Santa Barbara County Fire Department — Santa Barbara, CA
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Santa Barbara County Fire Department in Santa Barbara, California is hiring for Fire Control Worker - Extra-Help. The posted pay is $25 an hour (about $52,000 a year at full time). Applications close November 20, 2026 — 17 days from now. Stated requirements: High school / GED (required); EMT certification (preferred); Firefighter I/II (preferred). The shift schedule is 40-hour week.
Among 118 current California postings on Driftsmoke with a listed salary, this top-of-range pay is higher than 14% of them; the median among them is $92,830/yr.
Santa Barbara County Fire Department is a career department with 21 stations, about 245 personnel, serving about 420,000 people. Pension: local_municipal. Founded in 1926.
A multi-mission county fire agency protecting 2,774 square miles of California's Central Coast, from beaches to backcountry, with roughly 245 employees across 16 stations answering more than 15,000 calls a year.
Summary by Driftsmoke from the official bulletin and department records; the full posting follows below.
| High school / GED | Required |
| EMT certification | Preferred |
| Firefighter I/II | Preferred |
| Employment | Seasonal |
| Shift schedule | 40-hour week |
STARTING SALARY : $25.00/Hour *Please read this job bulletin carefully before you apply*
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is accepting applications for Fire Control Worker - Extra Help until ** Friday, November 20, 2026, at 4:59 PM PST.** This position will work during the fire season (approximately April 2027 to December 2027). Fire Control Workers will work 40 hours per week, with overtime as needed.
We anticipate hiring 15-20 Extra Help employees. These positions will be located at Santa Barbara Camp One, 3900 Paradise Rd., Santa Barbara. Fire Control Workers work in Crews of 20 under immediate supervision of a Crew Boss. Fire Control Workers must perform a full range of strenuous physical tasks related to fire suppression, fire line construction, fire line and burn area improvement and rehabilitation, mop up fire hotspots using water and hand tools to stop the spread of fire, operate chainsaws for tree felling, cut and remove brush from roadsides, create fire roads and fuel breaks using hand and power tools; respond to fire alarms and other emergency calls to protect life and property; occasionally work in hazardous conditions and perform related work as required.
This position is Extra Help and is governed by Civil Service Rule 905: An Extra Help appointment is defined as an appointment made to a non-regular, non-permanent position established on a temporary basis to meet peak loads, unusual work situations, seasonal and recurrent work, intermittent assignments, or emergencies. Such appointment, except emergency appointment, shall not exceed one thousand forty hours in the twelve-month period immediately following the first day of the first appointment of the incumbent, unless extended by prior approval of the Civil Service Commission.
Benefits: ** Benefits will be offered once EXH employees reach Affordable Care Act (ACA) eligibility. Extra Help employees are eligible for 40 hours of Sick Leave (see California Paid Sick Leave Law). ## Examples of Duties 1. Performs various types of semi-skilled labor in support of suppression of wildland fires and fire prevention, cuts and removes brush from roadsides, fire roads, and fuel breaks using hand and power tools; 2. Performs maintenance work such as landscaping, carpentry, masonry, concrete, plumbing, fabrication, demolition, painting, welding, electrical, tree trimming, fence repair, and routine janitorial work; 3. Performs maintenance work on fire department equipment and minor vehicle service and repair; 4. Performs small engine repair and operates a handheld GPS unit; 5. Operates vehicles and specialized equipment and works as a Fire Equipment Operator's aide; 6. Performs flood control activities such as trenching, sandbagging and debris removal; 7. May be transported to emergency work sites by various means, including rotary aircraft; 8. Successfully participates in the department's physical fitness program; 9. Performs other related duties as required. ## Employment Standards Required Qualifications:**
Preferred Qualifications:
Completion of the following:
NWCG Firefighter I Task Book
The following certifications:
I-100 Basic ICS
S-290 Intermediate Fire Behavior
Verifiable skills in:
Knowledge of: principles and practices of fire science technology.
Ability to: learn firefighting methods, fire vehicle apparatus and equipment operation and maintenance, learn to analyze fire and emergency situations quickly and accurately and take appropriate action; understand and follow oral and written directions; effectively communicate orally; work under a structured organization that will require emotional and physical stability under stress; work in an outdoor environment; perform moderate and heavy physical activities for prolonged periods; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and occasionally lift and/or move up to 150 pounds.
Additional Information: ** 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. ## Supplemental Information APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:**
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.
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 will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. A successful PACK test will be required during the first week of employment. Candidates must successfully complete a three mile walk while carrying a 45-pound pack within 45 minutes.
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.
**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 DEADLINE: November 20, 2026, at 4:59 PM PST ; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty.
For questions, please email FireDGHR@sbcfire.com.
Kari Burks
Senior Human Resources Specialist
Dependent on Bargaining Unit in which position is filled.