About the Department

Salary:
Computer Systems Specialist I Salary: $82,436.64 - $98,976.80 Annually
Computer Systems Specialist II Salary: $94,531.84 - $113,738.56 Annually
Bilingual and uniform allowance when applicable | Benefits: For additional information, click HERE

Computer Systems Specialist I (Restricted) Salary: $85,741.76 - $102,945.44 Annually
Computer Systems Specialist II (Restricted) Salary: $98,768.80 - $118,855.36 Annually

Bilingual and uniform allowance when applicable | Benefits: For additional information click HERE
These positions are regularly privy to the decisions or recommendations of County management affecting employer-employee relations. These employees are in the confidential-unrepresented bargaining unit.

Benefits: Applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time/service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.

THE POSITION

The County of Santa Barbara is accepting applications for the Computer Systems Specialist I job classification. The current vacancy is in Santa Barbara with the Public Defender’s Office.

As a Computer Systems Specialist I, you’ll provide vital technical support to County staff by maintaining and troubleshooting computer hardware, software, and network systems. You’ll assist users on large local (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN), install and test equipment, adapt existing software to meet departmental needs, and help develop and maintain internal and public-facing websites. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your IT career while supporting technology services that keep County operations running smoothly.

Future Vacancies: We are establishing one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in multiple departments and locations within the County of Santa Barbara. This job classification is utilized by 12 different departments within the County.

About the Position: Computer Systems Specialists provide essential IT support for large groups of users and a variety of applications. They evaluate and improve departmental systems, administer LANs/WANs, develop and maintain websites, and manage databases and reports. Working with minimal supervision, they often serve as the department’s main contact with the County’s central IT staff and external software vendors.

The position may require regular travel throughout the County. Candidates should be available to travel for the position based on the needs of the department.

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage time efficiently.
Demonstrated excellent customer support, communication, and training skills to communicate technical information to non-technical users.
Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
Ability to think logically and solve problems.
Ability to work and complete tasks with minimum supervision.
Willingness to learn new technologies.

Position Duties

Evaluates and resolves user problems; identifies and obtains appropriate resources for the resolution of complex problems; corrects routine problems by making minor repairs to computer equipment and/or entering specialized commands or data into systems; contacts appropriate resources for additional assistance.
Instructs computer system users in the use of computer equipment and of computer applications; answers questions and assists in resolving problems regarding the methods and procedures for using computer applications.
Coordinates installation of new hardware/software; installs, tests, and monitors the operation of computer hardware and software; configures hardware and software to meet departments' needs.
Evaluates needs for new and revised systems; identifies possible improvements in computer systems; makes recommendations for purchase of new information systems hardware and software; negotiates with vendors for services and products; oversees work of vendors.
Administers LANs/WANs; establishes procedures to back up data stored in computers and to maintain efficient operation of LANs/WANs; may serve as department computer access security officer.
Provides server support and maintenance; uses various utilities to trouble-shoot, repair, and check configuration of servers.
Adapts existing database software, spreadsheets, and other programs to best meet departmental or end user needs.
Establishes and maintains Internet and Intranet web sites and web pages; provides technical support in creating content areas; builds on-line forms and connects them to databases; provides technological solutions that can be applied to the ongoing development of a department's on-line presence; provides technical support for automating traditional processes; translates conceptual Web page designs into HTML or script templates.
Maintains various records and documentation for department computer systems; may write straightforward report generation programs or other simple computer code.
May serve as lead worker or provide direct or functional supervision over clerical and/or technical staff.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Completion of training in the general principles of computerized applications, basic principles of computer programming and the use of computer applications that are similar to those currently used by the hiring department; AND a minimum of one (1) year of experience in one of the following areas

a. Providing direct technical support to others using computer equipment for office applications on a local area or wide area network, including desktop configurations; hardware and software installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting; user access and problem-solving; or
b. Adapting existing database software, spreadsheets, and other programs to best meet end-user needs, or

c. Developing and maintaining Internet or Intranet Web sites; OR,

2. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualifications for some positions:

The ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds; work in tight or awkward spaces, such as under desks, to move back and forth within and between office and equipment rooms.
Work on weekend or off hours and be on standby during peaks/special assignments.
Successfully complete a background check.
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment. Incumbents may be required to travel throughout the County.

