Probation Officer

Position Overview

United States Probation Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement position and assist in the fair administration of justice. Incumbents promote community safety, gather information, supervise defendants, interact with collateral agencies, prepare reports, conduct investigations, and present recommendations to the court. Regular travel is required. Officers must be available to work untraditional hours, including evening hours.

• Investigative Officer Duties: Conduct investigations, prepare reports for the court, interview offenders and families, investigate financial status, contact agencies, apply sentencing guidelines, and testify in court.
• Supervision Officer Duties: Supervise released offenders, maximize adherence to conditions, reduce risk, investigate employment and associates, and prepare written reports and disclosure recommendations.
• Officer Assistant Duties: Assist officers in investigations, visit law enforcement and court agencies, collect record information, conduct urine tests, and maintain records.

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business or public administration.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Less than 37 years old at appointment unless prior federal law enforcement officer experience under FERS.
• Unquestioned integrity and exemplary character.

• CL 27:
  Two years specialized experience or completion of a master’s degree. Promotional potential to CL 28 with no further competition.
• Specialized experience: progressive responsible experience as a probation officer, pretrial services officer, parole, criminal investigations or substance/addiction treatment. Police, custodial or security officer experience is not creditable.
• Graduate degrees and academic standing may be creditable for portions of required specialized experience.

Moderate to arduous physical exercise is required. Ability to walk, stand, operate a firearm, and use self‑defense tactics is essential. Applicants must be physically capable and will undergo a pre‑employment medical examination.

Applicants will undergo an extensive background investigation, drug screening and medical examination prior to appointment. OPM background investigation is required for continued employment. Ongoing random drug screening and background investigations every five years will be conducted.

Submit a cover letter, résumé and copies of college transcripts. The cover letter must include the following information:

• Position Title
• Job Number
• Email Address
• Bilingual:
  English/Spanish (fluency desirably but not required)
• Year bachelor’s degree received
• Date of Birth (including year born)

The United States Probation Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and seeking U.S. citizenship. All applicants are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Employees of the U.S. Courts serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered at‑will employees (except for probation officers who may be removed for cause).

The United States Courts reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or withdraw the announcement. More than one position may be filled from this posting. Please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for more information.