Seeking info regarding Caltrans Party Chief Exam

sako · Post by **sako** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 4:25 pm

I'm preparing to take the written test that is required by Caltrans.
I appreciate if anybody who took the exam in recent years gives me some advice on preparation for the test.

RasterMaster · Post by **RasterMaster** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 12:25 pm

If it is the same exam I took, 2008, it is not to tough. Need to identify items using PLSS. Need to know the polar/rectangular functions of a calculator to determine bearings and distances or to determine coordinates. Know how to read a CT plan. Safety. and some field proceedures. Know how to convert sq. meters/hectars to sq ft./acres. Know how to topo a bridge CT style.

Thats about it, I think it was 25-30 questions and I had to use their calculator. Got an 89%.

De Master of Raster

pls7809 · Post by **pls7809** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 1:56 pm

You should definitely become familiar with the Caltrans Surveys manual.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/row/landsurvey ... l_TOC.html

I've never taken the test, but I wouldn't doubt that the manual is relevant study material.

sako · Post by **sako** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:01 pm

RasterMaster wrote:If it is the same exam I took, 2008, it is not to tough. Need to identify items using PLSS. Need to know the polar/rectangular functions of a calculator to determine bearings and distances or to determine coordinates. Know how to read a CT plan. Safety. and some field proceedures. Know how to convert sq. meters/hectars to sq ft./acres. Know how to topo a bridge CT style.

Thats about it, I think it was 25-30 questions and I had to use their calculator. Got an 89%.

De Master of Raster

Thanks for the reply. Do you remember what kind of calculator it was? Also the format of the exam (multiple, essay)?

sako · Post by **sako** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:15 pm

pls7809 wrote:You should definitely become familiar with the Caltrans Surveys manual.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/row/landsurvey ... l_TOC.html

I've never taken the test, but I wouldn't doubt that the manual is relevant study material.

Thanks, Ryan. I will study the manual.

RasterMaster · Post by **RasterMaster** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 7:46 am

Read the fine print of the anouncement, it will say what type. it's like what is used on the L.S.I.T., NO 48's.

I wouldnt get to crazy with the caltrans manual, however it is good stuff, the test does not get that deep.

Can you work in a grid/ground environment?
Can you work in a metric environment?
Can you read a CT plan?
Can you work safely?
Can you create a set of coordinates from B&D?
Can you create B&D from coordinates?
Can describe a location using PLSS?
The field conditions are different from what was discussed and on the work request. What do you do?
How do you topo a bridge? "Use sperate DTM'S" 1 for bridge, 1 for roadway and one for whats under the bridge.

The test I took was multiple guess.

Thats about it!

Good Luck!

CalifCarl · Post by **CalifCarl** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 8:46 am

Sako, I have looked at the Transportation Surveyor Party Chief bulletin dated 11/1/07. And it makes no mention of the calculator issue. I don't know if that is an oversite or by design.

The Transportation Surveyor bulletin is specific. and it reads -TI 25x or HP 33s will be provided for candidate use. And goes on to say - If you wish to bring your own calculator, the following models may be used: HP 9s; Casio 115 MS & 115 MS Plus: TI 30X IIS, TI 30X IIB and TI 36X. No other calculating devices will be allowed into examination room.

I used my own HP 33s.

Raster Master, I looked at the current TS Party Chief list and a score of 89% would put you into the 7th rank. Under the state system you need to be within the top three ranks to be considered for hiring. Note if any of the top three ranks clears out, by people being hired or lack of interest in certain geographical areas, the lower rank say rank 4 would move up to rank 3. So even if you are in a lower rank it still might be do able. But with the current budget and hiring restraints the odds of moving up the ranks with a continuous filing exam will be near impossible. So with saying that, don't take this test lightly, because near perfection will be needed if you seriously want to be considered.

Of course now is a bad time to work your way into the State System and even if you did make it in. I think layoffs are coming and you would be likely the first to go. Currently Caltrans is being spared from the potential layoffs, but if things continue like they are that will change to.

Note: When other departments start to layoff people Caltrans has been tagged as a option for some people to move over to. Which will make it almost impossible for a non state employee to get in.

If you have further questions PM me.

RasterMaster · Post by **RasterMaster** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 9:18 am

Carl, I beg to differ!

I was given an offer and they are still hiring! So I am not sure what you are saying about the 89%. I too used my TI-30Xa.

I do agree with you that with a stroke of a pen, people will be laid-off, no matter what dept you are in.

CalifCarl · Post by **CalifCarl** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 9:47 am

How recent RM? And you are correct, they are still hiring. But with new stipulation. To hire a person from outside state service requires further jusification than it did two months ago and is only going to get worse.

Open Surveying positions within Caltrans have become far and few in the last six months to a year.

I'm not going to beg, but if you had an 89% on todays list you would be in the 7th rank. Basically non reachable unless as I stated the list cleared enough from the upper ranks to let you in. The test is being given continuously and the list is updated with the new results. You could be technically reachable one week and not the next. If you were offered a position and had not become reachable, you were getting special treatment. That does happen from time to time. But for the rest of us in state service there are rules to follow. If you can see the list there are only two people in the top two ranks and if those two people are not interested in the position you were offered then you would move up two ranks. Like from 7 to 5, still not reachable. But this could hold true for the rest of the list as well.

Here is the current list.
http://www.spb.ca.gov/FormEligibleListD ... gType=1033

RasterMaster · Post by **RasterMaster** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 9:52 am

I guess I must be special! Good info Carl.

sako · Post by **sako** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 9:36 pm

[quote="CalifCarl"]Sako, I have looked at the Transportation Surveyor Party Chief bulletin dated 11/1/07. And it makes no mention of the calculator issue. I don't know if that is an oversite or by design.

The Transportation Surveyor bulletin is specific. and it reads...
QUOTE]

Carl,
As you mentioned the current bulletin doesn't say anything about the calculators. Could you please tell me the source of the info you have.
Thanks

sako · Post by **sako** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 12:09 pm

OK guys, I had to mention at the beginning of the thread that I'm applying for the Party Chief position, not for the Transportation Surveyor, sorry for that.
I just got off the phone with Sabrina from Caltrans. She told me that there is no calculator needed or allowed on the party chief exam. It has only 10 questions and duration is 1 hour, multiple choices.
Now, if anybody who has taken this exam and could tell me about the subjects asked, would be really appreciated.

Dave Karoly, PLS · Post by **Dave Karoly, PLS** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 5:36 pm

ditto what Matthew said. I took the TSPC exam about 6 years ago and what I remember of it didn't have much to do with Surveying.

It's more along the lines of Supervision and taking care of equipment stuff. Think "this is a government agency" so things like Sexual Harrassment may be on there.

They handed me a 4 function calculator which concerned me until I took the exam which required no calculations of any kind.

However, I have no idea, it could be a completely different test today.

Once you get on the list then there will be interviews for specific jobs which will go into more depth.