Salary
$129,197.12 - $156,043.68 Annually Bilingual allowance when applicable The
Public Defender’s Office
is accepting applications to fill two full-time
Deputy Public Defender III
vacancies in
Santa Barbara . We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in
Santa Barbara ,
Santa Maria , and
Lompoc . Please select all locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies. The Public Defender’s Office has offices in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria.
Applicants must be willing to travel to and accept assignments at all locations.
To be considered, applicants must check
All locations
in the application and supplemental questionnaire. Benefits Overview
Vacation:
12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment. Holidays:
12 days per year. Sick Leave:
12 days per year with unlimited accumulation; one year may be converted to service credit upon retirement. Health Plan:
Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee\'s premium. On-Site Employee Health Clinics:
In Santa Barbara and Santa Maria; provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their dependents over age 5. Life Insurance:
$20,000 Term Life Insurance Retirement:
Defined Benefit Plan and voluntary participation in a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information on County Benefits, see the information available on the County site (no link included). In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate. The Law Offices of the Public Defender\'s Mission
The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, as well as those subject to civil mental health commitments and other proceedings where their liberty is at stake. Our lawyers employ a holistic approach to criminal defense that draws from traditional and non-traditional legal representation models. Our clients have access to an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, legal office professionals, investigators, advocates, and IT personnel, who strive to reduce their exposure to the criminal justice system, mitigate collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, and transform lives by addressing the social ills that contribute to justice system involvement. Our advocacy often extends beyond courtroom hearings and trials to seek individualized solutions for complex problems faced by our clients. To learn more about us, visit the county site (no link included). The Position
Under direction, the selected candidate interviews, advises, and represents clients in authorized criminal and civil cases; structures and directs investigations; prepares trials, pleadings, and motions; tries cases before court and jury; effectively presents sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients; and performs related duties as required. Distinguishing Characteristics
Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV/Senior is a flexibly staffed series. Advancement within the series depends on both seniority and performance. The Deputy Public Defender III level incumbents must demonstrate competency in trial work by handling a major number of litigations. At the III level, incumbents can represent clients in all but the most complex and serious matters. Incumbents develop greater skill in trial and law and motion work. Typical duties may include assignment to serious misdemeanor trials, major felony trials, juvenile court cases, or civil trials. Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record demonstrating knowledge of: The principles of criminal and civil law, criminal procedure, and trial practice; The methods of legal research and writing; The rules of evidence. The successful applicant will also have the ability to: Gather and evaluate complex data and draw logical conclusions; Evaluate facts and formulate an effective course of action; Read, interpret, and apply the principles contained in the State and Federal Constitutions, statutes, published court decisions, and other relevant legal precedent; Orally communicate complex information and concepts to persons of divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds; Present persuasive arguments as an advocate in a clear and reasoned manner; Interrogate and cross-examine witnesses in the courtroom; Write clearly and concisely; Organize large quantities of complex material in a logical manner for presentation in court; Effectively and logically present evidence in complicated criminal proceedings; Recognize and evaluate approaches to situations of a potentially sensitive nature; Provide excellent and courteous customer service, and establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Work independently under general supervision; think creatively; Develop new methods, procedures, or approaches to achieve desired results; Effectively use office computers and/or database systems; Some positions may require the ability to train, review, and supervise minimally the work of less experienced attorneys. Application & Selection Process
Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates\' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their supplemental questionnaire. 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 examination 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 qualified 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. For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County may be required. 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. Verification from a professional source may be required. Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps to ensure deadlines are met. Conditional Job Offer:
Once a conditional offer of employment is made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check (including a conviction history check) and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a twelve (12) month probationary period. Disaster Service Worker:
Pursuant to Government Code section 3100, all County of Santa Barbara employees are disaster service workers and may be assigned duties 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. The County remains committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. Application Deadline:
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins are available 24 hours a day at sbcountyjobs.com. Erin Kuhn, Talent Acquisition Analyst II – erkuhn@countyofsb.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr
$129,197.12 - $156,043.68 Annually Bilingual allowance when applicable The
Public Defender’s Office
is accepting applications to fill two full-time
Deputy Public Defender III
vacancies in
Santa Barbara . We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in
Santa Barbara ,
Santa Maria , and
Lompoc . Please select all locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies. The Public Defender’s Office has offices in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria.
