AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM MANAGER
Operations · Full-time
United States
USD 9,297-10,564 / month
Job Posting: Enforcement Branch Manager
Department of Consumer Affairs
AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM MANAGER
$9,297.00 - $10,564.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 11/17/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under general direction of the Deputy Chief, Field Operations and Enforcement, the Automotive Program Manager is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the Northern California Field Operations and Enforcement Branch, which investigates and enforces laws and regulations related to the Smog Check Program and the Automotive Repair Act. The Branch investigates consumer complaints, initiates investigations and disciplinary action against registrants and licensees, and provides general and technical information to consumers and the auto repair and Smog Check industry.
* Please refer to the "Application Instructions" and "Additional Information" for instructions on how to apply*.
In all job functions, employees are responsible for creating an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. Employees are expected to provide all members of the public equitable services and treatment, collaborate with underserved communities and tribal governments, and work toward improving outcomes for all Californians.
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. https://forms.office.com/g/ZDz01HNTGG
CalCareers Exams: Once you find the job you want, we need to learn more about you. We will evaluate your education, experience, abilities, and knowledge through an assessment. The assessment process can take many forms, including an interview or exam, depending on the job.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
The incumbent must be able to analyze data and reach sound conclusions; analyze situations and take effective action; work cooperatively with others; prepare clear, complete, and technically accurate reports; and communicate effectively. In addition, the incumbent must have knowledge of the provisions of the Automotive Repair Act and the Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program; industry standards for diagnosis and repair of automobiles; tools, equipment, and methods used in the repair, adjustment, and servicing of automobiles; and law and regulations applicable to motor vehicle emission control.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, they must reside in the State of California once they are hired and start working.
Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee's monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period as outlined on "Section 2113 - Personal Leave Program (PLP)" of the CalHR Manual. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.Additional Documents
Position Details
Department Information
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects and serves California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. DCA educates consumers and protects professionals from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners.
DCA is a unique and dynamic department consisting of 36 different boards, bureaus, a commission, and a program that license and regulate more than 3.4 million licensees in more than 280 license types including certificates, registrations, and permits. DCA has many exciting career opportunities available and is dedicated to hiring and retaining qualified employees.
The Bureau of Automotive Repair's mission is to protect and serve California consumers by ensuring a fair and competitive automotive repair marketplace and administering a model motor vehicle emissions reduction program.
This position is responsible for the overall management and oversight of the Field Operations and Enforcement Division Regions 1 and 2. The position’s reporting location will be determined upon completion of the hire. Potential reporting locations include the following:
- Headquarters (Rancho Cordova, CA)
- Hercules Field Office
- San Jose Field Office
- Fresno Field Office
- Bakersfield Field Office
- Culver City Field Office
- Santa Ana Field Office
- Riverside Field Office
- Valencia Field Office
- South El Monte Field Office
- San Diego Field Office
**Free Parking**
Special Requirements
Drivers License
The position(s) require(s) a valid California driver's license (CDL). Provide a photocopy in PDF format of the front and back of your CDL, clearly showing your name as stated on the license, issuing state, CDL number, class, and expiration.
Medical Evaluation
The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
Applicants shall have a work record clear of revocation or suspension of departmental-issued licenses for Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection, Smog Technician, and or Smog Inspector.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 11/17/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications - Please see "Statement of Qualifications Instructions" below.
Desirable Qualifications
• Knowledge of equipment and methods used in the maintenance and repair of automotive equipment.
• Ability to operate tools used in automotive repair, inspect automotive equipment, purchase parts and materials, keep accurate records of inventory, reconcile and make reports, follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others, work efficiently, report to work on time, maintain consistent, regular attendance, work under changing priorities or deadlines, look and act in a professional manner, and exhibit courteous behavior towards coworkers.
• Ability to analyze information and make decisions in a competent and timely manner.
• Ability to ask effective questions, evaluates information, apply guidelines and procedures, and make accurate and timely decisions.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to maximize utilization of computers to accomplish daily tasks.
• Positive attitude and highly motivated.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Lyndsay Chambers
(279) 260-2401
lyndsay.chambers@dca.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:EEO Officer
(916) 574-8280
EEO@dca.ca.gov
Statement of Qualifications Instructions
http://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/pages/job-descriptions.aspxhttp://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/pages/job-descriptions.aspx
A resume, cover letter, or other documents do not substitute for the SOQ. Applications submitted without the required SOQ will be considered incomplete and will not be considered for this position.
Incompatible Work Activity
This position is subject to the Incompatible Work Activity (IWA) Policy of the Department of Consumer Affairs (LGL 23-01). If hired, the candidate would be subject to the IWA Policy and Employment Attestation, and the candidate’s participation and/or ownership related to an Automotive Repair Dealer and possession of any Bureau of Automotive Repair license must be disclosed and determined not to pose a conflict prior to employment.
Specifically, Bureau of Automotive Repair employees are prohibited from engaging in any employment, activity, or enterprise that is clearly inconsistent, incompatible, in conflict with, or inimical to their duties as a state officer or employee (Government Code section 19990). If an employee is uncertain about whether an activity, employment, or enterprise violates this policy, the employee should immediately consult with their supervisor, who will state in writing whether the activity, employment, or enterprise is prohibited. Failure to follow any of the provisions of this policy is cause for discipline, which may include termination of employment.
Additional Instructions
Employment information on the STD 678 MUST be completed with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, as specified in the classification specification (http://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/pages/job-descriptions.aspx) please include a copy of your degree or unofficial transcripts with your application package. Please be aware that if you are selected for the position, you will be required to submit official sealed transcripts.
DO NOT include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.
Electronic applications through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended.
Applicants who wish to submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State application (STD. 678). https://jobs.ca.gov/pdf/std678.pdf
Applicants who fail to submit the most current version of the STD. 678 may be disqualified.
• Multiple positions may become available.
Electronic Submission:
Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted electronically through Cal Career account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.
U.S Postal Service Mail:
Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.
Hand Delivery:
Application and any applicable required documents may be hand delivered by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. Application packages postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interagency mail after 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date will not be accepted for any reason. Do not submit applications to the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Please Note: The drop off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.
Please note that the Cal Career system will not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application after you have submitted it, please contact JobPostings@dca.ca.gov. For all other questions regarding your CalHR Cal Careers account, you may contact the Cal Career Unit at (866) 844-8671.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California 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 State of California 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.

