AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM MANAGER

Department Of Consumer Affairs; Rancho Cordova (CA); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California is seeking an Enforcement Branch Manager / Automotive Program Manager to oversee the Northern California Field Operations and Enforcement Branch. Responsibilities include investigating and enforcing automotive laws, handling consumer inquiries, and guiding disciplinary actions while promoting inclusive service delivery and fair marketplace practices.

The role requires leadership in operations, data analysis, and effective communication, with telework hybrid arrangements and a

Qualifications

• Experience in automotive compliance and field enforcement.
• Knowledge of Automotive Repair Act and Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage Field Operations and Enforcement Regions 1 and 2.
• Investigate consumer complaints and enforce the Automotive Repair Act.
• Supervise the branch operations and provide information to consumers.
• Prepare clear, complete, technically accurate reports.
• Collaborate with underserved communities and diverse stakeholders.

Skills

Automotive knowledge

Inspect equipment

Analytical decision-making

Verbal & written comms

Independent work

Job description

Enforcement Branch Manager
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

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. I n 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.

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.

• AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM MANAGER

# of Positions:
Multiple

Work Location:
United States

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Facility:
Bureau of Automotive Repair

Work Shift:
8:00AM - 5:00PM

Work Week:
Monday - Friday

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:

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.

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.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS .

Contact Information

Hiring Unit Contact:
Lyndsay Chambers
[phone]
[e-mail]

EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement of Qualifications Instructions

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted for the hiring manager’s review and is considered the first interview for this position. An SOQ summarizes your education, training, experience, and skills that qualify you for this position.

The SOQ should specifically address:

• Your knowledge, education and experience that specifically qualifies you to perform the duties of the position.

Your SOQ must be at least one full page but less than two pages in length, and formatted using 12-point Arial font, single spacing, and one-inch margins. Additionally, your SOQ must contain your name and reference the position’s Job Control Number in the header.

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.

Please be aware that if you are selected for the position, you will be required to submit official sealed transcripts.

• Multiple positions may become available.
• Electronic applications through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended.
• Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
• 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 [e-mail]. For all other questions regarding your CalHR Cal Careers account, you may contact the Cal Career Unit at [phone].

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.