Desirable Qualifications: The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable, for some positions. Note: You must self-certify on the application form that you are fluent in English and Spanish. Hiring departments may test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications.

Knowledge of: the functions and operations of computers, commercial computer software including database software, and of local area networks (LANs), including hardware/software installation; Web site layout, composition, design, and management; Web site authoring software, methods for creating dynamic content, and graphics applications commonly used in Web site development; general principles of office automation, and computer systems analysis; a variety of hardware, operating systems, and related software used by the hiring department.

Ability to: analyze and resolve user needs and problems; interpret and apply information from technical manuals; communicate on technical issues with individuals with varying degrees of computer familiarity; instruct others in the use of computerized information systems; adapt existing database software, spreadsheets, and other programs to best meet departmental or end user needs; create and update Web sites to meet departmental needs; establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, information technology staff, and contractors; plan, organize, and prioritize the work of self and others; provide direct or functional supervision to other departmental staff.

Other Qualifications

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: A candidate's final score and rank on the eligible list will be determined by the information provided on their supplemental questionnaire.

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 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. Human Resources will notify you by mail if your name is removed.

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

Disaster Service Worker: 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.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Child Support Services, District Attorney, Public Defender, and Sheriff's Office conduct a background investigation. Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history, or deception relating to employment history may bar employment. Other departments may require an extended background check including credit history; this is at the discretion of each department.

The following process is only used for the Sheriff's Office and Probation Department:

Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Once candidates are placed on the employment list, the Human Resources Department will email candidates a notice regarding completion of a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).
Candidates who pass the PHQ and are in the top certified group will have their applications sent to the hiring department for consideration. Candidates who advance in the selection process will proceed to the next step and attend a selection interview with the hiring manager(s). Candidate(s) selected for a position will advance to the background process which includes the following:
- Polygraph Examination: measures the accuracy of information disclosed on the PHQ and during the background investigation.
- Background Investigation: includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of arrest records, personal, military, credit, and employment history; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and a safe driver.
- Live Scan: Electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice.

Additionally, for the Behavioral Wellness Department, a Live Scan and Background Check: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate's appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan and background check which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

The County of Santa Barbara Health Department (County Health) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the County Health 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.

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. Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.

The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Recruiters will correspond 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.

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 DEADLINE: July 15, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. PST, postmarks not accepted. You can view job postings and apply online 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Erin Kuhn, [email protected]

Benefits

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: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

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: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

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: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

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: https://www.countyofsb.org/3085/SEIU-Local-620

*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.

Supplemental Questions

IMPORTANT INFORMATION, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire, it is important that you carefully consider all the selections you make and/or the information you provide in the following areas:

Type of positions you will accept
Types of work you will accept
Types of shifts you will accept
Where you will initially accept employment
Languages other than English
Additional questions for specific departments

Why? If you successfully pass the supplemental questionnaire ranking, you are placed on the large employment list. Your ranking is based on the scoring of your questionnaire and the number of candidates on the list.
When a department has a vacancy, we will use the large employment list to filter based on the needs of the hiring department and the above choices you've made. For example, if the Social Services Department has a vacancy in Santa Barbara for a full-time position, then candidates who have selected the Social Services Department, Santa Barbara location, and full-time work will be pulled from the large employment list by rank order and the department will receive the top 10 candidates for consideration.
When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire, be certain to select all the departments, locations, and work shifts that you are willing to be considered. Also, be certain to list any specific skills you possess, such as bilingual skills. Before submitting your application, please take time to check your selections. This is your only opportunity to make these selections.

I have read the information and understand my options.

To be considered for this position, your application must clearly show how you meet the requirements under Employment Standards. Select which area you possess a minimum of one (1) year of experience:

Providing direct technical support to others using computer equipment for office applications on a local area or wide area network, including desktop configurations; hardware and software installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting; user access and problem-solving.
Adapting existing database software, spreadsheets, and other programs to best meet end-user needs.
Developing and maintaining Internet or Intranet Web sites.
None of the above. I do not possess this experience.

Describe your training in the general principles of computerized applications, basic principles of computer programming and the use of computer applications. If you do not possess this training, please enter N/A.

Below is a list of departments who utilize the Computer Systems Specialist I job classification. Please select the department(s) you want 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. Please note the current vacancy is in the Public Defender’s Office.

