Get Pookie Off of Your Couch: Non-Testing California Civil Service Job Classifications

"This ain't no flophouse. If I'm going to work, you better be going to work or going to school. "

~ Herbert A. Robinson, Sr. (My late dad, who would have turned 100 years old on July 19, 2025)

My father had a very simple rule for adults living in his house: You had to have a job or be enrolled in school with the goal of getting a job. Nothing in-between.

No finding yourself, no waiting for the perfect job. Work or school. Nothing in-between.

Many of us have had that young adult in our life who, either after graduating high school or college, didn't have a job, didn't have much motivation to find a job, or didn't have much direction. He or she is beloved, maybe even coddled. Not a bad person, just not highly motivated.

Let's call him or her "Pookie."

Some of you have a "Pookie" on your metaphorical or literal couch right now. Not only are they not working, they're not trying hard to. And why would they? They have a roof over their head, snacks in the fridge, and access to all of your streaming accounts. Nice non-work if you can get it.

In the real world, eventually, every tub needs to sit on its on bottom. Not yours.

Pookie needs a job. Now. Preferably one with benefits.

The California State civil service hiring process is notoriously long. One shortcut for someone who just needs a job, ANY job, is to apply for openings in California State civil service job classifications that do not require civil service exams.

Mind you, they don't pay well. For some, hiring preference goes to candidates who are receiving CalWorks or SNAP benefits. Many of them are seasonal jobs. My favorite is Seasonal Clerk, because there are no minimum qualifications.

But nothing beats a fail like a try. And right now, you need Pookie to try.

Have Pookie set up a CalCareers account on CalCareers.com, fill out an electronic State Application, and find openings in these non-testing job classifications below. Some of these job classifications may be out of date. Pookie still needs to meet the minimum qualifications.

You're welcome. Good luck with getting Pookie off of your couch.

Agricultural Aide (Seasonal)

Agricultural Technician I (Seasonal)

Agricultural Technician II (Seasonal)

Archeological Aid (Seasonal)

Archeological Project Leader (Seasonal)

Assistant Examination Proctor

Backcountry Trails Camp Supervisor, Calif Conservation Corps

Environmental Services Intern

Exhibit Superintendent II

Exposition Assistant II

Exposition Assistant II

Fire Fighter I

Fire Lookout (Seasonal)

Fish and Wildlife Seasonal Aid

Forestry Aide

Graduate Student Assistant

Guide Trainee Historical Monument

Institution Firefighter (Part Time)

Labor-Building Trades (Casual Employment)

Lead Snow Gauger

Lifeguard I (Seasonal)

Lifeguard II (Seasonal)

Limited Examination & Apt. Program (Identified Class)

Maintenance Aide (Seasonal)

Maintenance Aide (Seasonal) (Angel Island)

Maintenance and Service Occupational Trainee

Mechanical and Technical Occupational Trainee

Microbiologist Intern

Park Aide (Seasonal)

Park Interpretative Specialist (Seasonal)

Pool Lifeguard (Seasonal)

Pre-Licensed Pharmacist

Pre-Licensed Psychiatric Technician

Pre-Registered Dietitian

Scientific Aid

Seasonal Clerk

Self-Help Sponsor (Part-Time)

Senior Maintenance Aide (Seasonal)

Senior Park Aide (Seasonal)

Skilled Trades Apprentice (Casual Employment)

Skilled Trades Journeyperson (Casual Employment)

Skilled Trades Supervisor (Casual Employment)

Snow Gauger

Special Consultant

State Fair Activity Supervisor

State Fair Worker, Casual Employment (Various)

Student Assistant

Student Assistant – Engineering and Architectural Sciences

Student Engineering Aid

Substitute Academic Teacher (Correctional Facility)