Final Filing Date: 8/7/2026.

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.

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):

• FORESTRY EQUIPMENT MANAGER II - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the final filing date August 7, 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.

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.

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

2) If using education to meet the minimum qualifications under Pattern II, you must include a copy of your transcripts showing proof of graduation or a copy of your diploma.

3) 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.

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.

EITHER I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Forestry Equipment Manager I.

OR II

Five years of experience in the construction and repair of gasoline-and diesel-powered mobile equipment, at least two years of which shall have been in the supervision of the work of a small group of journeyperson mechanics or machinists engaged in the construction and repair of gasoline-and diesel-powered mobile equipment. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least two years in a class comparable to Forestry Equipment Manager I.) (Graduation from college with a degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field may be substituted for two years of the nonsupervisory experience.)

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) - 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 September/October 2026.

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. Preventive maintenance programs to provide technical expertise in the areas of inspection, repair, and maintenance of equipment (e.g., fire apparatus, support vehicles, construction) to ensure the safety and reliability of equipment.
2. Operational and tactical applications of fire apparatus and specialized equipment to adequately design and equip Department firefighting fleet.
3. Applicable laws and regulations (e.g., California Vehicle Code, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Federal Department of Transportation Standards) pertaining to fleet operations to ensure a safe and effective fleet.
4. Methods and tools used in the maintenance, adjustment, repair, design, and construction of mobile equipment (e.g., fire apparatus, support vehicles, construction) to ensure the safety and reliability of equipment.
5. Preventive maintenance programs in the areas of inspection, repair, and maintenance of other related equipment (e.g., stationary power generators, chainsaws, portable water pumps) to ensure the safety and reliability of equipment.
6. Materials used in the maintenance, adjustment, repair, design, and construction of equipment (e.g., fire apparatus, support vehicles, construction) to ensure the safety and reliability of equipment.
7. Budget forecasting, planning, production methods, and reallocations to meet operational requirements within the Department.
8. Supervision principles to effectively manage fleet personnel.
9. Applicable laws, regulations and internal policies (e.g., Injury and Illness Prevention Program, California Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Violence in the Workplace, Workers’ Compensation Program) to maintain a safe working environment.
10. Department policies, procedures, and exhibits to effectively manage a program while maintaining operational readiness.
11. Budget and purchasing policies and procedures to effectively track expenditures for operational needs.
12. Industry standards and practices (e.g., National Fire Protection Association, North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, manufacturer recommendations) to ensure a safe and compliant fleet.
13. Management practices (e.g., training techniques, supervision principles, organizational techniques) to effectively lead fleet personnel.
14. Supervisory roles and responsibilities to promote equal opportunity in hiring, development, and promotion of employees to maintain a work environment free of discrimination and harassment as defined under the Ralph C. Dills Act.
15. The Department substance abuse policy to ensure that employees are free of drug and alcohol related problems which could impede job performance.
16. State contracting procedures in order to accurately procure necessary goods and services for fleet operations.
17. 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.
18. The current mission, values, and goals of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to ensure consistency in department operations.
19. State and Federal laws and Department policies (e.g., Equal Employment Opportunity, Americans with Disabilities Act, Family Medical Leave Act) to provide resources to employees and ensure compliance.
20. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and procedures to ensure employees are protected from discrimination in the workplace.
21. The Basic Inspection of Terminals Program for vehicle compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier rules and California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 13.
22. Vehicle materials and components to ensure the completion of vehicle repairs in compliance with industry standards.
23. Control agencies (e.g., Department of Finance, Department of General Services, Office of Fleet and Asset Management) and requirements for program compliance.
24. Computer software programs (e.g., Microsoft Office, fleet maintenance database) to electronically compile and analyze data, produce reports (e.g., statistical, budgetary, projection), repair equipment, and manage operations.
