Job Details

Salary : $88,258.56 - $106,082.08 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-6338-01 (O)
Department: County Executive Office
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description
SALARY

$42.43 - $51.00 Hourly

$88,254- $106,080 Annually
Join our team and use your creativity, communication expertise, and strategic thinking to connect our community with the programs, services, and initiatives that make a difference every day. As a Public Information Specialist, you'll help shape public understanding, promote transparency, and highlight the important work being done in service to our community.

We are currently accepting applications to fill one full-time Public Information Specialist position. The current vacancy is in the County Executive Office. The position will be home-based in Santa Barbara with the ability for the incumbent to discuss a long-term hybrid telework schedule contingent upon the needs of the department.

We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list that may be used to fill current and future vacancies in the County Health Department and Fire Department. Please check all department and location preferences on the application.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. to view more information.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

POSITION: Under general direction of the Public Information Officer (PIO) develops and implements department-wide public information programs and campaigns related to the department's mission, including marketing, outreach, and/or customer service activities; may act as departmental spokesperson; may supervise staff; and performs related duties in the absence of the PIO or as required.
County Executive Office

The current vacancy is in the County Executive Office and will serve as a supporting role to the County Public Information Officer with a primary focus on content creation, social media management, digital newsletters and communications, and public/community outreach. This position assists with coordinating messaging across departments to support consistent and effective public communication, may serve as a County spokesperson as assigned, and may provide backup support to the County Public Information Officer.

This position requires a high level of written and oral fluency in English. Bilingual in English/Spanish to support accessibility and community engagement is preferred.
County Health Department

The County of Santa Barbara Health Department's mission is to improve the health of our communities by preventing disease, promoting wellness, and health equity, while ensuring access to needed health care, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment, and our vision is Healthy people, healthy community, healthy environment.

The Department's range of responsibilities is vast and includes:

• Investigating disease outbreaks;
• Conducting health education campaigns;
• Inspecting food establishments;
• Working with high-risk mothers and children;
• Operating health clinics for the underserved;
• Staffing medical shelters during emergency evacuations;
• Caring for our four-legged friends through our animal control program and many other programs and services.

Experience in outreach initiatives, forming partnerships, and conducting events to promote departmental services effectively is strongly preferred.
Fire Department

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is a progressive, multi-mission public safety agency with a rich tradition and history. We stand ready to serve the people of this world-renowned area with professionalism, dedication, and pride. From the pristine beaches of the South Coast to the bucolic farmlands and vineyards in the North County, we are always here to answer the call.

Examples of Duties

1. Plans and directs the development and implementation of media programs or campaigns designed to keep the County internal staff and external public informed of departmental services, accomplishments, or agendas; studies departmental mandates, objectives, and policies in order to promote the department's services, missions, and goals; designs departmental or program logos; establishes departmental or program brands; and designs, procures, and distributes promotional items to convey the department or program's goals, message, presence, image, and/or effectiveness.
2. Establishes research methodologies and designs formats for data gathering, such as surveys, opinion polls, or questionnaires; collects and analyzes data to measure public opinion and determine whether customers' needs and expectations are being met; translates complex numerical/statistical data into non-technical, written text; prepares reports and graphic illustrations of findings; makes recommendations to management to establish new or modify existing programs or services; and prepares related grant applications.
3. Prepares and distributes fact sheets, news releases, and public information announcements to media representatives and others; selects promotional media to most efficiently and effectively reach target market; purchases advertising space and time in various media; and may act as departmental spokesperson, including participation in television, radio, and print interviews.
4. Designs, writes, edits, and produces public information materials such as display advertising, brochures, flyers, direct mail materials, newsletters, and videos; develops, designs, and updates departmental Website; and prepares and edits in-house materials and publications.
5. Plans and conducts event marketing activities; represents department at public and business gatherings; selects and arranges for guest speakers for staff events, training, seminars, and conferences; and hosts lectures, exhibits, workshops, and informational exchange forums.
6. Develops and conducts community outreach campaigns, including establishing partnerships with local government and non-profit agencies to educate the public about the existence and availability of departmental services and to increase program participation among groups that have shown a hesitance to utilize the department's services; makes presentations to government bodies, schools, employer groups, and community organizations; and represents department on local boards, commissions, and committees.
7. Develops, conducts, and arranges for customer service and other training for departmental staff based upon market research; evaluates the effectiveness of existing training programs and makes recommendations to management for training modifications; makes recommendations to management for modifications to departmental policies and procedures to improve communications and messaging as needed; and counsels staff in effective ways of communicating with the public.
8. May interview, select, and train clerical and/or paraprofessional staff; assign and review work; evaluate staff performance; and participate in disciplinary action.

Employment Standards

1. Possession of a bachelor's degree in marketing, communication, journalism or closely related field and three (3) years of professional experience developing and conducting public information or marketing campaigns; OR,
2. Possession of an associate's degree in marketing, communication, journalism or closely related field and five (5) years of professional experience developing and conducting public information or marketing campaigns; OR,
3. A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

International degrees must include documentation from an evaluation service that shows the U.S. equivalency along with unofficial transcripts at the time of application submittal. A list of evaluation services may be found at

Additional Qualifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required at the time of appointment. The position may require candidates to travel throughout the County or report to multiple locations.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of marketing business services, including advertising, graphic design, and establishing brands; media production, communication, and dissemination techniques via written, oral, and visual media; principles and practices of public relations, including client-media relations; customer service standards and techniques, including needs assessment techniques, quality service standards, and customer satisfaction evaluation techniques; English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax; statistics; research methods; and presentation and desktop publishing software programs.

