Salary : $96,807.36 - $116,469.60 Annually
Location : Lompoc, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: (O/First5)
Department: First Five Children and Families
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Salary: $96,807 - $116,469 Annually
The County of Santa Barbara FIRST 5 SBC department is accepting applications to fill ONE (1) Early Childhood Specialist vacancy. This position will oversee the implementation and execution of several grants and short- and long-term projects relating to our Improved Child Development, Child Health, and Family Strengthening focus area strategies.
The vacancy is seated as a home base in our Lompoc office. The department currently operates on a remote-hybrid model with a management approved number of days in the office or at external meetings. The department offers a 9/80 schedule for this classification. The telework and non-standard schedules are subject to the department's needs. This position is categorized as a Department Business Specialist II job classification.
Note: All County employees approved for remote work must maintain a designated remote work location within the state of California.
The Early Childhood Specialist reports to executive management but works closely with other department managers to ensure compliance with grant deliverables. The Early Childhood Specialist is responsible for coordinating a wide array of support to the department on specific projects that contribute to the goals and indicators as mandated by Proposition 10 language.
This position requires a person skilled in working across disciplines, with other county departments and community-based organizations, and has a working knowledge and experience in birth through age five development. Additionally, this position supports the work of both the Communications and Policy Manager and the Deputy Director in identifying messaging and investment opportunities in the area of early childhood development.
Ideal Candidate:
To view the full description of the job class specification, including knowledge, abilities, and competencies, click
Additional Requirements:
Application & Selection Process
BENEFITS: For more information on County benefits, please visit In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
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 needed accommodation from a professional source, such 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.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate 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.
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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: 08/26/2026, at 4:59 p.m. PST , postmarks not accepted. You can view job postings and apply online 24 hours a day at
Questions? Contact: Natalie Alvarado, HR Business Partner Division Chief at
Retirement Plans
*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 show how you meet each of the requirements under Employment Standards. Which Employment Standard did you clearly meet and state on your application?
02
If you selected the fourth option in the preceding question, "A combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent...then please describe in detail how your combined training, education and experience is equivalent to one of the employment standards.
03
Describe in detail your professional experience working with a spreadsheet database (i.e. Smartsheet or Microsoft Excel) for purposes to track and evaluate data. Include your employer names, your titles, your overall responsibilities, and the duration of employment in these roles. If you do not have this type of experience, type "N/A".
04
The following questions are a Civil Service Examination. The Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. 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. Failure to provide truthful and honest responses may disqualify you from this recruitment. For information on protest procedures, refer to Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:
05
EXAMINATION QUESTION: How many years of professional experience do you have working in Early Childhood Education and Development?
06
EXAMINATION QUESTION: How many years of experience do you have working with Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS)?
07
EXAMINATION QUESTION: How many years of experience do you have working with Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) for evaluation indicators?
08
EXAMINATION QUESTION: How many years of experience do you have working in contracts management that includes Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Quotes (RFQs)?
09
EXAMINATION QUESTION: Do you have professional experience with national fidelity assessments (i.e. Help Me Grow, Head Start)?
Required Question
Location : Lompoc, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: (O/First5)
Department: First Five Children and Families
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Salary: $96,807 - $116,469 Annually
The County of Santa Barbara FIRST 5 SBC department is accepting applications to fill ONE (1) Early Childhood Specialist vacancy. This position will oversee the implementation and execution of several grants and short- and long-term projects relating to our Improved Child Development, Child Health, and Family Strengthening focus area strategies.
The vacancy is seated as a home base in our Lompoc office. The department currently operates on a remote-hybrid model with a management approved number of days in the office or at external meetings. The department offers a 9/80 schedule for this classification. The telework and non-standard schedules are subject to the department's needs. This position is categorized as a Department Business Specialist II job classification.
Note: All County employees approved for remote work must maintain a designated remote work location within the state of California.
The Early Childhood Specialist reports to executive management but works closely with other department managers to ensure compliance with grant deliverables. The Early Childhood Specialist is responsible for coordinating a wide array of support to the department on specific projects that contribute to the goals and indicators as mandated by Proposition 10 language.
This position requires a person skilled in working across disciplines, with other county departments and community-based organizations, and has a working knowledge and experience in birth through age five development. Additionally, this position supports the work of both the Communications and Policy Manager and the Deputy Director in identifying messaging and investment opportunities in the area of early childhood development.
Ideal Candidate:
- Knowledge of First 5 SBC programs
- Ability to make and maintain connections with other County Departments and articulate departmental needs using familiar terms.
- Knowledge of Title 5, Title 22, and NAEYC Accreditation guidelines for high-quality early childhood programs
- Oversees the external and special project grants awarded by First 5 SBC by serving as special project liaison with contractors and grantees such as Help Me Grow, Nature Exploration Areas, Early Language and Literacy, and others as assigned.
- Prepares and submits reports and data as required, both to internal team and external partners that show our efforts and results.
