Deputy District Attorney I
Salary
$102,082.24 - $122,944.64 Annually
Location
Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-2250-02 (O)
Department
District Attorney
Opening Date
06/26/2026
Closing Date
7/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Deputy District Attorney I Salary: $102,082.24 - $122,944.64 Annually
The Santa Barbara County District Attorneys Office currently has multiple Deputy District Attorney I vacancies located throughout the County of 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 of the locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies. Work locations are assigned by the District Attorney and subject to change based on workload demands.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: The mission of the Santa Barbara County District Attorneys Office is to pursue truth and justice by employing the highest ethical standards in vigorously prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, and preventing crime. The District Attorney has offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. The Office embodies a team approach to fighting crime, wherein Deputy District Attorneys, Investigators, Victim Witness staff, and support staff work closely together at all stages of a case.
The Office is also dedicated to ongoing training and skill development, as well as fostering the development of new technologies to fight crime and achieve justice. Specialized prosecution units exist for areas of great concern to the County including gangs, vulnerable victims, and white collar crime. In addition, specialty courts such as DUI Court, Drug Court, Mental Health Treatment Court, Restorative Justice Court, and Veterans Treatment Court allow for collaboration between Deputy District Attorneys and other Court staff in an effort to improve the success rate of rehabilitation for criminal defendants in addition to reducing crime.
To learn more about the Santa Barbara County District Attorneys Office, visit: https://da.countyofsb.org/. You can also watch our video at https://youtu.be/z8hEhSA4T-A?si=oO3w23lOpEsBLBni
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Under general supervision, to perform a variety of criminal and civil investigations, trial preparations, and prosecutions; perform related work as required. Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/IV/Senior is a flexibly staffed series.
Deputy District Attorney I is the entry level class in this professional series in which incumbents receive orientation and training and are expected to progress to the experienced Deputy District Attorney II level within a reasonable length of time. Deputy District Attorney I may be required to mentor and train Deputy District Attorney Externs and/or new Deputy District Attorneys.
The Ideal candidate will possess:
Examples of Duties
Interviews and advises victims and witnesses regarding prospective criminal or civil actions; studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and legal authorities for use in prosecuting cases;
Prepares legal pleadings such as complaints, answers, motions, discovery, and judgments;
Prosecutes a variety of cases, including felony, misdemeanor, and traffic trials and presentation of preliminary hearings;
Performs related work such as preparing petitions, complaints, reports, and correspondence;
Actively seeks continuing legal education and training, which may include reading, research, observing and seeking counsel from peer attorneys, and attending trainings; perform community outreach, which may include training law enforcement personnel and performing outreach at schools or community organizations that focus on public safety or justice.
Employment Standards
Active membership in the State Bar of California and completion of the core courses required for a law degree.
Applicants who have taken the State Bar exam and are pending results may apply and participate in the selection process but must obtain an active membership in the State Bar of California at the time of appointment.
Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License may be required.
Knowledge of: the principles of criminal and civil law and its application; legal research methods; rules of evidence; organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions, civil and criminal codes, and the California Constitution; trial procedures and the rules of evidence.
Ability to: perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents in legal problems; present statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and forcefully, both in written and oral form; work effectively with others.
Supplemental Information
SELECTION PROCESS:
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking assessment 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 do require verifications of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a 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.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veterans preference credit is applicable for this position (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.
To receive veterans preference points, you must: (1) check the Veterans Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the application deadline, and (3) pass all phases of the Application & Selection process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a 12-month probationary period.
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.
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.
BENEFITS: For more information on County benefits, please visit here: https://www.countyofsb.org/3084/Deputy-District-Attorneys-Association
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Friday, July 10, 2026 at 4:59 PM. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Collin Graham, Recruiter: cgraham@countyofsb.org
Retirement Plans
Health Benefits
Paid Time Off
Miscellaneous Benefits
Compensation Summary
01
It is the applicants responsibility to provide supporting documentation that you meet the following qualifications at the time of application: active membership in the State Bar of California AND completion of the core courses required for a law degree.
02
Have you completed the core courses required for a law degree, and can you provide transcripts if requested?
03
Please select which one best describes your qualifications. You are required to enter your state bar license on your application under the Certificates and Licenses section. If you fail to provide the number and expiration date, your application will not be accepted. Applicants who have taken the State Bar exam and are pending results may apply and participate in the selection process but must obtain an active membership in the State Bar of California at the time of appointment.
04
If you have an active membership with the California State Bar, please provide the date it was issued and license number below. The hiring department may request a copy for verification. This information should also be listed in the Certificates and Licenses section of the employment application. If you do not have an active membership, type "N/A."
05
The following questions are a CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION and I understand 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
06
Do you have experience as an attorney, intern, extern, post bar or law clerk with a prosecutorial office or law firm (full details of this experience/position(s) should be listed on your application?)
07
Select the option that most accurately reflects any experience you possess filing legal motions on behalf of clients. This choice should indicate your role and responsibility for representing the client (full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your application). Substantive motions to consider are 1538.5, 995, Motions in Limine, et al.
08
Select ALL of the academic, professional, and/or clerkship skills/experience you possess which you believe will enhance your ability to serve as a prosecutor?
Required Question
Employer County of Santa Barbara
Address 1226 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, California, 93101