Exam Bulletin - Forester III (1041)

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Exam Code: EX-4985

Examination Plans Included:

  • FORESTER III - Promotional

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

Classification Details

FORESTER III: $9,897.00 - $12,843.00 per Month

View the FORESTER III classification specification.

Application Instructions

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

This is NOT a timed exam. If you request an 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:

$9,897 - $12,843 Base Salary (paid every month)

$1,851 Recruitment and Retention Differential (paid every month)

$140,976 – $176,328 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.

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):

  • FORESTER III - 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.

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

Exam Code(s):

    4985

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

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-04985

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.

*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. 

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.

00101041 - FORESTER III

Breadth of experience through a variety of job assignments is a factor in planned manager development in the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Although Foresters develop highly specialized assignments at higher levels, rotation in assignment is anticipated at all levels within the series.

License Requirement: Possession of a valid license as a Registered Professional Forester issued by the California State Board for Forestry and Fire Protection, AND

Experience: One year of experience in the California state service performing forest, range, or watershed management duties in a class comparable in level to a Forester II (Supervisory). 

Position Description

00101041 - FORESTER III

Foresters III perform the most difficult, sensitive, and complex forest, range, watershed management, protection, and planning duties such as responding to inquiries from legislators, advocate/civic groups, and citizens; administering a region or statewide resource management program; and supervising the review and processing of timber harvesting plans. Foresters III may have in-charge responsibility for the largest State Forest and in units with large resource management programs. Foresters III are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the forest, range, and watershed management activities in an administrative area. Foresters III may supervise a staff of Foresters.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Willingness to work long and irregular hours under stressful conditions, in remote parts of the State, and during the fire season, to remain available for duty assignments 24 hours a day as required; ability to meet physical and medical standards established by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; color vision and visual acuity sufficient to perform the duties of the position; ability to perform and exercise good judgment under emergency or other stressful situations; and ability to operate specialized equipment (e.g., personal computers, audio visual, fire apparatus, vehicles, and camera).

FELONY DISQUALIFICATION

Existing law provides that persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Such persons are not eligible for, or be appointed to, positions in this class. This felony disqualification applies only to those positions designated as peace officers within this class.

Examination Information

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

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Online ExamContinuous100%

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. Department policies, procedures, and strategies to understand and accomplish the mission of the Department.
  2. Natural resource management principles and practices to guide the application of Department programs and responsibilities.
  3. Forestry, range, wildlife, fisheries, ecosystem processes, management principles and practices to assess potential impacts and manage ecosystems effectively.
  4. English grammar (e.g., sentences, phrases, words) for accurate report writing.
  5. Federal, State, and local laws (e.g., Public Resource Code, California Code of Regulations, Forest Practice Act, California Environmental Quality Act), and Department policies and procedures to ensure compliance and enforcement for public safety and environmental protection.
  6. Department supervision policy and procedures (e.g., progressive discipline, employee evaluations) to ensure employee effectiveness.
  7. Environmental effects from land management, incident related activities (e.g., vegetation treatment methods, range management), and mitigation measures necessary to protect forest resources and health and safety of personnel and the public.
  8. Natural sciences (e.g., wildlife, biology, soil, climatic conditions) to ensure appropriate environmental analysis and project implementation.
  9. Silvicultural methods and their application to ensure that timber harvesting plans are approved and implemented consistent with professional standards and California Forest Practice Rules.
  10. Timber harvest methods and practices (e.g., tractor logging, cable logging) to ensure equipment and practices are utilized to protect all forest resources.
  11. The California Environmental Quality Act to identify the significant environmental impacts of actions.
  12. Watershed management and erosion control methods to protect natural resources.
  13. Laws and Department policies regarding mandatory training for employees in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
  14. State and Department policies and procedures used to interview, select, and hire candidates.
  15. The identification and protection process for cultural resources (e.g., historic, pre-historic) to ensure their preservation.
  16. Forest measurements tools (e.g., diameter tape, Biltmore stick, clinometer) used for field measurements of trees and slope of the ground for accurate recording of data.
  17. Principles of organizational management and program administration to provide efficient and effective program delivery.
  18. California Vehicle Code and Department policies and procedures in the operation of emergency vehicles to ensure safe, legal, and efficient use.
  19. The California Foresters Licensing Law to ensure Registered Professional Foresters are functioning in a manner that meets the standards of professional forestry practices.
  20. Wildlife management and wildlife habitats to protect fisheries, terrestrial fauna, and plants at a level commensurate with a professional forester's scope of license and expertise.
  21. Mathematics (e.g., algebra, geometry, trigonometry) and statistics to complete various Department projects (e.g., research, growth and yield analysis, market analysis).
  22. Forest road engineering (e.g., road location, construction and design, watercourse crossing design) for the development and review of a transportation and harvesting system to ensure compliance with public safety standards and environmental regulations.
  23. First aid and outdoor skills (e.g., map reading, navigation, hiking) to maintain a safe working environment and to provide for public and employee safety.

