CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER

Fresno County; California; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresno County invites applications for the position of Chief Probation Officer. This executive role directs all Probation Department functions, develops policies and objectives, oversees budgeting and staff, and interprets laws and regulations.

The appointment is an exempt civil service position serving at the pleasure of the Fresno County Superior Court. The candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree can substitute for one year of experience) and have at least three years in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Three years of full-time work in a County Probation Department or similar agency at Deputy Chief Probation Officer level or above.
• Must possess a valid Class C driver’s license.
• Must meet peace officer status requirements per applicable laws.

Responsibilities

• Directs all Probation Department functions and activities.
• Develops and evaluates policies, procedures, goals and objectives.
• Oversees the budget, finances and staff.
• Interprets applicable laws, ordinances, regulations and rules.

Skills

Leadership

Policy development

Budget management

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree substitute for 1 year experience

Job description

INTERVIEWS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 16-20, 2026
ALL INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PERSON. REMOTE PARTICIPATION WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.

Scheduled Salary Increase: 1% effective 11/09/26

The County of Fresno and the Fresno County Superior Court invite applications for the position of Chief Probation Officer.

The Chief Probation Officer, in consultation with the Superior Court and the Board of Supervisors, directs all Probation Department functions and activities, develops and evaluates policies, procedures, goals and objectives, oversees the budget, finances and staff, and interprets applicable laws, ordinances, regulations and rules.

As an appointed department head, this position is exempt from Civil Service status, is hired and serves at the pleasure of the Fresno County Superior Court.

Fresno County is working together for a quality of life for all. Our mission is to provide excellent public services to our diverse community.

Education

Possession of a bachelor’s degree that is acceptable within the United States’ accredited college or university system.

Experience

Three (3) years of full‑time, paid work experience in a County Probation Department, or parole or correctional agency, that is equivalent to that gained as a Deputy Chief Probation Officer or above with the County of Fresno.

Substitution

Possession of a master's degree that is acceptable within the United States' accredited college or university system may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

License

Possession of a valid Class “C” driver’s license, or equivalent.

Other

Under California Penal Code Section 830.5, the Chief Probation Officer classification is defined as a Peace Officer. Therefore, candidates must be able to meet all pre‑employment as well as ongoing peace officer status requirements pursuant to federal, state and local legislation.

Note

Recruitment and/or certification may be limited to candidates possessing a specific education background related to the specific position vacancy as authorized by the Director of Human Resources.

As a condition of employment with the Probation Department, candidates must undergo and pass a thorough and rigid background investigation, polygraph, and medical and psychological examinations. The background investigation will require candidates to provide information regarding personal history including legal issues - arrests and/or convictions; personal information - relatives, references, and acquaintances; verification of education, experience and employment; residences; financial status; military service; and vehicle operation history. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive; other relevant areas may be investigated and verified.

• It is the applicant's responsibility to notify Human Resources of any email address, mailing address, and telephone number changes.
• Notices from Human Resources will be sent via email only.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• A complete, accurate Fresno County employment application must be submitted online only and shall include:
  • All education and work experience to demonstrate the applicant meets the minimum qualifications.
  • A valid driver's license number.
  • If education was completed outside the United States' accredited college or university system, documentation that the education is comparable to that received within the United States' system must be provided by the closing date and time of this recruitment.
• Supplemental Questionnaire
• Comprehensive Resume

• Resumes and attachments are not accepted in lieu of a completed employment application.
• Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be disqualified.
• Submissions must be received by the closing date and time of this recruitment. Amendments will not be accepted after the filing deadline.
• Applications submitted via U.S. mail, email, fax, or in person in our office will not be accepted.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Positions in this classification are in Medical Group I - Light Physical Activity (Personnel Rule 8). This group includes positions which require only light physical effort and may include lifting of small, light objects and some bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, and reaching. Considerable walking or standing may be involved.

The County of Fresno is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application, examination, or selection process may contact Human Resources at [phone] at least five days prior to the scheduled date or deadline.

Eligible candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The County of Fresno is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Fresno County to provide employment opportunity for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, or denial of medical family care leave, or any other non-job-related factor.

Analyst: Sidney Thompson