Architect

Full Job Description

We are accepting applications to fill one full-time Architect vacancy within the General Services – Capital Division. The vacancy may be filled in either Santa Barbara or Santa Maria depending on the need.

NOTE: The incumbent will report to and be based out of Santa Barbara or Santa Maria but will support staff, facilities, and projects throughout the County.

This employment list may also be used for future Architect vacancies. Please select all of the locations you are willing to work for current and future vacancies on the job application.

BENEFITS: Click on the Benefits Tab above or CLICK HERE for more information on County benefits for this position.
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

POSITION: The County of Santa Barbara’s General Services Department is seeking a highly motivated Architect. The position will report directly to the County’s Capital Division Chief and will be responsible for a wide variety of job duties.

Under direction, performs conceptual design development in conjunction with Capital Division project managers (in AutoCAD format); coordinates internal project permitting for projects ranging in complexity and size; provides code review and compliance support to Capital and Facility/Maintenance (F/M) related projects; provides space planning assessments on an as needed basis; serves as a project team partner to provide planning, master planning and architectural design input for public buildings and improvements; partners with Capital project management staff to develop Request for Proposals (RFPs) for building design and construction; coordinates construction projects with contract architects and affected departments, and performs related work as required.

THE DEPARTMENT: The General Services Department provides support services to other County Departments which include financial services; information and communications technology; purchasing; mail services and surplus property; real property services; vehicle operations; capital improvements; and facilities/maintenance. This position resides in the department’s Capital Projects Division.

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• Knowledge of professional architectural functions;
• Experience in coordinating planning, contract administration, and architectural design;
• A working knowledge of the U.S. Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings and how they apply to the County’s landmark buildings;
• Ability to work with a diverse staff, the public, regulatory agencies, other county departments and the executive management team;
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects occurring simultaneously;
• Ability to be self-motivated, organize and prioritize work, meet deadlines and execute detailed construction plans to completion;
• Ability to make informed, sound decisions supported with data;
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and goals for process improvements;
• Ability to handle high stress situations;
• Ability to prepare and write clear and concise communications, and maintain organized records;
• Ability to process, interpret, and communicate program-specific information to all County staff and the general public;
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information accordingly;
• Ability to work well with internal and external customers;
• Ability to read/interpret plans and specifications;
• Proficient Microsoft Office skills with demonstrated experience (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.);
• Proficient in Autodesk AutoCAD software;
• Ability to demonstrate commitment to the Capital Projects and Facilities/Maintenance (F/M) Division’s shared values, including the following: efficiency, excellent customer service, great teamwork, respect for people and the environment, ethical standards, character, leadership, work-life balance and innovation in the workplace.

Requirements

Performs architectural design for specific General Services Capital and F/M projects, including elevations and floor plans that may be used for bidding through the Job Order Contracting (JOC) method of delivery process; Prepares and reviews cost estimates;Prepares outline specifications for programmed projects;Reviews requests from county departments for construction or remodeling as assigned;Consults with requesting departments to determine design requirements, modifies plans and discusses changes with departments;Coordinates with other departments in the preparation and administration of design and construction contracts;Reviews Zoning requirements for Districts such as land use, setbacks from property boundaries, height requirements, setbacks between buildings, fire sprinkler system requirements, and parking;Ability to conduct code compliance review for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, ADA, fire code, seismic, and green building requirements;Administers design and construction contracts by reviewing designs, specifications, cost estimates, progress reports, invoices, and reviews construction activities to ensure compliance with stipulated project scope and design criteria;Evaluates completed projects and verifies that all contractual terms have been met;Serves as a project partner with GS Capital and F/M project managers on major County projects, including consulting with design architects as a core function of the County project team; Assists with master planning and site development for future utilization of county property;May coordinate staff design, development and production of contract drawings.Specifies materials, methods and equipment for projects;Manages and implements the County permitting process, including the coordination of the permitting forms, code analysis and direction for County project managers, and conduct permitting related inspections during construction.

Assemble and issue the final Certificates of Occupancy (COO) on County related projects (including projects where the County may team with a third party to develop facilities on County-owned properties);Makes interpretations of drawings and specifications, and attempts to resolve disputes.

Qualifications Registration as a professional Architect in the State of California* and Three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in architectural design and construction; 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: Initial appointment may be based on existing registration in another state with ability to obtain California registration within twelve months of appointment. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of architectural design and cost estimation; materials, methods and equipment used in building construction projects; California contract law; principles of project management and CPM scheduling; planning principles and related issues, such as environmental law, zoning, development, and traffic.

Ability to: design and prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates for building projects; effectively communicate orally and in writing especially on project consultation and design; coordinate project design and construction by consultants and contractors; maintain effective relationships with other employees, departments, contractors, and the public.

Additional Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored.

Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire 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.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history, livescan, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

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.



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.

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: Open until filled, first review of applications is on Monday, January 12, 2026. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.



Collin Graham, Senior Talent Acquisition Analyst; cgraham@countyofsb.org