Exam Bulletin - Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor I

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Exam Code: EX-4922

Examination Plans Included:

  • TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR I - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR I: $8,627.00 - $11,265.00 per Month

View the TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR I classification specification.

Application Instructions

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

  • 2/10/2026
  • 5/10/2026
  • 8/10/2026
  • 11/10/2026

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

Please disregard the previous statement about mailed in applications. Applications must be submitted electronically. Please see the "How to Apply" section for details.

Examinations will be processed quarterly (or as the needs of the department warrant). Applications received after the established cut-off date will be processed the next time the exam is administered.

NOTE: Check back periodically as cut-off dates may be added in the future. Additionally, cut-off dates are subject to change or be cancelled at any time. Such changes or cancellations will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules.

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.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR I - Open

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

Exam Code(s):

    4922

For TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR I, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-04922

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.

Please note: Your exam package will be considered complete only after both the Exam Supplemental and Standard State Application (STD 678) are submitted. The STD 678 must be submitted through CalCareers, and the Exam Supplemental through SurveyMonkey, Processing cut-off dates are determined only after both items have been received.

All Standard State Applications (STD 678) must include:
  • The examination title and/or exam code on the application
  • “To” and “from” dates (month/day/year)
  • Hours per week you worked
  • Civil service or private sector titles
  • Duties performed (Do not list see attached resume)
  • If using education to qualify please provide a copy of your transcripts
  • Resumes do not replace a completed application (STD 678)
Applications received without this information may be rejected.

If you held more than one position within the same organization, please breakout your experience. Please note overtime and volunteer paid or unpaid experience performing duties at the appropriate level is eligible for consideration. Please keep in mind the duties you list must not only reflect your experience, but also how you meet the minimum qualifications.

Out-of-class civil service state experience: Work experience gained in an out-of-class assignment shall be in accordance with SPB Rule § 212. Out-of-class experience without required documentation will not be considered for examination purposes. If you wish to use documented out-of-class experience to demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications, please choose the option to "attach/upload an extra document" on step 5 of the application package process.

NOTE: Candidates unable to provide a degree or unofficial transcripts before the cut-off date may be admitted to the examination process. However, candidates will be required to submit official transcripts upon appointment to a position. If you wish to submit your unofficial transcripts to demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications, please choose the option to "attach/upload an extra document" on step 5 of the application package process.

Applications will be reviewed to ensure the minimum requirements for participation in this examination are met. Possession of the minimum requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list.

Prior to starting the examination process, it is recommended to have your relevant education and employment history readily accessible.

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.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00106909 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR I

License: Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination but must possess the license prior to appointment; and

Education: Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college in electronics and telecommunications technology, or a course of study within a related military occupational specialty. (Additional experience, including military experience, in the field of electronics and telecommunications technology may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.); and

Certification: Possession of at least one valid industry-accepted certificate or license from the list below that meets the qualifications to perform transmitter installation, operation, maintenance, and repair duties:

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
FCC 1st Class or 2nd Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate (May also be referred to as the Radiotelegraph Operator (T) License)
APCO Two-Way Radio Technician Certificate
NARTE Technician Certificate
NABER License

Applicants may be admitted to the examination without possessing the required license or certificate, but must possess the required license or certificate prior to appointment; and

Either

Pattern I
Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a classification with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Telecommunications Systems Technician III;

Or

Pattern II
Three years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a classification with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Telecommunications Systems Technician II;

Or

Pattern III
Five years of telecommunications experience within the last ten years performing duties to modify, test, program, import/export data files, and install electronic telecommunications equipment. Three years of the required experience must have been with VHF, UHF, 700, 800 MHz and microwave; and had responsibility to manage, configure program, and service MPLS, servers, hosts, routers, desktop stations, VoIP, RoIP, PBX switches and networking systems in public safety communications equipment.