Behavioral Wellness - https://www.countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness
Clerk-Recorder Assessor - https://countyofsb.org/care
County Health (formerly “Public Health”) -Information Technology is responsible for supporting County Health's data, connectivity and communication needs to ensure County Health is able to meet its strategic goals as well as its day-to-day operations. Information Technology's activities provide a foundation for the successful completion of hundreds of services that are provided each day by County Health staff in our health care centers, homeless shelters, pharmacies, animal shelters, medical therapy units and remotely throughout the County. https://www.countyofsb.org/410/County-Health
District Attorney - https://www.countyofsb.org/da/
Fire - https://www.sbcfire.com/
Information Technology - The mission of the Information Technology Department (ITD) is to deliver technological solutions that enable our community to thrive. https://www.countyofsb.org/180/Information-Technology
Planning & Development - https://www.countyofsb.org/plndev/home.sbc
Probation - https://www.sbprobation.org/sbcprob/index.html
Public Defender's Office - The current position is a Limited Term appointment and the duration of this appointment is limited to a period not to exceed two (2) years (currently due to expire 6/1/28); but is subject to annual review by the Commission to ensure the temporary or limited term nature of such appointment remains appropriate based on business operational needs and/or resources. The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime and 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 conducting courtroom hearings and trials, as we aim to seek individualized solutions to the complex problems faced by our clients.
Public Works - To learn more about us, visit www.countyofsb.org/pwd/
Sheriff's Office - https://www.sbsheriff.org/
Social Services - https://www.countyofsb.org/199/About-Us

Are you willing to work on weekends or off hours and be on standby during peaks / special assignments?

Are you willing and able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds; work in tight or awkward spaces, such as under desks, to move back and forth within and between office and equipment rooms?

BACKGROUND CHECK: If you selected the Information Technology, Probation Department, Public Defender's Office, District Attorney, and/or the Sheriff's Office, you may be subjected to a background investigation. Other departments may require an extended background check including credit history. Other departments may require an extended background check. This is at the discretion of each department.

I understand.

If you selected the Sheriff's Office and/or Probation, both will require an extensive background check as part of the selection process. As part of the hiring process, a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ), polygraph examination, in addition to an in-depth background investigation is required.

I understand.

A position with the Sheriff's Office and/or Probation requires you to be willing to work at All Locations and you agree to these terms, regardless of your location selection on your application. NOTE: All Sheriff's Office and Probation personnel can be assigned to any office location and /or transferred to another location during their employment with Santa Barbara County.

I understand and agree with the above statement.
I do not agree with the terms above. I understand that I will no longer be part of the process for the Sheriff’s Office and Probation positions. I will still be considered for vacancies in other departments.

If you are applying for the Public Defender's Office, do you have previous experience working in a Public Defender’s Office?

Yes, I have previous experience working in a Public Defender’s Office.
No, I do not have previous experience working in a Public Defender’s Office.
N/A – Not interested in applying for the Public Defender’s Office.

If you are applying for the Public Defender's Office, do you have experience providing network, computer, or end-user helpdesk support in a public defense office or private defense law firm?

Yes, I have experience providing network, computer, or end-user helpdesk support in a public defense office or private defense law firm.
No, I do not have this experience.
N/A – Not interested in applying for the Public Defender’s Office.

If you are applying for the Public Defender's Office, you will need to have experience with a variety of software. Please select the following programs you are proficient using. Please select all that apply.

Microsoft Office (2016, 2019, Office 365)
PDF Software
Adobe Premier, Flash, or Photoshop
Forensic programs (Axiom, Encase, Cellebrite)
Case Management Systems
None of the above
N/A - Not interested in applying for the Public Defender's Office

If you are applying for the Public Defender’s Office, do you have experience with ETL pipeline automation as it relates to logging, error handling and coordinating SQL Server tasks?

Yes, I have experience with ETL pipeline automation as it relates to logging, error handling and coordinating SQL Server tasks.
No, I do not have this experience.
N/A - Not interested in applying for the Public Defender's Office.

If you are applying for the Public Defender’s Office, do you have experience with Python, Velocity and Groovy programing languages? (Select all that apply[)

Yes, I have experience with Python
Yes, I have experience with Velocity
Yes, I have experience with Groovy
I do not have experience with these programing languages.
N/A - Not interested in applying for the Public Defender's Office.

