Examinations Unit Manager

Job Description and Duties

Are you an experienced human resources (HR) professional ready to lead a specialized team and make an impact on the department’s workforce? Under the direction of the Examination Services Program Manager (Supervisor II), the Examination Unit Manager leads the planning, coordination, and oversight of the Examination Unit.

As a subject matter expert in state examinations, the incumbent applies extensive knowledge of examination laws, rules, regulations, and policies to resolve complex and sensitive HR matters and ensure fair, effective, and compliant examination practices.

This position is the first level of supervision for journeyperson-level analysts, providing an opportunity to lead, mentor, and develop a team of HR professionals while overseeing complex examination projects and initiatives.

Please Note: Due to postal service delays, electronic submission of application is recommended.

Please see the Duty Statement link, found in the Additional Documents section, for more information.

Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a Recruitment Questionnaire, located at:

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position in located in the Riverpoint Marketplace area of West Sacramento (10 minutes from downtown), near the IKEA. Our building offers a free parking lot to employees and is within walking distance of numerous restaurants and shops.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework option, in accordance with CAL FIRE’s telework policy, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

This position requires travel up to 10% of the time. This travel may be local or statewide and may result in overnight stays.

Special Requirements

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.

1. Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

2. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined a candidate does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

The minimum qualifications can be found in the Supervisor I classification specifications.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Statement of Qualifications

Candidates are required to complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) (See questions below) in addition to completing a standard State application (Examination/Employment Application STD 678), and resume. Only those candidates who submit all required documents by the postmarked date will be considered for appointment.

This SOQ is requested to elicit information regarding each applicant’s interest and experience in relation to this position. The completed SOQ should not be more than four (4) pages, using Arial, 12-point font size. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in lieu of a SOQ.

1. Describe your experience providing leadership, guidance, mentoring, or lead direction to others, including in situations where you did not have formal supervisory authority.

2. Describe a complex examination or examination-related project you managed from start to finish.

3. Provide an example of when you interpreted and applied civil service laws, rules, regulations, policies, or examination standards to resolve a sensitive or complex examination issue.

4. Describe a time when you identified an opportunity to improve an examination process.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is REQUIRED and must be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. Failure to include the Statement of Qualifications as required shall result in disqualification from the hiring process. Please see the section labeled "Statement of Qualifications" for further information.