Final Filing Date: 10/13/2025.

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.

Promotional Examination(s):

• UNIT 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 October 13, 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 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.

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.

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 an Assistant Chief with Fire Administration/Fire Operations experience (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).

This examination consists of the following component(s):

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

STRUCTURED INTERVIEW (QUALIFICATIONS APPRAISAL PANEL, QAP) - WEIGHTED 100%

In this type of exam candidates will be asked pre-determined, job-related questions by a two or three-person 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 November/December 2025.

Below is a list of the proposed testing sites. (Note: these locations are subject to change based on 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. Emergency incident management systems (e.g., Incident Command System [ICS], Standardized Emergency Management System [SEMS], National Incident Management System [NIMS]) for proper incident management and organization.

2. Modern fire protection organization standards/guidelines and management practices (e.g., Firefighting Resources of California Organized for Potential Emergencies [FIRESCOPE], National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], National Wildfire Coordinating Group [NWCG]) used to guide wildland and structural fire protection, as well as other emergency services.
3. Strategies (e.g., indirect, direct, combination) used to safely and effectively suppress various types of fires (e.g., vehicle, structure, wildland).
4. Emergency operations (e.g., rescue, fire suppression, HAZMAT response) to mitigate incidents in a safe and effective manner.
5. Fire suppression principles for various types of fires (e.g., structural, vehicle, wildland) to mitigate an incident safely and effectively.
6. The Department's mission, vision, and value statements to carry out the day-to- day activities of the Department.
7. Fire protection cooperative agreements (e.g., Federal, State, local) to ensure effective operation.
8. Managerial and leadership methods to promote effective Unit personnel management.
9. The Department’s safety procedures and programs (e.g., Injury and Illness Prevention Program [IIPP], Workers’ Compensation Program [WCP], California Occupational Safety and Health Administration [CAL/OSHA], Respiratory Protection Program [RPP]) to ensure personnel safety and compliance with Federal and State law.
10. Various terminology (e.g., incident command system, medical, fire) to communicate effectively.
11. Personnel procedures (e.g., employee evaluations, progressive discipline, effective supervision) to promote an effective workforce.
12. The Department’s Code of Conduct to ensure appropriate behavior.
13. Mobile communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios, Mobile Data Computers) to effectively communicate with others.
14. Writing elements (e.g., spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure) to ensure written materials are complete, concise, and error free.
15. Department policies and procedures to ensure effective Unit operations.
16. The Department's Strategic Plan to carry out the day-to-day activities of the Department.
17. Department Substance Abuse policy to ensure workforce health and safety.
18. Resources for supervision (e.g., progressive discipline, Equal Employment Office guidelines) located on the Department’s Intranet for guidance and tools for managing employees.
19. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and procedures to ensure employees are protected from discrimination in the workplace.
20. The Department’s organizational structure to work effectively within the organization.
21. Modern fire prevention methods used to deliver wildland and structural fire protection.
22. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g., maintenance, application, care) to ensure safety of personnel and to comply with Federal and State regulations.
23. Promoting equal opportunity (e.g., selection, development, promotion) of employees to maintain a discrimination and harassment free environment.
24. California Vehicle Code and Department policies as it pertains to the operation of emergency vehicles for safe and effective job performance.
25. Adverse personnel actions on employees as part of the Progressive Discipline process to manage employees.
26. Various Bargaining Unit (BU) Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to ensure Department compliance.
27. The Department’s mobile equipment accident reporting policy (e.g., reporting, forms) to ensure appropriate documentation.

28. Fire suppression tools and equipment to effectively manage Unit operations.
29. Interagency agreements between CAL FIRE, Federal, and State agencies (e.g., California Conservation Corps [CCC], California Highway Patrol [CHP], State parks, California National Guard, United States Forest Service) to ensure effective operations.
30. Fire history to assist in the prevention and/or suppression of wildland fires.
31. Managerial responsibilities under the Ralph C. Dills Act to ensure effective Unit personnel management.
32. Measures to reduce adverse effects caused by emergencies (e.g., environmental, political, economic).
33. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) to support employee’s health.
34. Department budgeting processes to oversee program budgets for fiscal responsibility.
35. Department forms, purpose, and application (e.g., incident, personnel, safety) for effective job performance.
36. Department and other computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, California Automated Travel Expense Reimbursement System [CALATERS], ePay, eFC33) for personnel reporting to ensure compliance with Department policy.
37. Basic Life Support (BLS) programs to ensure proper training of personnel.
38. The Department’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Program (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.
39. Necessary qualifications (e.g., training courses, certifications, licenses) to enhance skills in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
40. Emergency Command Center (ECC) operations for efficient command and control of emergency resources.
41. Department intranet to access Department specific information, policies, and forms.
42. Navigational aids (e.g., Global Positioning Systems [GPS], maps, compass) for assistance in navigation.
43. Laws and Department policies regarding mandatory training for employees to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
44. Applicable codes, laws, rules, and regulations (e.g., Public Resource Code [PRC], Health and Safety Code [HSC], California Fire Code [CFC]) to ensure appropriate application.
45. Time reporting procedures to maintain personnel records.
46. Tools (e.g., hand, power, specialized) for safe and effective use.
47. Facility operations (e.g., service center, communication vaults, fire stations) to ensure proper maintenance and operational readiness.
48. The care, maintenance, application, and replacement of mobile equipment to ensure viable emergency response capability.
49. Local support services to ensure the welfare of the public.
50. Instructional techniques, methods, and management to provide effective training and leadership.
51. Mathematic calculations (e.g., algebra, arithmetic, basic accounting) for effective job performance.
52. State-wide radio call plan to effectively communicate with Emergency Command Centers (ECC) and other emergency responders.
53. Federal and State environmental regulations (e.g., California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA], National Environmental Protection Act [NEPA]) to ensure an effective and compliant work environment.
54. Department acquisition procedures to acquire materials and equipment.

