| Location | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Salary | $94,498.56–$114,125.44 Per Year |
Communications Dispatch Supervisor (Fire Department)
Salary
$94,498.56 - $114,125.44 Annually
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-1805-01 (O)
Department
Fire
Opening Date
08/13/2026
Closing Date
8/31/2026 4:59 PM Pacific
Description
SALARY: $94,498.56 - $114,125.44 Annually
Join our team as a Communications Dispatch Supervisor and make a significant impact on emergency response in our community. In this crucial role, you will oversee our team of dispatchers and ensure seamless operations in our new Regional Fire Communications Center (RFCC). This is a unique and exciting opportunity as we continue to build out our regional fire-rescue-EMS communications/dispatch program. This supervisor will work with the Dispatch Manager and supervisor group to establish a culture of excellence, inclusion, forward planning, and innovation.
We are accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Communications Dispatch Supervisor vacancy in Santa Barbara, California for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department (County Fire Protection District.)
The Regional Fire Communication Center (RFCC) is a secondary PSAP serving the Santa Barbara County region dispatching fire-rescue resources for all cities (4) and fire protection districts (3) and for the Santa Barbara County contract ambulance provider and is a 24-hour / 365-day operation. It is a partnership between member agencies and administered by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
The RFCC is the dispatch center for the Santa Barbara County Operational area of the California OES Fire & Rescue Mutual Aid System. It is also responsible for ordering, dispatching, and tracking resources including engines, crews, dozers, aircraft, and overhead personnel as required through the Santa Barbara County Fire Department's contract with CalFire. The RFCC interacts frequently with other agencies including CalFire, California OES, California State Parks, National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, and U.S Forest Service.
To learn more about this department, please visit: SBCFire.com
If you are a regular employee of another public agency operating in a personnel merit system in the State of California and want to laterally transfer to this position with the County of Santa Barbara, then please apply to the lateral transfer recruitment HERE.
Benefits: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, CLICK HERE to view more information.
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
Ideal Candidate Possesses:
Examples of Duties
Employment Standards
Three years of dispatching experience in an emergency or public safety dispatch center, including two years of journey-level or lead-worker experience that included a minimum of 480 hours of experience training entry-level dispatchers (equivalent to 12 weeks of experience); OR,
Two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Communications Dispatcher II with Santa Barbara County, including a minimum of 480 hours of experience training entry-level dispatchers (equivalent to 12 weeks of experience) OR,
A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Additional Requirements:
Incumbents must be able to type 35 wpm; work rotating shifts including nights and weekends; work overtime as required to ensure operational stability of the communications center; may be required to work an administrative staff position schedule; must be able to pass a work-simulated, computer-based performance test, a background investigation (for Sheriff's Office this includes a polygraph examination and credit check), psychological evaluation and medical exam. Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding, operation of a mouse, wearing of a headset, and working in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
Must successfully complete Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) certifications during the training period and maintain them throughout employment.
Knowledge of; terminology, codes, and procedures used in public safety dispatching; telecommunications, computer, electronic, microwave, and radio systems used in dispatching; applicable laws regulating radio and telecommunications operations and public safety dispatch; Federal Communications Commission requirements for public safety dispatch centers; the functions of public safety agencies; principles and practices of effective training.
Ability to: plan, organize, assign, prioritize, and delegate the work of self and others; learn and apply sound supervisory principles and practices; set performance standards; review and evaluate the work of others; use sound judgement in reacting quickly, effectively, and calmly in emergency situations; train subordinate staff and develop training plans and materials; understand, interpret, explain, and apply rules, regulations, and applicable laws; work well with other departmental and outside agency personnel; communicate effectively, orally and in writing. communicate with people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds; follow written and oral instructions; establish and maintain working relationships with other agencies; operate a computer, mouse and keyboard; and perform the full scope duties of a Communications Dispatcher.
Supplemental Information
SELECTION PROCESS:
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70% on the CritiCall exam 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 written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
Incumbents must successfully complete a one-year probationary period.
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by email during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment and Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
FIRE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS: The Fire Departments background investigation includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal and virtual character check, military, and employment histories; 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 is a safe driver.
The following shall commence upon accepting a conditional offer of employment:
REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: 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.
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 (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 AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 8/31/2026, at 4:59pm PST; Postmarks are not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty.
If you have any recruitment questions, please email Fire HR at FireDGHR@sbcfire.com
Retirement Plans
Health Benefits
Paid Time Off
Miscellaneous Benefits
Compensation Summary
01
Check one of the following that best describes how you meet the employment standards for the position.
02
If you selected answer option #3 in the preceding question, please provide your combination of training, education, and experience which you believe is equivalent to meeting the Employment Standards as indicated on the job bulletin. (Failure to thoroughly answer this question will adversely impact verification of your qualifications for the position.) If you do not select this option, please type N/A.
03
List your experience providing 480 hours of training entry-level dispatchers (equivalent to 12 weeks of experience) as required in the Employment Standards. In your response, include your employer and dates of training. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
04
I acknowledge that this position requires working rotation from night and day shifts which may include holidays, weekends, and overtime as needed to maintain staffing levels.
05
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: I acknowledge as part of the hiring process for the position, I will undergo a thorough background investigation. Once I have been given a conditional job offer and accepted, I will undergo a psychological and physical examination in which I must pass both of these examinations before I can begin employment. Any falsification of information or failure to meet the standards listed above will result in my disqualification.
06
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: During my probationary period, I must satisfactorily complete and pass each phase of the Dispatch Supervisor Training Program and complete Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) certifications during the training period and maintain them throughout employment. If during my probationary period, I fail to pass any particular phase of my required training or earn required certifications, I may be dismissed from employment with Santa Barbara County.
Required Question
Employer County of Santa Barbara
Address 1226 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, California, 93101