All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.
Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.
General Qualifications
State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment,
and ability to work cooperatively with others.
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy – influencing functions effectively. Such overall
ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:
- Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the
Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management;
techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving;
principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department’s or agency’s
Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager’s role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
- Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative
policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the
confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative
working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches;
analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to
the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.
These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the
formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government
settings, or in a private organization):
CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.
CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial
participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.
CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide
professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional
skills that are required at this level.
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Chief Information Officer (CIO) role experience
- Procurement and Contracting Officer (PCO) role experience in California state government
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer role experience
- Human Resources Management experience in California state government
- Budget Officer role experience in California state government
- Bachelor's degree or higher in public administration, business administration, or a related field of study
There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package, some benefits include:
Medical Benefits, including Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
Paid holidays and leave
Defined Benefit Retirement Program
Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
Commute Program
Employee Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program
Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
Some added benefits include: Flexible Work Hours, Telework Opportunities, Health, Dental & Vision Benefits, Paid Sick & Vacation, Retirement, Basic Group Term Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, 11 Paid Holidays, 401(k) & 457 plans, Military Leave, Student Loan Forgiveness, Long Term Care, Group Legal Services, and Reimbursement Accounts.
Click here to view all the benefits available to state employees!
**This will be the only tool used for determining your final score and rank on the eligibility list for this position** Please follow all of the instructions.
INSTRUCTIONS: An SOQ is a narrative discussion regarding how the applicant's education, training, experience, and skills meet the Desirable Qualifications for the position.
Please submit an SOQ responding to the statements below. Your responses must include specific examples for each of the qualification factors listed and should be clear and concise. Although the use of Artificial Intelligence tools to structure your thoughts is not prohibited, applicants must use these tools responsibly. Your SOQ must be original and written by you in your own words. Failure to adhere to this direction may result in your disqualification.
Your response should be no more than three pages in length with at least a 12-point Arial font and 1-inch margins. Each response must be numbered, include the question, and answered in order listing all relevant experience, education, and training. Applicants who do not follow these parameters shall be disqualified from the examination.
NOTE: Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of this SOQ requirement.
Please respond to the following desirable qualifications:
1. Describe your experience managing large teams responsible for providing administrative services, such as fiscal management, human resources, information technology services, contracting and procurement, and/or health and safety, including within a state agency setting or organization.
2. Describe your experience identifying and mitigating significant organizational risk in a public agency or organization. How did you assess risks, help identify mitigations, and communicate, plan for and facilitate change management? What were the outcomes?
3. Describe how you have successfully advocated for resources and represented your organization’s interests in external discussions about fiscal management and resource needs, such as before the legislature or oversight/control agencies. How did you approach it?
4. Describe your experience with long-range planning, budget and time management, and policy development and implementation, including developing operational standards, procedures and methods to establish work processes to effectively manage information systems.
5. Describe your knowledge and experience with accounting and auditing procedures and principles; personnel and labor relations policies, practices and procedures; sound supervision techniques; and a supervisor's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity program and policies.
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.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free 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.