Position Description

00106909 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR I

This is the first supervisory level. Under direction, incumbents either (1) supervise an office staff and all levels of telecommunications systems technicians within an assigned geographic area, which may include several shop areas and are responsible for the telecommunications networks served by these technicians, or (2) supervise telecommunications systems technicians to maintain and coordinate statewide public safety telecommunications network systems and projects; exercise functional supervision and coordination of field activities and assist telecommunications engineers in the overall operation of a statewide public safety communications network system.

Incumbents communicate and coordinate activities with client agencies; oversee and approve client billing; manage operational support functions including maintenance areas, parts inventories, vehicles, and tests equipment as part of field operations; and may develop and coordinate statewide technical training.

Incumbents provide technical and tactical direction to staff; plan and organize subordinate staff workloads, assignments and schedules while adjusting to meet changing priorities, resources, and workload; confer with telecommunications engineering staff to coordinate work activities; provide technical assistance on complex technical issues and projects; encourage open communication and input from staff through a variety of methods; and provide feedback to employees on their performance and; when necessary, manage staff performance issues by planning and implementing measures to improve performance.

Willingness to stay abreast of current technological changes in the field of telecommunications and electronics by attending formal and informal training courses.

Establish and maintain a working relationship with staff in order to facilitate a productive work environment; work as a team when necessary to complete duties in a cohesive and professional manner; work quickly and accurately; be reliable and dependable and cooperate effectively with individuals, organizations, and agencies served.

Required to respond to emergency situations; travel statewide for extended periods of time; and work as required on standby duty, various shifts, at night and on weekends.

All Employees must have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Supplemental ReportWith Application100%

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.

When you select "Apply Now", you will be directed to the Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor I online application and examination process.

Examination scores will be processed quarterly (or as the needs of the department warrant) and results will be emailed to the email address provided during the application process. Information regarding the examination will ONLY be sent to the email address provided on your State Application (STD 678). Please ensure that you have access to the email address provided.

While this is not a timed examination and is accessible at any time of day, please allow approximately 120 minutes to complete this examination. There is no way to pause, stop or reset the exam once you start. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to take the online examination, it is recommended you do not take the examination until you are able to do so.

Please be advised that the online testing platform, SurveyMonkey, works best when using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. Please ensure that you have downloaded the most recent version of your browser prior to accessing the examination. For technical assistance, please contact the Examinations Unit during normal business hours at the phone number or email address located in the Contact Information section below.

Exam notifications are either electronically submitted through your CalCareers account or emailed to the email address listed on your STD 678. To ensure timely receipt of communications, please ensure that you are checking your CalCareers account and/or email account regularly. Exam results will be released within 4 to 6 weeks after the cut-off date.

To be added to the eligibility list:
  • Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications to receive examination results and be merged onto the eligibility list. Possession of the minimum requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list.
  • Interested candidates must submit an electronic Examination Application (STD 678) AND take the examination.
  • The STD 678 and examination must be submitted by the associated cut-off date to be considered as filed timely for that cut-off period.
  • Incomplete examination responses, application packages, or otherwise missing information may lead to an inability to process a candidate's examination.
  • The Examinations Unit is not responsible for contacting candidates who fail to submit either the online examination or application materials by the cut-off date.

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: Effective leadership principles, practices and techniques to plan, oversee, and direct the work activities of personnel to ensure that work projects are conducted and implemented effectively and efficiently; knowledge of principles and practices of personnel management for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development, and for maintaining a work environment which is free of discrimination and harassment.

The laws, rules and regulations of FCC relating to radio and microwave communications to ensure compliance; and effective team leadership principles, practices, and techniques to plan, oversee, and lead the work activities of personnel; departmental policies regarding the procedures used to lead personnel; and various on the job training methods.

RF communications systems and equipment both analog and digital; procedures and techniques used in the installation and modification, diagnosis, repair, programming and maintenance of communications equipment and network systems; MPLS, servers, hosts, desktop station, VoIP, RoIP PBX Switches and network systems in public safety communications equipment at the systems and component levels, manufacture software applications to effectively configure, program, import/export data files; computer based communications network systems, equipment and digital transmission formats; backup power systems.

