How to Get a Job with DTSC

Generally, all positions with the State of California require you to initially apply for and take the exam for the classification in which you are interested.  Since exams are not always offered on a continuous basis, it is your responsibility to identify when exams are open by visiting The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Examination and Job page at www.jobs.ca.gov.

After you have successfully applied for and passed an exam, you are placed on the classification’s certified Eligibility List.  Then, once on this list, you are eligible to apply for job vacancies in the classification you obtained eligibility in.

Your CalCareer Account lets you manage all your examination/job applications and view your exam results in one place.Go to CalHR job’s website to create your account if you do not have one yet.Once your CalCareer account is created you will be able to: 

• Update your contact information.
• Receive alerts for job postings you have list eligibility in.
• View exam results.
• Change your employment preferences.
• Receive and respond to employment inquiries from prospective employers.
• Create, store, and submit your job application.

Some examinations require you to submit a hard-copy of your application directly to our department. Carefully read the examination bulletin to find out where and how to apply for these exams. The examination bulletin contains other pertinent information such as final filing date, knowledge and abilities required for successful performance in the classification, and minimum qualifications required to qualify for the exam. 

Examinations may consist of several tests or a single test.The examination bulletin will describe the testing method to be used for the classification.Examinations may be educational and experience, supplemental application, skills test, physical ability test, written exam, or oral exam.All oral exams generally consists of a panel of three people who will ask specific questions regarding the knowledge and abilities required for the classification.An oral exam is not a hiring interview.

If you are successful in the testing process, your name will be placed on the classification’s Eligibility List and divided into ranks by score.Your eligibility on this list generally expires after twelve months. You will need to retake it to reestablish eligibility if necessary.

In-House Departmental Exams

After you submit your application to take an exam, your application will be thoroughly reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification.It is critical that you provide all information that has been requested.

If you have been determined to meet the exam requirements, you will receive notification by mail regarding your eligibility and date as well as the time of the examination.

If you have not provided sufficient information or do not meet minimum qualifications, you will receive a disqualifying notice. You will be granted time in which to reply with additional information, should it be necessary for re-review of your qualifications.

Online Exams

There are a variety of online exams available.Generally, these online exams are in the form of a questionnaire that assess your educational, professional, and volunteer work experience to ensure you meet the requirements for the particular classification. These types of exams require you to log in to your CalCareer account.

Now that you have eligibility on a classification’s list, you are able to apply for job vacancies for the classification.Through your CalCareer account you can set up email alerts notifying you of new job postings for specific classifications.  Depending on your score rank, you will receive employment inquiry letters notifying you of openings in the classification.

The hiring interview is for a specific position and designed to identify the best job-to-person match for the vacancy. Usually, the hiring supervisor and several other managers will conduct this interview, ask several job-related questions specific to the position, and select the individual who is the best match.

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) 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 DTSC 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.

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