- Works with County Counsel and Operations Specialists to prepare contract agreements, interpret rules and procedures of grant requirements, and ensure accountability and compliance with our grant and service contract guidelines.
- Makes recommendations for process improvement to continuously improve efficiency and customer service that support our strategic and fiscal plan.
- Consults with other county departments and community-based organizations to promote the work of First 5 SBC and educate others on our programs and strategic intent.
- Participates in meetings and presents data to assist managers and senior administration in making operational and administrative decisions that align with the First 5 strategic and fiscal plan.
- Resolves errors associated with data collection and reporting and ensure transmission files and accurate and complete.
- Provides technical assistance to funded partners on grant requirements.
- Manages requisitions and invoices from submission through receipt for grant specific projects.
- Works with the Community Engagement Specialist to plan for and arrange county-wide and regional trainings/workshops/events associated with grant deliverables.
- Processes evaluations and facilitate discussions with grant partners by setting clear objectives, timelines, and purpose statements.
- Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the job classification.
- Possession of a bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education, human development, or a related field AND two years of professional experience working with a spreadsheet database (i.e. Smartsheet or Microsoft Excel) for purposes to track and evaluate data; OR,
- Possession of an associate's degree in child development, early childhood education, human development, or a related field AND four years of professional experience working with a spreadsheet database (i.e. Smartsheet or Microsoft Excel) for purposes to track and evaluate data; OR,
- Six years of professional experience working with a spreadsheet database (i.e. Smartsheet or Microsoft Excel) for purposes to track and evaluate data; OR,
- A combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required competencies.
To view the full description of the job class specification, including knowledge, abilities, and competencies, click
Additional Requirements:
- Independent travel throughout the county and state may be required.
- Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required.
Application & Selection Process
- Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
- Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking - Responses to the required examination supplemental questions will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.
BENEFITS: For more information on County benefits, please visit In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
- Retirement reciprocity
- Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
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 needed accommodation from a professional source, such 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.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate 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.
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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: 08/26/2026, at 4:59 p.m. PST , postmarks not accepted. You can view job postings and apply online 24 hours a day at
Questions? Contact: Natalie Alvarado, HR Business Partner Division Chief 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
- 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:
- 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)
- 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:
- 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 show how you meet each of the requirements under Employment Standards. Which Employment Standard did you clearly meet and state on your application?
- Possession of a bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education, human development, or a related field AND two years of professional experience working with a spreadsheet database (i.e. Smartsheet or Microsoft Excel) for purposes to track and evaluate data
- Possession of an associate's degree in child development, early childhood education, human development, or a related field AND four years of professional experience working with a spreadsheet database (i.e. Smartsheet or Microsoft Excel) for purposes to track and evaluate data
- Six years of professional experience working with a spreadsheet database (i.e. Smartsheet or Microsoft Excel) for purposes to track and evaluate data
- A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the qualifications listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities listed on the jobbulletin.
- None of the above - I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position
02
If you selected the fourth option in the preceding question, "A combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent...then please describe in detail how your combined training, education and experience is equivalent to one of the employment standards.
03
Describe in detail your professional experience working with a spreadsheet database (i.e. Smartsheet or Microsoft Excel) for purposes to track and evaluate data. Include your employer names, your titles, your overall responsibilities, and the duration of employment in these roles. If you do not have this type of experience, type "N/A".
04
The following questions are a Civil Service Examination. The Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. 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. Failure to provide truthful and honest responses may disqualify you from this recruitment. For information on protest procedures, refer to Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:
- I understand the only information I provide in the response boxes below will be evaluated and used to determine my score and rank on the employment list.
05
EXAMINATION QUESTION: How many years of professional experience do you have working in Early Childhood Education and Development?
- 5+ years of professional experience
- 3 years up to 5 years of professional experience
- 1 year up to 3 years of professional experience
- Less than one year of professional experience
- None. I do not have this type of experience.
06
EXAMINATION QUESTION: How many years of experience do you have working with Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS)?
- 5+ years of professional experience
- 3 years up to 5 years of professional experience
- 1 year up to 3 years of professional experience
- Less than one year of professional experience
- None. I do not have this type of experience.
07
EXAMINATION QUESTION: How many years of experience do you have working with Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) for evaluation indicators?
- 5+ years of professional experience
- 3 years up to 5 years of professional experience
- 1 year up to 3 years of professional experience
- Less than one year of professional experience
- None. I do not have this type of experience.
08
EXAMINATION QUESTION: How many years of experience do you have working in contracts management that includes Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Quotes (RFQs)?
- 5+ years of professional experience
- 3 years up to 5 years of professional experience
- 1 year up to 3 years of professional experience
- Less than one year of professional experience
- None. I do not have this type of experience.
09
EXAMINATION QUESTION: Do you have professional experience with national fidelity assessments (i.e. Help Me Grow, Head Start)?
- Yes
- No
Required Question