Basic electrical and electronic principles relating to circuits, resistance, voltage, amperage; the wiring (including color coding), cabling, and connectors used to successfully interconnect various pieces of electronic equipment; safety procedures to reduce risk of injury applicable to working with electrical energy, and hand and power tools; basic math utilizing both whole numbers and decimals; basic algebra and electronic formulas; proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure accuracy of documents; computer operating software to meet work requirements; and knowledge of safety regulations and procedures of public safety communications tools, vehicles, and equipment.

Frequently lift and carry items of equipment weighing up to fifty pounds. Assist others in lifting and carrying objects weighing more than fifty pounds.

Climb and perform work on antenna structures and towers, after proper training, for the purpose of installation, repair and maintenance of VHF, UHF, 700, 800 MHz and microwave antenna systems and related equipment; work in varied and, at times, adverse weather conditions; after proper training, traverse in snow cats at higher altitudes; fly in helicopters, and work on uneven surfaces to access remote telecommunications sites. (Training and certification will be provided by Public Safety Communications.)

Ability to: Plan, organize, and direct public safety communication projects and network systems and equipment maintenance program, import/export data files and repair work to ensure quality, quantity, and timeliness standards are met; and work within tight and competitive timelines to complete projects or assignments effectively.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with client agencies and other governmental jurisdictions; facilitate area and shop meetings and discussions to ensure participants are active and remain focused on the intended topic; develop appropriate material and make effective oral and written presentations to clients, executive management, trainees and staff; administer the use of parts inventories, vehicles, and test equipment; use basic algebra and electronic formulas to prepare various reports, summaries, and to perform electronic calculations; effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Apply the laws, rules, and regulations of FCC relating to radio and microwave communications to ensure compliance; plan, organize, act as lead for and direct the work activities of personnel to ensure quality, and timeliness standards are met; facilitate meetings and discussions to ensure participants are active and remain focused on the intended topic; provide detailed instructions for assigned personnel to ensure comprehension, and proper completion of tasks; consistently establish and maintain priorities in order to complete projects and assignments within timelines.

Diagnose problems or malfunctions with radio, microwave, and communications network systems; modify and assemble communications equipment to properly interface with communications network systems in accordance with specifications and engineering instructions; detect, eliminate, and prevent sources of radio frequency interferences; use precision instruments for measuring radio frequencies, power, deviation, modulation and other parameters; monitor and maintain backup power systems; create or edit drawings, schematics, or other documentation that illustrates layouts of equipment to maintain accurate records; be adaptable and flexible to work assignments and schedules to meet changing priorities of work objectives, personnel resources, and workload demands; and determine necessary equipment repairs and methods required to meet communications needs.

Utilize tools related to electricity to effectively measure and safely maintain electrical equipment; and safely use and operate electrical power and hand tools. Read and comprehend technical manuals, schematics, drawings, manufacturer specifications, troubleshooting guides used in installation, configuration and programming of communications equipment; understand mechanical relationships to use mechanical tools and equipment; use algebra and electronic formulas to prepare summaries, and to perform electronic calculations. Install public safety communications equipment; safely operate public safety communications tools, vehicles, and equipment; and diagnose basic problems with radio and communication network systems at the module level to ensure operability of equipment.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR I Classification will be established for:

  • California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

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.

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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.

Preparing for the Examination

Here is a list of suggested resources to have available prior to taking the exam.

Employment History: Employment dates, job titles, organization names and addresses, names of supervisors or persons who can verify your job responsibilities, and phone numbers of persons listed above.

Education: School names and addresses, degrees earned, dates attended, courses taken (verifiable on a transcript), persons or offices who can verify education, and phone numbers of persons or offices listed above.

Training: Class titles, certifications received, names of persons who can verify your training, and phone numbers of persons listed above.

Testing Departments

  • California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Human Resources
3650 Schriever Ave
Mather, CA 95655
Phone: (916) 845-8321
examinations@caloes.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.

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services 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)