FAQs

What do the job types mean?

The state uses three hiring vehicles:

  • Civil service

  • Career Executive Assignment (CEA), which is a subset of civil service

  • Exempt

Each type has different hiring processes:

ProcessesCivil serviceCEAExempt

Competitive interview

Required

Required

Recommended

Minimum qualifications

Defined by job classification

Defined by hiring manager

Defined by hiring manager

Civil service exam

Required based on job classification

Required and designed by hiring manager

No

Salary

Based on job classification

Based on CEA ranges A, B, or C

Determined by role

At will employment

No

Yes

Yes

Governor appointed

No

No

Yes*

*All exempts must be approved and officially appointed by the Governor's Office.

Learn more at these links:

How do I apply for jobs with the state?

ODI put together a handy guide for how to apply to civil service jobs. Couple of highlights:

  • While Civil Service exams are required, you do not have to take the exam before you apply.

  • If the Civil Service job is a CEA (Career Executive Assignment), your exam is a bit different. The statement of qualifications you submit with your application serves as the exam. So take your time with it!

NxtGov put together a bunch of resources on applying for state jobs. The entire google drive folder is available. The Statement of Qualifications Tip Sheet is especially helpful. SOQs are required for all civil service applicants and used for screening applicants.

How can I be notified of job openings?

Complete the CalData Job Interest Form to be notified when positions open.

Can I work remotely?

Yes. As long as you live in California. In the future, we may have more hybrid options are the ability to come into regional offices. You also have the option of working at our Sacramento Office, which is conveniently located at the Sacramento Amtrak Station.

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