Santa Barbara County Public Defender

06/04/2026

We are pleased to announce our County is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Public Defender.

The position description, responsibilities of the Public Defender, overview of the ideal candidate, qualifications for consideration, the recruitment process and how to apply for the position can be found at the link. The deadline to apply is Monday 7/20/2026 at 5:00pm.

02/05/2026

We are pleased to announce there is an open recruitment for Deputy Public Defender III positions. There are two vacancies in the Santa Barbra Office.

A position description, the employment standards, examples of duties, a description of the ideal candidate, and how to apply for the positions can be found at the link. The deadline to apply is Tuesday 2/17/2026 at 4:59pm.

The County of Santa Barbara respects and values a diverse workforce and strongly promotes strategies and activities to recruit, develop and retain qualified persons of varied backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences and races.

02/05/2026

We are pleased to announce there is an open recruitment for a Financial Services Manager II.

A position description, the employment standards, examples of duties, a description of the ideal candidate, and how to apply for the position can be found at the link.

The deadline to apply is Thursday 2/12/2026 at 4:59pm.

The County of Santa Barbara respects and values a diverse workforce and strongly promotes strategies and activities to recruit, develop and retain qualified persons of varied backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences and races.

01/30/2026

The County of Santa Barbara invites community members to participate in the continued development of its Adult Judicial Diversion Strategic Plan. Informed by feedback gathered during community forums held in October 2025, the draft plan focuses on building a coordinated, countywide diversion system that expands alternatives to incarceration while supporting accountability, treatment, and access to services.

Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming in-person or virtual sessions to review the draft plan and provide feedback. These sessions will offer an opportunity to learn more about the proposed goals and strategies and to share perspectives that will help shape the final plan.

In-person participation is offered in English. Virtual participation is available in both English and Spanish.

The sessions will be facilitated by RDA Consulting on behalf of the County of Santa Barbara.

In-person sessions:
Lompoc - 2/9/26 12:00p.m. @ Lompoc Library, Grossman Gallery
Santa Maria - 2/9/26 5:00 p.m. @ Santa Maria Central Library, Learning Center Room
Santa Barbara - 2/10/26 4:00 p.m. @ Santa Barbara Eastside Library, MLK Room

Virtual Sessions:
Lompoc - 2/9/26 12:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 836 8587 0317
Lompoc - 2/9/26 12:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 827 1585 8749
Santa Maria - 2/9/26 5:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 814 8715 8478
Santa Maria - 2/9/26 5:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 862 5042 7933
Santa Barbara - 2/10/26 4:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 872 1156 9876
Santa Barbara - 2/10/26 4:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 853 2908 4719

Location Non-Specific Virtual Meeting
2/19/26 4:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 849 7542 1095
0/29/26 4:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 837 2648 1369