Supervisory U.S. Probation Officer

United States Courts; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Courts in California's Eastern District seeks a Supervisory U.S. Probation Officer for the post-conviction unit based in Modesto.

The role provides leadership, oversight, and direction to probation officers and staff, managing daily operations and ensuring compliance with laws, policies, and procedures. You will supervise staff, review reports, mentor personnel, distribute workload, and coordinate with judges, law enforcement, and service providers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university.
• Three years of specialized experience with probation/pretrial services preferred.
• Strong leadership and staff development abilities.
• Knowledge of federal probation, sentencing guidelines, and relevant laws.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, direct, and evaluate probation officers and staff.
• Manage post-conviction investigations unit operations and workload.
• Review reports, recommendations, and court documents.
• Mentor staff and address personnel issues as needed.
• Collaborate with judges, law enforcement, and community partners.
• Develop policies and drive program improvements.
• Analyze operational data and prepare performance reports.
• Participate in strategic planning and program development.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

Policy understanding

Analytical skills

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PACTS

Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

Job Details for Supervisory U.S. Probation Officer

Court Name/Organization California Eastern Probation Office

Overview of the Position The U.S. Probation Office for the Eastern District of California is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as a Supervisory U.S. Probation Officer for a post-conviction unit. This position provides leadership, oversight, and direction to probation officers and support staff responsible for conducting post-conviction duties. The Supervisory U.S. Probation Officer is responsible for managing daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures, and promoting excellence in service delivery through effective leadership and staff development. We offer a stable, positive, and professional work environment, a competitive salary range and full federal benefits. Our agency is comprised of 75 staff members, and our district headquarters is in Sacramento with a divisional office in Fresno. There are also field offices in Roseville, Redding, Modesto, Visalia, and Bakersfield. Geographically, the Eastern District of California includes 34 counties in the central valley from the Oregon border to Bakersfield.

• Supervise, direct, and evaluate the performance of probation officers and support personnel
• Manage daily operations of the post-conviction investigations unit to ensure efficient and effective case management
• Monitor workload distribution, case assignments, and staff productivity
• Review and approve reports, recommendations, assessments, and other court-related documents
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for unit staff
• Address personnel matters, including performance management and disciplinary actions when necessary
• Collaborate with judges, court administrators, law enforcement agencies, treatment providers, and community partners
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to improve unit performance
• Analyze operational data and prepare reports regarding unit activities and outcomes
• Participate in strategic planning and program development initiatives
• Occasionally may perform the duties of a probation officer
• Performs related duties as required by the Chief, Deputy Chief or Assistant Deputy Chief Probation Officers

Qualifications

The incumbent must possess a thorough knowledge of the following: the criminal justice system; federal probation and parole legal requirements; policies and procedures; sentencing guidelines and applicable case law; investigative and supervision techniques; and the roles, responsibilities, and relationships among the Federal Courts, U.S. Parole Commission, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The incumbent must also have a thorough understanding of PACTS and demonstrate the ability to use PACTS reports and data to analyze and guide the work of officers. He or she must further demonstrate the ability to use PACTS data to assess trends and ensure evidence-based practices.

The incumbent should possess the ability to work with law enforcement agencies at different governmental levels, community service providers, and other courts, and skill in applying various statutes and implementing regulations. He or she must have the ability to communicate orally and in writing, both clearly and concisely, with a variety of persons such as judicial officers, attorneys, and offenders. He or she must possess a working knowledge of legal research techniques, database and spreadsheet software, and skill in using personal computers and computer software (i.e., Word, Outlook, and other Windows-based software approved for office use.)

The ability to perform all the duties/responsibilities required of the personnel directly supervised; develop or accept recommendations from subordinates to increase productivity or quality; keep subordinates informed of the policies and procedures of the organization as a whole; assure equity among subordinate units in terms of performance standards, rating techniques of employees, and work performed; recommend or advise superiors on proposed changes to enhance the overall capability/productivity of the total organization; assist with employee problems when possible, and effecting disciplinary actions when required.

Possess demonstrated experience and temperament supervising a variety of cases and making required judgements to balance the responsibilities of executing the court’s orders, protecting the public, and addressing the needs of those under supervision.

Required Education

All probation officer positions require completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in this position.

General Experience

By the closing date of this announcement, to qualify at the CL 30 level, the applicant must possess a minimum of three years of specialized experience, including at least one year as a probation/pretrial services officer in the U.S. Courts.

Preferred Experience

Current U.S. Probation Officer experience is preferred. The candidate must have demonstrated and sustained exceptional performance.

Management Experience

To qualify at this level, applicants must meet the above experience requirements. In addition, the applicant must have experience and skills in dealing with others in person-to-person work relationships, the ability to exercise mature judgment, a thorough knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, and theories of management, and the ability to understand the managerial policies applicable to the court unit involved.

Specialized Experience

Progressively responsible experience in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment, public administration, human relations, social work, psychology, or mental health. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigation experience is not considered specialized experience.

Background Investigation, Drug Screening and Medical Standards

U. S. Probation Officers transferring to another district are not required to undergo a medical examination, drug testing or the initial OPM background investigation. However, all applicable standards for the background reinvestigation apply. The Chief U.S. Probation Officer of the receiving district may, at his or her discretion, request drug and/or medical testing be conducted if, through direct observation or objective evidence, finds an officer is unable to perform the essential job functions, as defined in the medical guidelines. Also, at the Chief’s discretion, the most recent reinvestigation report completed on behalf of the officer may be examined.

The U.S. Probation Office, Eastern Judicial District of California, is headquartered in Sacramento, with offices in Roseville, Redding, Modesto, Fresno (Divisional Office), Visalia, and Bakersfield.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.