Section 19602.8 - Appointing authority of Department of Forestry and Fire Protection(a) Notwithstanding Section 18900, 18901, 18930, 18930.5, 18931, 18933, 18938.5, 18950, 19050, 19054.1, 19057.2, 19604, 19605, or any other law, but consistent with the merit principles of subdivision (b) of Section 1 of Article VII of the California Constitution, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection appointing authority may conduct examinations and make appointments as specified in subdivision (b). The purpose of this section is to provide the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with greater flexibility to match candidates to Forester Series and Forestry Assistant classification vacancies, resulting in an expedited selection process, cost avoidances to the department, and a more expedited timeframe to carry out the people's business.(b) The appointing authority of Department of Forestry and Fire Protection may conduct a demonstration project consistent with the authority in Section 19603 for competitive examinations on a position specific basis for the Forester Series and Forestry Assistant classifications and make appointments to positions based on a merit process open to all persons meeting specific minimum qualifications as agreed to by the board.Added by Stats 2014 ch 36 (SB 862),s 4, eff. 6/20/2014.