Applicants must be willing to travel to and accept assignments at all locations.
To be considered, applicants must check
All locations
in the application and supplemental questionnaire. Benefits Overview
Vacation:
12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment. Holidays:
12 days per year. Sick Leave:
12 days per year with unlimited accumulation; one year may be converted to service credit upon retirement. Health Plan:
Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee\'s premium. On-Site Employee Health Clinics:
In Santa Barbara and Santa Maria; provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their dependents over age 5. Life Insurance:
$20,000 Term Life Insurance Retirement:
Defined Benefit Plan and voluntary participation in a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information on County Benefits, see the information available on the County site (no link included). In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate. The Law Offices of the Public Defender\'s Mission
The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, as well as those subject to civil mental health commitments and other proceedings where their liberty is at stake. Our lawyers employ a holistic approach to criminal defense that draws from traditional and non-traditional legal representation models. Our clients have access to an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, legal office professionals, investigators, advocates, and IT personnel, who strive to reduce their exposure to the criminal justice system, mitigate collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, and transform lives by addressing the social ills that contribute to justice system involvement. Our advocacy often extends beyond courtroom hearings and trials to seek individualized solutions for complex problems faced by our clients. To learn more about us, visit the county site (no link included). The Position
Under direction, the selected candidate interviews, advises, and represents clients in authorized criminal and civil cases; structures and directs investigations; prepares trials, pleadings, and motions; tries cases before court and jury; effectively presents sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients; and performs related duties as required. Distinguishing Characteristics
Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV/Senior is a flexibly staffed series. Advancement within the series depends on both seniority and performance. The Deputy Public Defender III level incumbents must demonstrate competency in trial work by handling a major number of litigations. At the III level, incumbents can represent clients in all but the most complex and serious matters. Incumbents develop greater skill in trial and law and motion work. Typical duties may include assignment to serious misdemeanor trials, major felony trials, juvenile court cases, or civil trials. Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record demonstrating knowledge of: The principles of criminal and civil law, criminal procedure, and trial practice; The methods of legal research and writing; The rules of evidence. The successful applicant will also have the ability to: Gather and evaluate complex data and draw logical conclusions; Evaluate facts and formulate an effective course of action; Read, interpret, and apply the principles contained in the State and Federal Constitutions, statutes, published court decisions, and other relevant legal precedent; Orally communicate complex information and concepts to persons of divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds; Present persuasive arguments as an advocate in a clear and reasoned manner; Interrogate and cross-examine witnesses in the courtroom; Write clearly and concisely; Organize large quantities of complex material in a logical manner for presentation in court; Effectively and logically present evidence in complicated criminal proceedings; Recognize and evaluate approaches to situations of a potentially sensitive nature; Provide excellent and courteous customer service, and establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Work independently under general supervision; think creatively; Develop new methods, procedures, or approaches to achieve desired results; Effectively use office computers and/or database systems; Some positions may require the ability to train, review, and supervise minimally the work of less experienced attorneys. Application & Selection Process
Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates\' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their supplemental questionnaire. 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 examination 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 qualified 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. For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County may be required. 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. Verification from a professional source may be required. Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps to ensure deadlines are met. Conditional Job Offer:
Once a conditional offer of employment is made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check (including a conviction history check) and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a twelve (12) month probationary period. Disaster Service Worker:
Pursuant to Government Code section 3100, all County of Santa Barbara employees are disaster service workers and may be assigned duties 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. The County remains committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. Application Deadline:
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins are available 24 hours a day at sbcountyjobs.com. Erin Kuhn, Talent Acquisition Analyst II – erkuhn@countyofsb.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr