Summary
U.S. Probation Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement capacity and assist in the fair administration of justice, provide community safety, conduct objective investigations, supervise persons under supervision, interact with outside agencies and community members, and prepare reports and present recommendations to the court.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE:
First-time appointees to positions covered under law enforcement officer retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants 37 or over who have previous federal law enforcement officer experience under the Civil Service Retirement System or Federal Employees' Retirement System and who have a subsequent break in service may have their previous federal law enforcement experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.
MEDICAL AND BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS:
The duties of U.S. Probation Officers require the investigation and management of persons under supervision who present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of these persons, these duties require moderate to arduous physical exercise, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity and coordination necessary for officer safety, and use of self-defensive tactics. On a daily basis, officers face unusual mental and physical stress because they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals who are charged with criminal offenses or convicted of committing federal offenses.
The medical requirements for law enforcement officer positions are available for public review on www.uscourts.gov by searching for Officer and Officer Assistant Medical Requirements. Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo a medical examination, complete a ten-year background investigation and a drug screening. Upon successful completion of all components, the selectee will be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable suitability determination by the Court. In addition, as conditions of employment, the incumbent will be subject to ongoing random drug screening, updated background investigations every five years, and as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations.
Qualifications
Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible experience, gained after completion of a bachelor's degree, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment. Experience as a police officer, custodial. or security officer, without any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience as a probation officer on a federal, state or county level is desirable.
- Knowledge of federal law and the criminal justice system and how it relates to the roles and functions of a United States Probation Officer.
- Strong familiarity with techniques in supervising persons under supervision. Skill in working with violent and/or difficult individuals and implementing negotiation and motivation techniques.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Superior attention to detail.
- Knowledge of automated/internet resources and systems available for conducting background checks, criminal histories, and other investigative databases.
Education
Applicants must possess a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business or public administration, which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relation skills involved in the position. In addition to possessing a four-year degree, applicants must also have two years of specialized experience or the completion of a master's degree in a field of study closely related to the position or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.