25. Cooperative fire protection programs relating to Mobile Equipment Management matters with Federal, State, and local agencies to ensure compliance with interagency agreements (e.g., Cooperative Fire Management Agreement, California Fire Assistance Agreement, master mutual aid).
26. Mobile equipment utilized by hand crews (e.g., offenders, California Conservation Corps [CCC], California Military Department) to safely, effectively, and economically accomplish the Department’s mission.
27. Team building and leadership principles to create a productive work environment.
28. Methods and tools used in the maintenance and repair of other related equipment (e.g., stationary power generators, chainsaws, portable water pumps) to ensure the safety and reliability of equipment.
29. The signs and symptoms of substance abuse to recognize abuse and take appropriate corrective action that ensures a safe and drug-free work environment.
30. Available employee resources (e.g., Employee Assistance Program, Workers’ Compensation, Labor Relations, Employee Support Services) to provide support to employee’s having personal or work-related problems.
31. Development and implementation of a strategic mobile equipment replacement plan to maintain a safe and operational fleet.
32. Resources for supervision (e.g., progressive discipline, Equal Employment Office guidelines) located on the Department’s Intranet for guidance and tools for managing employees.
33. Regulating entities (e.g., California Air Resources Board, California Department of Toxic Substances and Control, United States Environmental Protection Agency) and applicable laws regarding emissions, collection, storage, and waste disposal procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
34. 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.
35. Supervision guidelines, corrective actions, and personnel evaluations to ensure program accountability.
36. The maintenance, application, and replacement of Personal Protective Equipment to maintain a safe working environment.
37. Progressive discipline guidelines to ensure program and personnel accountability.
38. Employee Support Services programs for employees having personal or work-related problems (e.g., substance abuse, family issues, emotional, stress-related, financial, legal) to inform employees of services available to assist them.
39. Basic grammar (e.g., sentence structure, phrases, spelling) at a level to ensure complete reporting.
40. Basic firefighting techniques, especially concerning the use of mobile equipment to maintain a safe and reliable fleet.
41. Commercial Driver’s License Program (e.g., mandatory random substance abuse testing program, driver license medical certification requirements, drivers’ logs) to comply with State and Federal laws and regulations.
42. Department organizational structure and hierarchy to effectively communicate within the Department.
43. Supervisory roles and responsibilities under the Ralph C. Dills Act to ensure employee rights to union participation and representation are protected.
44. Adverse personnel actions on employees as part of the Progressive Discipline process to manage employees.
45. Approval procedures and policies for purchases in excess of spending authority to ensure compliance with control agency regulations and Department policies and procedures.
46. Collective Bargaining Unit Memorandums of Understanding to maintain an effective workforce and ensure compliance with Department policies and procedures.
47. Collective Bargaining Unit Memorandums of Understanding to maintain an effective workforce and ensure compliance with Department policies and procedures.
48. Training techniques to provide effective instruction to fleet management personnel to ensure a safe work environment.
49. Department command and control policies and procedures for routine business and emergency operations.
50. Industry recognized labor rates and time estimates for vehicle repairs to determine repair methods and costs.
51. Basic business office methods, protocol, and procedures (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, phone) for effective management.
52. Department attendance and leave standards to accurately maintain employee records and ensure compliance with Department policies and procedures.
53. Requisitions (e.g., bid requests, acquisitions, purchase documentation) for automotive repair parts and other supplies of daily and emergency fleet operations.
54. The care, maintenance, and replacement of facility and related infrastructure equipment to provide a safe work environment.
55. Available training resources and methods (e.g., software programs, classes, manuals) to provide effective instruction for employees.
56. Salvage values of damaged, obsolete, or worn-out equipment (e.g., age, mileage, accident) to determine repair versus replacement values.
57. Vehicle transportation requirements and routing restrictions highway closures, and permit application processes to ensure compliance with Federal and State Vehicle Code.
58. Basic mathematics (e.g., geometry, algebra, statistics) for the repair and construction of equipment.
59. Emergency Command Center operations and resource ordering to a level which supports the requirements of the Department.
60. Department attendance and leave standards to accurately maintain employee records and ensure compliance with Department policies and procedures.
61. Parliamentary procedures to effectively chair Mobile Equipment meetings (e.g., Mobile Equipment Leadership Team [MELT], Mobile Equipment Planning and Advisory Working Group [MEPAWG], monthly conference calls).
62. Fire service and radio communication systems to effectively communicate during routine operations.