Skill to: 

1. Communicate effectively orally and in writing to receive and convey information.
2. Tactfully and diplomatically handle situations for successful job performance.
3. Speak to others to effectively convey information (e.g., incident, safety, education).
4. Use critical thinking by using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
5. Multi-task to manage emergency and non-emergency situations.
6. Read and comprehend information (e.g., fire, medical, policies and procedures) to effectively interpret information.
7. Conduct oral presentations to ensure effective communication.
8. Operate computers to ensure operational and administrative effectiveness.
9. Safely operate Department vehicles through adverse conditions (e.g., heavy traffic, long drives, poor visibility) to effectively carry out day to day operations.
10. Use communication equipment (e.g., radio, telephone, Mobile Data Computer) for effective communication in emergency and non-emergency situations.
11. Use proper body mechanics under the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (e.g., lifting, bending, twisting) to prevent personal injury.
12. Don and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., Nomex, turnouts, vests, infectious control) to provide for personnel safety according to Department policies and procedures.
13. Perform arduous physical activity in all conditions and terrain for effective job performance.
14. Use navigation tools (e.g., Global Positioning Systems [GPS], maps, compass) for assistance in navigation and mapmaking.
15. Use various tools (e.g., hand, power, specialized equipment) in a safe and effective manner for successful incident mitigation.

1. Read, write, and speak English to successfully complete tasks.
2. Listen effectively to successfully complete tasks and communicate.
3. Assess situations and make immediate decisions under emergency situations.
4. Lead, manage, and direct others to ensure effective operation to meet the needs of the Department.
5. Follow chain of command to ensure effective operation.
6. Demonstrate leadership under stressful conditions in emergency and nonemergency situations to ensure safe and effective operations.
7. Adapt to a changing work environment to ensure effective operations under all conditions.
8. Effectively communicate (e.g., oral, written) in stressful situations and adverse conditions.
9. Present in a variety of situations to ensure effective communication.
10. Reprioritize urgent assignments with short notice when new assignments are given.
11. Perform at a command level during emergencies for successful incident mitigation.
12. Work with others (e.g., coworkers, fire protection agencies, the public) to instill a constructive work environment.
13. Provide customer service to the public to ensure services are delivered and complaints are resolved in a timely manner.
14. Coordinate programs, projects, and emergency operations for successful incident mitigation.
15. Work in a team environment to ensure effective operation.
16. Work individually to ensure effective operation.
17. Identify problems and develop solutions to ensure appropriate action is taken.
18. Coordinate the work of others to meet goals and objectives in a timely manner.
19. Establish priorities to ensure completion of assignments.
20. Apply principles and methods of effective supervision to provide guidance and direction.
21. Supervise operations (e.g., program, project, emergency) for successful job performance.
22. Analyze details from several sources to develop an appropriate conclusion.
23. Conduct strategic analyses to choose an appropriate action.
24. Interpret various materials (e.g., reference manuals, road maps, reports) to ensure accuracy.
25. Effectively promote Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) which is free of discrimination and harassment to ensure a tolerant work environment.
26. Manage cooperative fire protection agreements for successful delivery of services.
27. Operate electronic equipment (e.g., computer, smartphone, audio/visual systems) to ensure efficiency.
28. Apply codes, regulations, and Department policies and procedures to ensure proper understanding and execution.
29. Develop and maintain plans for mutual-aid cooperative fire protection systems to

meet the Department’s mission.

30. Plan for cooperative fire protection agreements for successful delivery of services.
31. Prepare and maintain reports and records to ensure accuracy of unit functions.
32. Develop program plans and standards to further the Department’s mission, vision,

and values.

33. Oversee the implementation of new and/or revised programs to ensure effectiveness.
34. Fulfill managerial responsibilities under the Ralph C. Dills Act to ensure effective unit personnel management.
35. Prepare disciplinary actions (e.g., corrective memorandums, adverse actions, letters of expectation) to properly document employee performance.
36. Participate in and assist with various projects to meet Department goals.
37. Participate in training sessions to increase technical, administrative, and manipulative skills.

A Departmental Promotional eligible list for the UNIT CHIEF Classification will be established for:

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

The list(s) will be abolished 12 months after being established, unless the needs of the State and conditions of the list(s) warrant a change in this period.

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.

• 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.