Skill to: 

  1. Work effectively in a team to complete tasks, problem solve, make decisions, and plan events and/or incidents.
  2. Interpret various sources of information (e.g., maps, reference manuals, reports, correspondence) for successful job performance.
  3. Prepare clear and concise reports (e.g., media, government, public/private sector) to communicate effectively.
  4. Plan, organize, and/or prioritize tasks to ensure efficient completion of.
  5. Apply Resource Management principles and practices to ensure efficient and effective completion of assignments.
  6. Operate computers and software programs effectively (e.g., email, spreadsheets, presentations) to provide accurate reports and information exchange with Department employees and other public and/or private entities.
  7. Provide motivation to ensure staff are performing at their best and ensure Program effectiveness.
  8. Manage and/or respond to sensitive and/or high-profile issues to achieve Department goals and objectives.
  9. Develop and/or deliver effective verbal and written presentations for information exchange and education of employees, management, and others.
  10. Communicate performance standards and expectations to personnel for successful job performance.
  11. Tactfully and diplomatically arbitrate conflicts between opposing viewpoints to accomplish program goals.
  12. Analyze information and data from various sources for research, decision making, and completion of assignments.
  13. Assess potential environmental impacts to comply with State law.
  14. Mitigate potential environmental impacts to comply with State law.
  15. Complete employee performance evaluations for successful job performance.
  16. Identify and/or evaluate vegetation conditions to adequately protect natural resources.
  17. Operate forestry and firefighting tools (e.g., compass, Global Positioning System, clinometer, prism, increment borer, maps) to conduct surveys, inventories, measurements, observations, and other field work in a safe and effective manner.
  18. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to ensure personal safety.
  19. Operate a variety of Department vehicles (e.g., all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, four-wheel drive) in a variety of weather and road conditions to ensure compliance with Department policies and procedures. 

Ability to:

  1. Exhibit ethical behavior, display appropriate conduct, and maintain a high level of professionalism in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
  2. Interact effectively with a variety of personalities and situations without discrimination to comply with laws and regulations. 
  3. Effectively promote equal employment opportunity and maintain a workenvironment which is free of discrimination and harassment. 
  4. Work effectively with others (e.g., co-workers, fire protection agencies, the public, landowners, governmental agencies, business community) to ensure successful job performance.
  5. Listen effectively for successful job performance.        
  6.  Read, write, and speak English to effectively exchange information and accomplish daily tasks. 
  7. Work independently, make decisions, and take appropriate action with little or no direction in emergency and non-emergency situations for successful job performance. 
  8. Demonstrate leadership under stressful conditions in both emergency and non-emergency situations for successful job performance.
  9. Apply safety practices, policies, and procedures for workplace safety and protection.
  10. Prepare accurate and concise reports and correspondence for effective job performance.
  11. Reprioritize urgent assignments with short notice when new assignments are given for successful job performance. 
  12. Work effectively in a team to complete tasks, problem solve, make decisions, and plan events and/or incidents.
  13. Utilize situational leadership in the supervision of the work of others to ensure efficient, safe, and effective completion of assignments.
  14. Explain complicated information in simple and understandable language for successful job performance.
  15. Delegate and coordinate the work of others to effectively meet project objectives.
  16. Determine and establish priorities for the completion of work assignments.
  17. Tactfully and diplomatically arbitrate conflicts between opposing viewpoints to provide a productive and safe work environment.
  18. Develop and/or implement creative solutions to accomplish program objectives.
  19. Function in stressful situations or emergencies to accomplish the responsibilities of the Department.
  20. Maintain records (e.g., digital, hard copy) for successful job performance.
  21. Adjust to changing work environments to accomplish daily tasks. 
  22. Analyze and/or apply information and technical data to make sound decisions.
  23. Operate mechanical, electronic, and/or other equipment (e.g., computers, vehicles, cell phone) to meet the Department's mission.
  24. Effectively develop, evaluate, and communicate performance standards and expectations to ensure staff accomplish the responsibilities of the Department.
  25. Identify the need to consult with experts outside your area of expertise to accomplish the responsibilities of the Department.
  26. Interpret and/or explain codes, rules, and Department policies and procedures for successful job performance.
  27. Read and interpret information (e.g., reference manuals, training materials, issuance, laws, regulations, reports, maps, data, correspondence) to acquire knowledge and effectively perform required job duties.
  28. Successfully complete required training as per Department's policies and procedures.
  29. Identify environmental impacts to comply with laws and regulations.
  30. Develop and/or deliver presentations effectively in English for informational, educational, and Departmental needs.
  31. Analyze information and data from various sources for research, decision making, and completion of assignments.
  32. Mitigate impacts within a professional forester's scope of license and expertise.
  33. Effectively plan and implement programs, projects, and emergency operations for successful job performance. 
  34. Operate a variety of electronic equipment (e.g., personal computer, cameras, audio systems, computer software) for successful job performance.
  35. Oversee the implementation of new and/or revised programs for successful job performance.
  36. Work long and arduous hours to accomplish the responsibilities of the Department.
  37. Apply forestry principles and practices (e.g., mensuration, silviculture, engineering) to achieve management objectives.
  38. Safely operate vehicles in adverse operating conditions to accomplish daily activities.
  39. Identify and/or evaluate vegetation conditions to determine where and when to apply appropriate management practices.
  40. Travel long distances for extended periods of time to accomplish the responsibilities of the Department.
  41. Perform office activities (e.g., photocopy, file, scan) necessary for office management and program or project administration.
  42. Perform mathematics (e.g., algebra, geometry, trigonometry) and statistics, including research findings and associated budgets, to complete projects. 
  43. Perform arduous and/or physically demanding work (e.g., bending, climbing, lifting) in all weather conditions and terrain to meet the demands of the Department.