Skill to:

1. Manage time and prioritize daily activities during emergency and routine operations to ensure safe and effective program.
2. Demonstrate effective communication in written or verbal form to others (e.g., subordinates, supervisors, vendors, contractors, public) in order to disseminate necessary information.
3. Manage and effectively motivate a diverse workforce with different skill levels and personalities to ensure a productive team.
4. Make sound decisions under stressful situations with staff, vendors, contractors, or the public in order to effectively manage daily operations.
5. Drive and operate different department vehicles or equipment in a variety of weather conditions and topography to ensure safe operation and verify complaints.
6. Communicate clear direction to subordinates regarding repair procedures by way of written, verbal, or physical demonstration of proper procedures, to ensure employee expectations are understood.
7. Use appropriate personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety.
8. Use a computer or mobile devices to search the internet and/or database(s) to obtain necessary information needed for effective job performance.
9. Utilize communication equipment to safely and effectively communicate with others.
10. Remotely diagnose and communicate mechanical deficiencies through verbal communication using wireless and hard-wired devices to expedite repairs.
11. Demonstrate leadership (e.g., mentoring, leading by example, team building, training) to individuals to promote upward mobility and position enhancement.
12. Effectively utilize computer software and/or office equipment to develop documentation to effectively manage the fleet.
13. Publicly address groups and facilitate meetings to all levels (e.g., staff, management, public) to effectively disseminate necessary information.
14. Interpret complex automotive instructions and diagrams to accurately diagnose issues with department mobile equipment.
15. Operate hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment to diagnose, remove, and rebuild equipment and components of department fleet in order to perform the job effectively and safely at the journeyman level.

Ability to:

1. Work long and arduous hours in emergency and non-emergency environments to effectively meet the mission, vision, and values of the Department.
2. Travel long distances in emergency and non-emergency circumstances to effectively meet the mission, vision, and values of the Department.
3. Work cooperatively with supervisors, peers, cooperators, and the general public to maintain professional and positive relationships with others.
4. Manage multiple assignments of varying complexities with similar deadlines.
5. Follow oral and written instructions to ensure successful completion of assignments.
6. Communicate effectively with employees and management to exchange information and accomplish daily activities.
7. Maintain a valid driver’s license to enable the legal operation of Department-owned mobile equipment on California roadways.
8. Work independently, make decisions, and take appropriate action with little or no direction in emergency and non-emergency situations to effectively meet the mission, vision, and values of the Department.
9. Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct with fellow employees and all members of the public to effectively meet the mission, vision, and values of the Department.
10. Supervise the work of others in order to plan, organize, direct, control, and evaluate employees’ performance to ensure safe and cost-effective completion of assignments.
11. Perform in a team environment contributing to a collaborative effort for problem solving and decision making.
12. Interpret and explain CAL FIRE policies, procedures, and exhibits accurately for a productive work environment.
13. Effectively design and/or construct equipment to ensure safety, reliability, operational efficiency, and compliance with industry standards and contracts.
14. Use resources as needed to obtain pertinent information.
15. Read, write, comprehend, and communicate in English to exchange information and accomplish daily activities.
16. Apply preventative maintenance procedures to mobile equipment (e.g., fire apparatus, support vehicles, construction) to prevent possible equipment failure or accidents.
17. Identify and resolve conflicts to provide a productive and safe work environment.
18. Effectively develop, evaluate, and communicate performance standards and expectations to ensure staff accomplish the responsibilities of the Department.
19. Identify job-related problems that may impact work performance and present solutions in order to minimize interruptions to mobile equipment.
20. Pass the medical clearance process (e.g., Respiratory Protection Program, fit testing) in order to comply with Department position requirements.
21. Inspect, test, and/or adjust equipment to determine needed repairs or if equipment is operating properly.
22. Display professional personal traits (e.g., neat appearance, hygiene, Department grooming standards) to comply with Department policy.
23. Direct the work of others in the inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of mobile equipment to ensure safety and reliability.
24. Present oral, written, and visual presentations to ensure effective communications to accomplish daily activities.
25. Track expenditures of budget and purchases to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.
26. Effectively work in remote locations and/or adverse conditions in emergency and non-emergency situations to meet the needs of the Department.
27. Delegate assignments as needed to complete tasks efficiently.
28. Mentor staff for workforce succession planning.
29. Maintain records and prepare reports (e.g., fleet assignments, vehicle inventories, Hazardous Materials [hazmat], Mobile Equipment database) to meet operational requirements.
30. Safely drive a variety of different makes and models of Department vehicles and equipment in a variety of weather conditions and terrains to fulfill position requirements.
31. Determine the condition of vehicles involved in vehicle accidents to protect Department resources and prevent future reoccurrences.
32. Determine contributing factors of vehicle accidents (e.g., mechanical failure, operator negligence, climate) using analytical and critical thinking skills to validate the cause of accident to prevent future reoccurrence.
33. Prepare plans and specifications for new special firefighting equipment to keep a modern and effective fleet.
34. Implement the applicable Department safety practices, policies, and procedures for workplace safety and protection.
35. Repair mobile equipment (e.g., fire apparatus, support vehicles, construction) to ensure safe operation.
36. Establish and set goals, objectives, and priorities needed to maximize program efficiency and completion of assignments.
37. Prepare accurate and concise reports and correspondence for effective job performance.
38. Perform physical activities (e.g., lifting, climbing, bending) required by the demands of the position to safely meet the needs of the Department.
39. Estimate the cost of repairs and/or design of mobile equipment (e.g., fire apparatus, support vehicles, construction) to provide quotes for competitive bidding within budget constraints to maintain fiscal responsibility.
40. Maintain adequate inventory of mobile equipment parts for availability in case of needed repairs or maintenance to expedite timely and efficient repairs.
41. Conduct meetings with vendors relating to contract disputes (e.g., delays, interruptions, settle procedural matters) to ensure Department fiscal responsibilities and contract fulfillment.
42. Develop and communicate requirements and specifications for contracts and grants to effectively evaluate performance.
43. Assess contract operations to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
44. Requisition (e.g., bid requests, acquisition, purchase documentation) automotive repair parts and other supplies for the safety and efficiency of fleet operations.
45. Use basic computer software programs (e.g., word processing, email programs, spreadsheet software) to produce reports and correspondence and accomplish daily activities.
46. Develop and implement operational training sessions to inform employees to fulfill the Department’s mission.
47. Develop a survey plan for the replacement of Department equipment to ensure a safe and modern fleet.
48. Perform various office tasks (e.g., scan, file, fax, photocopy, email) necessary for the administration of the program.
49. Perform mathematical calculations (e.g., algebra, geometry, arithmetic) for the repair and construction of equipment.
50. Travel out of state on short notice for contract inspections or emergency response to fulfill position requirements.
51. Make technical plans, drawings, and models using design techniques and principles for the construction of mobile equipment.
52. Promote equal opportunity in hiring, development, union participation, and representation to maintain a work environment free of discrimination and harassment as defined under the Ralph C. Dills Act.
53. Read and interpret maps and road signs to minimize delays and increase productivity when traveling or directing travel to emergency and non-emergency situations.
54. Develop oral and written presentations at a sufficient level to ensure effective delivery and understanding.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the FORESTRY EQUIPMENT MANAGER II 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 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.

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
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.