The Requirements for being an Air Operations Officer III

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements for this examination prior to filing an application.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of the following certificates:

A valid FAA Commercial Airman Certificate with single and multi-engine land airplane and instrument ratings.
Or
A valid Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with single and multi-engine land airplane ratings and instrument ratings. 
Or
A valid FAA Commercial Airman Certificate with rotorcraft rating.
 Or
A valid ATP Certificate with Rotorcraft-helicopter rating
In addition
1,500 hours in command of aircraft in either fixed or rotary wing aircraft. 
And either
1 year of experience in the California State service performing the duties of an Air Operations Officer II or Air Operation Officer II - Maintenance.  Applicants who have completed 6 months of service performing the duties of an Air Operations Officer II will be admitted to the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete 1 year of this experience before they can be eligible for appointment. 
Or
2 years of experience in the California State service performing watershed and fire protection duties comparable in level to that of State Forest Ranger I.
Or
500 additional hours in command of either fixed or rotary wing aircraft performing low-level missions in fire control, fish planting in mountain lakes, drop, spray, or seeding operations over mountain or forested areas or comparable military operations; and one year of experience in developing and directing training programs for pilot proficiency in use of aircraft in specialized air operation; or managerial experience in military, government or commercial air services.

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements for this examination prior to filing an application.

 Submit Resume To:

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
5500 Price Ave
McClellan, CA 95652
(916) 561-3333