accurate reporting.
  35. Make oral and virtual presentations to engage and inform an audience.
  36. Fulfill supervisory responsibilities under the Ralph C. Dills Act for effective personnel management.
  37. Read and interpret maps and charts to aid in navigation and ensure accuracy.
  38. Operate a variety of electronic equipment to perform work using computer software and/or audio/visual systems.
  39. Combine details from several sources to evaluate and ensure compliance with Department policies and procedures.
  40. Interpret and explain codes, rules, laws, and Department policies and procedures to ensure comprehension.
  41. Perform mathematical calculations and compute averages and percentages to perform job duties.
  42. Plan for and manage contractual fire protection and emergency services to ensure successful delivery of services.
  43. Develop and maintain plans for mutual-aid, cooperative fire protection, and emergency services agreements to ensure successful delivery of services.
  44. Evaluate plans for mutual-aid, cooperative fire protection, and emergency services agreements to ensure effective operation.
  45. Develop and deliver training to ensure the information is understood.
  46. Attend meetings on a virtual platform for effective work performance.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Promotional eligible list for the ASSISTANT CHIEF 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.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Successful candidates from this administration will be merged onto the current eligibility list for the Assistant Chief classification. Candidates' list eligibility is guaranteed for a minimum of 12 months, but may be extended up to 48 months, depending on the needs of the Department.

It is recommended that candidates apply for this examination if one or more of the following is true:

  • You are a Limited Term (LT) hire.
  • You have NOT passed probation in this classification.
  • You are a Temporary Appointment (TAU) hire. 
  • You are not on the current eligibility list.”

Veterans' Preference is not granted for promotional examinations.

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

Testing Departments

  • Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

CAL FIRE Examination Unit
710 Riverpoint Ct.
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: (916) 894-9580
CALFIREexams@fire.ca.gov

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

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.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)