If you are applying for the Sheriff's Office or Public Defender's Office, during your support role, you may come in contact with potentially graphic information, photos and other digital evidence that is considered sensitive and confidential. This information must be handled carefully and discreetly to protect those involved.

I understand and am comfortable handling such data.
I understand but am NOT comfortable handling such data.
N/A - I'm not interested in applying for the Sheriff's Office or Public Defender's Office.

If you are applying for the Public Works Department, you will need to have experience with a variety of software. Please select the following programs you are proficient using. Please select all that apply.

Microsoft's Active Directory
Microsoft's Azure SaaS services
Microsoft Office (2016, 2019, Office 365)
Adobe PDF Software
AutoDesk and ArcGIS Software
None of the above
N/A - Not interested in applying for the Public Works Department.

If you are applying for the Information Technology Department, please select the following items that are applicable to your experience. Please select all that apply.

Experience providing technical support for a public sector/government employer
Experience managing technical support issues using a ticketing system
Experience using Service Now to manage technical support tickets
Experience with the County (or public sector) Equipment Surplus Process
Providing technical support to staff in a wide variety of fields (such as different County departments)
Familiar with building computers using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
Experience with CoreView to manage M365 licenses and accounts
Familiar with Microsoft Surface Laptops and HP Desktops
None of the above are applicable to my experience.
N/A - Not interested in applying for the Information Technology Department.

If you indicated that you have public sector/government experience for the preceding question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience (this information must also be listed on your application). Enter N/A if not applicable.

If you are applying for the Behavioral Wellness Department, do you have professional experience working in a behavioral health setting within a public organization?

Yes, I have experience working in a behavioral health setting within a public organization.
No, I do not have experience working in a behavioral health setting within a public organization.
N/A - Not interested in applying for the Behavioral Wellness Department.

I understand the following supplemental questions are an EXAMINATION and my responses will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules.

I understand.

Examination Question: Please indicate how much experience (full-time equivalent) you have providing end-user IT desktop support that included analyzing and resolving user technical questions and problems.

3 or more years of experience
2 years up to 3 years of experience
Less than 2 years of experience
No experience in this area

Examination Question: Please indicate how much experience (full-time equivalent) you have communicating with individuals with varying degrees of computer familiarity regarding technical issues and resolutions.

3 or more years of experience
2 years up to 3 years of experience
Less than 2 years of experience
No experience in this area

Examination Question: Please indicate how much experience (full-time equivalent) you have collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders for system enhancements and improvements.

3 or more years of experience
2 years up to 3 years of experience
Less than 2 years of experience
No experience in this area

Examination Question: Please indicate how much experience (full-time equivalent) you have instructing computer system users in the use of computer equipment and computer applications.

3 or more years of experience
2 years up to 3 years of experience
Less than 2 years of experience
No experience in this area

Examination Question: Please indicate how much experience (full-time equivalent) you have with computer software installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

3 or more years of experience
2 years up to 3 years of experience
Less than 2 years of experience
No experience in this area

Examination Question: Please indicate how much experience (full-time equivalent) you have with installing, modifying or repairing computer hardware.

3 or more years of experience
2 years up to 3 years of experience
Less than 2 years of experience
No experience in this area

Examination Question: Do you have experience configuring software systems using application programming interfaces (API)?

Yes, I have professional experience in this area.
I do not have professional experience in this area, but I have other related experience/training.
I do not have experience in this area.

Examination Question: Do you have experience using content management systems to modify and update websites?

Yes, I have professional experience in this area.
I do not have professional experience in this area, but I have other related experience/training.
I do not have experience in this area.

Examination Question: Please indicate whether you have experience supporting (installing, troubleshooting, updating, etc.) the following. Select all that apply.

Microsoft Office Suite, including Office 365
Microsoft SharePoint
Adobe PDF Software
Microsoft Azure SaaS services
Microsoft Active Directory
None of the above.

Examination Question: Please indicate how many service tickets you have processed in a quarter.

250 and above in a quarter
0 - 249 in a quarter

Examination Question: Do you have experience writing technical documentation (e.g. procedural workflows, solution approaches, user manuals, etc.)?

Yes, I have professional experience in this area.
No, I do not have professional experience in this area.

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: County of Santa Barbara
Address: 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101
Website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty

Computer Systems Specialist I/II