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California Park Maintenance Worker Exam PMW
Questions with Correct Answers and explanations
LATEST THIS YEAR -JUST RELEASED
Summarized Exam Coverage – California Park Maintenance Worker (PMW)
The California Park Maintenance Worker exam covers tools and equipment identification (hand tools,
power tools, rigging), small engine operation and repair (mowers, chainsaws, tractors), carpentry and
fencing, plumbing and irrigation systems, painting and plaster repair, vehicle operation (towing, backing,
load securement), concrete and asphalt repair, grounds maintenance (mowing, pruning, turf care),
pesticide safety and California regulations (QAC/QAL basics), mathematics (area, volume, cubic yards,
work problems), worksite safety (PPE, lockout/tagout, hazardous materials), and supervisory scenarios
(work planning, written instructions, crew leadership).
1. You are cutting a 1x4 plank lengthwise to reduce its width from 4 inches to 3 inches. Which saw
should you select for this task?
A) Crosscut saw
B) Hacksaw
C) Ripsaw
D) Coping saw
Answer: C — A ripsaw is designed for cutting along the grain of wood, which is required when reducing
the width of a plank lengthwise.
2. A dump truck has a bed that is 8 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 4 feet high. Approximately how many
cubic yards of dirt can it haul in eight loads if each load is level with the top of the bed?
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A) 57 cubic yards
B) 48 cubic yards
C) 64 cubic yards
D) 52 cubic yards
*Answer: A — One load volume = 8×6×4 = 192 cubic feet; divide by 27 = 7.11 cubic yards per load; times
8 loads = 56.88, rounded to 57 cubic yards.*
3. A tractor is being stored for four months in an unheated shed. To keep it in the best condition during
this period, what should you do?
A) Drain all fluids and remove the battery
B) Cover it with a tarp and disconnect the fuel line
C) Start it up periodically and run until warm
D) Raise it on blocks and remove the wheels
Answer: C — Periodic starting and running warms the engine, circulates oil, and prevents moisture
buildup and corrosion during storage.
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4. If the oil pressure gauge on a gasoline engine suddenly drops to zero, what is the first thing the
operator should do?
A) Add more oil immediately
B) Increase engine speed to build pressure
C) Stop the engine
D) Check for external leaks while running
Answer: C — Sudden zero oil pressure indicates catastrophic failure; stopping the engine prevents seizure
and further damage.
5. A sewer gas trap prevents foul air from passing into a room containing a plumbing fixture by means of
a device called a:
A) Vent stack
B) Trap
C) Cleanout
D) Check valve
Answer: B — A plumbing trap holds water that seals the pipe, preventing sewer gases from backing up
into occupied spaces.
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6. Which material is best to use when repairing fine cracks in a plaster wall?
A) Joint compound
B) Spackle
C) Caulk
D) Plaster of Paris
Answer: B — Spackle is formulated for small crack repairs in plaster and drywall, drying hard and
sanding easily.
7. The best material to use to lubricate a door lock is:
A) WD-40
B) Graphite
C) Lithium grease
D) Motor oil
Answer: B — Graphite is a dry lubricant that does not attract dust and dirt, making it ideal for lock
mechanisms.
California Park Maintenance Worker Exam PMW
Questions with Correct Answers and explanations
LATEST THIS YEAR -JUST RELEASED
Summarized Exam Coverage – California Park Maintenance Worker (PMW)
The California Park Maintenance Worker exam covers tools and equipment identification (hand tools,
power tools, rigging), small engine operation and repair (mowers, chainsaws, tractors), carpentry and
fencing, plumbing and irrigation systems, painting and plaster repair, vehicle operation (towing, backing,
load securement), concrete and asphalt repair, grounds maintenance (mowing, pruning, turf care),
pesticide safety and California regulations (QAC/QAL basics), mathematics (area, volume, cubic yards,
work problems), worksite safety (PPE, lockout/tagout, hazardous materials), and supervisory scenarios
(work planning, written instructions, crew leadership).
1. You are cutting a 1x4 plank lengthwise to reduce its width from 4 inches to 3 inches. Which saw
should you select for this task?
A) Crosscut saw
B) Hacksaw
C) Ripsaw
D) Coping saw
Answer: C — A ripsaw is designed for cutting along the grain of wood, which is required when reducing
the width of a plank lengthwise.
2. A dump truck has a bed that is 8 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 4 feet high. Approximately how many
cubic yards of dirt can it haul in eight loads if each load is level with the top of the bed?
, Page 2 of 132
A) 57 cubic yards
B) 48 cubic yards
C) 64 cubic yards
D) 52 cubic yards
*Answer: A — One load volume = 8×6×4 = 192 cubic feet; divide by 27 = 7.11 cubic yards per load; times
8 loads = 56.88, rounded to 57 cubic yards.*
3. A tractor is being stored for four months in an unheated shed. To keep it in the best condition during
this period, what should you do?
A) Drain all fluids and remove the battery
B) Cover it with a tarp and disconnect the fuel line
C) Start it up periodically and run until warm
D) Raise it on blocks and remove the wheels
Answer: C — Periodic starting and running warms the engine, circulates oil, and prevents moisture
buildup and corrosion during storage.
, Page 3 of 132
4. If the oil pressure gauge on a gasoline engine suddenly drops to zero, what is the first thing the
operator should do?
A) Add more oil immediately
B) Increase engine speed to build pressure
C) Stop the engine
D) Check for external leaks while running
Answer: C — Sudden zero oil pressure indicates catastrophic failure; stopping the engine prevents seizure
and further damage.
5. A sewer gas trap prevents foul air from passing into a room containing a plumbing fixture by means of
a device called a:
A) Vent stack
B) Trap
C) Cleanout
D) Check valve
Answer: B — A plumbing trap holds water that seals the pipe, preventing sewer gases from backing up
into occupied spaces.
, Page 4 of 132
6. Which material is best to use when repairing fine cracks in a plaster wall?
A) Joint compound
B) Spackle
C) Caulk
D) Plaster of Paris
Answer: B — Spackle is formulated for small crack repairs in plaster and drywall, drying hard and
sanding easily.
7. The best material to use to lubricate a door lock is:
A) WD-40
B) Graphite
C) Lithium grease
D) Motor oil
Answer: B — Graphite is a dry lubricant that does not attract dust and dirt, making it ideal for lock
mechanisms.