Ability to: communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; make presentations to large and small groups; work effectively with a variety of individuals and groups; gather and analyze data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations; work independently; learn and apply principles and practices of supervision; prepare written correspondence and reports; compile and prepare statistical reports; establish, balance, and adjust priorities; read and learn department-specific policies, procedures, and related laws and regulations; identify consequences of actions; listen effectively; influence and promote change; persuade others to approach issues and ideas differently; motivate and train staff; maintain confidentiality of information; effectively handle political and sensitive issues; represent the department accurately to the media; use a personal computer and standard software applications; and learn and use programming languages such as Java and HTML.

Supplemental Information
Application and Selection Process:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required examination supplemental questions will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
The Public Health Department (PHD) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the PHD Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.
Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until 07/31/2026 at 4:59 PM (PST). Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at

Questions?

Contact: Raquel Martinez, Talent Acquisition Manager at / Natalie Alvarado at
Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01

To be considered for this position, your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Posting or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard do you meet and clearly state on your application?

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in marketing, communication, journalism or closely related field and three years of professional experience developing and conducting public information or marketing campaigns
• Possession of an associate's degree in marketing, communication, journalism or closely related field and five years of professional experience developing and conducting public information or marketing campaigns
• A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• None of the above. I do not meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

02

If you selected the third answer option for the preceding question, "A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to...", then please describe your combined training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the standards. You may skip this question if you did not select the third option.
03

The position requires professional experience developing and conducting public information or marketing campaigns. Please describe in detail, your experience in this area. Include your employer names, your working titles, duration in these roles, types of content / marketing campaigns and overall responsibilities.
04

If you have an international degree, please attach your documentation from an evaluation service that shows you meet the U.S. education standards along with your transcripts. Below is the link to a list of evaluation services you can use: are required to attach your evaluation service documents to your application. This is your only opportunity to provide such documentation.

• I DO NOT have an international degree, and this question is not applicable.
• I have an international degree and have attached the required documentation along with copies of my transcripts
• I have an international degree, but do not have the required documentation. I understand that I may be disqualified from this position.

05

Below is a list of departments that utilize this job classification. Please select the department(s) you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies. Please keep in mind that during the life of the employment list, some of these departments may not have vacancies that arise. This is your only opportunity to make your selection(s). The current vacancy is in the County Executive Office.

• County Executive Office: The County Executive Office is responsible for implementing policy directives of the Board of Supervisors, as well as achieving the County's overall mission, goals, and objectives. The County's central communications division manages internal and external communications for the Executive Office and assists with communication efforts from other departments and agencies.
• County Health Department: The County of Santa Barbara Health Department's mission is to improve the health of our communities by preventing disease, promoting wellness, and health equity, while ensuring access to needed health care, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment, and our vision is Healthy people, healthy community, healthy environment.
• Fire Department: The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is a progressive, multi-mission public safety agency with a rich tradition and history. We stand ready to serve the people of this world-renowned area with professionalism, dedication, and pride. From the pristine beaches of the South Coast to the bucolic farmlands and vineyards in the North County, we are always here to answer the call.

06

The position is required to travel throughout the County, and a California Class C driver's license may be required at the time of appointment.

• I understand.

07

The following questions are a Civil Service Examination. The Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Rating. Please read each question carefully as this examination will determine your placement on the employment list. Responses to these questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device. Evaluators will not have access to your application (including work history and education), application supporting materials (e.g. resumes, cover letters, transcripts), or any previous responses in your supplemental questionnaire. They will only have the information provided in each of your responses below. For information on protest procedures, refer to Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:

• I understand the information I provide in the response boxes below will be evaluated and used to determine my score and rank on the employment list.

08

EXAMINATION QUESTION: Describe your work experience in public information, journalism, communications, public relations, and/or marketing. Include the employers where you gained this experience, the number of years you worked for each, and your specific roles and primary duties. If you do not have this type of experience, type "N/A".
09

EXAMINATION QUESTION: Describe your experience developing comprehensive communication or public outreach strategies from start to finish. Include an example that highlights the goals, your decision-making process, the intended audience, the tools or platforms used, the outcomes, and the organization where you gained this experience. If you do not have this type of experience, type "N/A".
10

EXAMINATION QUESTION: Describe your experience directly preparing, organizing, and distributing public information materials such as newsletters, social media content, news releases, and fact sheets. Please include the organization where this occurred, the communication platforms/channels you utilized and the written, oral and visual communication techniques you used. If you do not have this type of experience, type "N/A".
11

EXAMINATION QUESTION: Describe your experience in graphic design, video production, photography, videography, presentations, and/or website design. Include the employers where you obtained this experience, the platforms you used and a short description of the type of projects you produced. If you do not have this type of experience, type "N/A".
12

EXAMINATION QUESTION: Describe the methods and tools you use to make communication materials accessible to diverse audiences, including individuals with varying language needs, abilities, and communication preferences. In your response, include examples of how you ensure information is understandable and usable for non English speakers or bilingual communities, and specify the languages in which you are fluent. If you do not have this type of experience, type "N/A".
Required Question