THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY, AND NOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS BEING POSTED UNTIL JULY 1, 2026, FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES.

SALARY

• Firefighter Trainee: Starting Pay $81,034 Annual Base Salary.
• Firefighter: Starting Pay $96,961 Annual Base Salary (Commences after Graduation from Academy).
• EMT Allowance: 4% of Base Salary Annually (Commences after Graduation from Academy).
• Paramedic Allowance: Approx. $12,804 - 11% of "E" step of Firefighter Annually (Commences after Accreditation Period).

THE COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA FIRE DEPARTMENT will be opening/posting the recruitment on July 7, 2026, for FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE - EMT and FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE – PARAMEDIC with a closing date of August 3, 2026, 4:59pm PST.

If you are interested in this position, please make sure to read the Employment Standards (qualifications) listed below.

• Attends the Firefighter Recruit Academy to obtain instruction in such topics as structural and wildland firefighting, emergency medical response, hazardous materials response, Urban Search and Rescue, high angle rope rescue, and related all-risk response duties.
• Participates in rigorous physical fitness training

ALL APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS THESE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS (QUALIFICATIONS) ON THE CLOSING DATE OF THE RECRUITMENT, AUGUST 3, 2026. PLEASE ENSURE ALL LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW ARE CURRENT ON AUGUST 3, 2026.

THESE DOCUMENTS MUST BE DOWNLOADED AND SUBMITTED TO FCTC. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VERIFY RECEIPT OF YOUR DOCUMENTS AND CONFIRM WITH FCTC THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED ON THE FCTC STATEWIDE ELIGIBILITY LIST (SEL) PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION.

1. Placement on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL): AND
   1. Possession of a valid driver’s license
   2. High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
   3. Possess a valid Cal-JAC CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Card (must be valid on August 3, 2026)
   4. Receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the FCTC Written test (written test expires 12 months from date taken - test must be valid on August 3, 2026)

2. Possession of a current California EMT-1 License or a current California EMT-P license.

Additional Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License at the time of appointment.
• A California Firefighter Endorsement is required within one year of appointment.

Applicants hired after December 26, 1988, shall be disqualified from further employment consideration if they use tobacco products in any form on or off duty.

Each Employment Standard listed above must be maintained until time of appointment.

Please Note: NREMT, National Registry EMT certifications are not eligible in lieu of a California-EMT certification.

Please make the necessary arrangements to meet the requirements, including placement on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center Statewide Eligibility List (SEL), on August 3, 2026.

To view upcoming Cal-JAC CPAT and FCTC Written Test dates, click here: ( experiencing financial hardship may qualify for a grant to pay for their FCTC testing fees. (

Please visit for further information regarding the CPAT, written tests, and to learn about the examination process, requirements, study materials, and other testing information including fees. Costs associated with taking the examinations are the responsibility of the applicant. A fee is assessed by the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) to complete the examination. Grants are available through the California Fire Foundation. Proof of financial need is required.

About the County of Santa Barbara Fire Department:
Since 1926, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department has served and safeguarded the community from the impacts of fire, medical emergencies, environmental emergencies, and natural disasters through leadership, planning, education, prevention, code enforcement, and all-hazard emergency response. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department has a rich tradition and commitment to service excellence; we are well equipped, well trained, and experienced. We have excellent working relationships with other State fire agencies and maintain a reputation as leaders in the region. We have 274 employees, an annual operating budget of $89.2 million, and a capital budget of $3.3 million. Services are provided through 16 fire stations, air operations, heavy equipment, and three offices located throughout Santa Barbara County. We serve the cities of Buellton, Goleta, and Solvang, private lands, and County unincorporated areas. To learn more about our department, please visit: />
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 a learning institution.

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.

WHEN THE RECRUITMENT BULLETIN IS POSTED ON JULY 7, 2026, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, YOU MAY EMAIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AT: firedghr@sbcfire.com.