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Eligible List Information

A Departmental Promotional eligible list for the FORESTER III 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.

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.

FORESTER III TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (T&E) EXAM PREVIEW

Using the rating scale provided in the examination, rate your knowledge and experience performing the specific job-related tasks listed below. Please indicate how these statements apply to you by referring to your WORK EXPERIENCE (either paid or volunteer). 

This is NOT a timed examination. 

Task Statements:


1. Supervise personnel (e.g., fire, office, forestry) to accomplish work in an efficient and safe manner utilizing oral and written communication and progressive discipline in accordance with Department policies and procedures.

2. Investigate and prepare corrective personnel actions on employees (e.g., progressive discipline) in accordance with Department policies, procedures, Bargaining Unit Memorandums of Understanding, and California Department of Human Resources laws and regulations.

3. Conduct hiring interviews of job applicants to fulfill the organizational needs of the Department in accordance with Federal and State Equal Employment Opportunity laws, and Department policies and procedures.

4. Evaluate job performance by documentation (e.g., Individual Development Plans, probation reports, annual performance appraisals) to maintain acceptable standards and enhance employee development in accordance with the Department's mission, goals, policies, and procedures.

5. Report accidents and/or injuries involving state personnel and/or equipment through proper documentation to comply with laws, regulations, and Department policies and procedures.

6. Provide professional advice and/or technical information in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

7. Respond to questions from staff (e.g., oral, written) on rule interpretation and policy direction to ensure consistency.

8. Review staffing schedules to maintain coverage and review, validate, and approve time sheets in accordance with Department policies and procedures, Bargaining Unit Memorandums of Understanding, and fiscal management.

9. Investigate and respond to grievances and/or complaints (e.g., oral, written) within the mandated time frame in accordance with Department policies and procedures.

10. Promote the Department’s Behavioral Health and Wellness (e.g., Employee Support Services [ESS], 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.

11. Assist management or supervisors in the hiring process of job applicants to fulfill the organizational needs of the Department in accordance with Federal and State Equal Employment Opportunity laws, and Department policies and procedures.

12. Manage program operations to ensure consistency with laws, regulations, and Department policies and procedures.

13. Ensure staff maintains required training, licenses, annual mandates, and certifications to perform essential duty functions in accordance with laws and Department policies and procedures.

14. Investigate, report, and recommend appropriate administrative steps when accidents or injuries occur involving personnel and/or equipment utilizing proper documentation and processes in accordance with laws and Department policies and procedures.

15. Manage the responsibility area and/or budgetary needs for daily operations to ensure fiscal responsibility in accordance with Department policies and procedures.

16. Approve program requests (e.g., written, oral) to procure and stock necessary parts, tools, equipment and supplies for operations in accordance with laws and Department policies and procedures.

17. Disseminate and approve training and/or safety information to personnel utilizing tools (e.g., Information Technology, safety bulletins, tailgate safety sessions, Equal Employment Opportunity [EEO], Respiratory Protection Program [RPP]) to provide current information and necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job safely and effectively in accordance with laws and Department policies and procedures.

18. Supervise the maintenance of State property and/or equipment (e.g., vehicles, Information Technology, trails, campgrounds, buildings) in accordance with Department policies and procedures.

 

Interested applicants must click "APPLY NOW" in the top right corner of this bulletin and follow the prompts provided by the CalCareers system to apply for and take this exam. Typically candidates' results will populate in their CalCareers profile within 24-hours.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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)