U.S. Probation Officer

Alabama Middle Probation and Pretrial Services Office; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Courts in Montgomery, AL is seeking a Probation and Pretrial Services Officer to investigate, prepare reports, and advise on sentencing under U.S. Sentencing Commission guidelines. You will interview offenders, compile background data, and present findings to the court.

The role includes supervising offenders, developing supervision plans, and coordinating with agencies to ensure compliance and mitigate risk. A strong command of legal terminology and sound judgment are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, or related field.
• One year of specialized probation-related experience.
• Master's degree and related experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with legal terminology and processes.
• Demonstrated computer skills (Windows, Word).

Responsibilities

• Investigates, prepares reports, and makes sentencing recommendations.
• Interview offenders and collect background data.
• Present reports to the court and testify in court.
• Supervise offenders and develop supervision plans.
• Monitor adherence to conditions and report violations.
• Coordinate with agencies concerning offender behavior and compliance.
• Prepare disposition recommendations and revocation reports.

Skills

Criminal justice knowledge

Counseling offenders

Oral and written communication

Basic computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

One year specialized experience

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Windows OS

Job description

Court Name/Organization Alabama Middle Probation and Pretrial Services Office

Location Montgomery, AL

Opening and Closing Dates 11/04/2026 - Open Until Filled

Appointment Type Permanent

Classification Level/Grade CL 25 - CL 28

Salary $51,419 - $116,394

Announcement Number 26-03

Position Description

Investigates, prepares reports, and makes recommendations for sentencing of individuals, which requires interviewing offenders and their families, as well as collecting background data from various sources. An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of the U. S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines and relevant case law. Presents presentence report and sentencing recommendations to the court. Responds to judicial officer’s request for information and advice. Testifies in court as to the basis for factual findings and guideline applications. Analyzes any objections to the presentence report and determines appropriate course of action, including resolving disputed issues and/or presenting unresolved issues to the court for resolution.

Representative Supervision Duties

Supervises offenders to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to the community, and provide correctional treatment as necessary. Develops and implements supervision plans. Supervises offenders through home and community contacts. Investigates employment/sources of income, lifestyle and associates to assess risk and compliance factors. Communicates with other organizations and persons concerning offenders’ behavior and adherence to conditions of supervision. Detects and investigates violations and implements appropriate sanctions or alternatives, and reports violations to the appropriate authorities. Prepares reports, which may include application of U. S. Sentencing Commission revocation guidelines. Makes recommendations for disposition. Testifies at court hearings.

Qualifications

Broad knowledge of criminal justice system. Ability to evaluate and apply statutes and implement regulations. Good knowledge of investigative and supervision techniques. Knowledge or experience of how other judicial processes/proceedings relate to his/her position, i.e., Federal Courts, Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, U. S. Attorney’s Office, Federal Public Defender’s Office, etc. Skill in counseling offenders to obtain and maintain compliance with the conditions of their release. Skill in communicating orally and in writing, and in working with judges, counsel, and other law enforcement agencies. Knowledge of community resources. Basic computer skills.

Required Education/Experience

Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study, such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, or business or public administration, which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position. One-year specialized experience. Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible experience gained after completion of the bachelor’s degree in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, law, corrections, counseling, criminal investigations, and substance/addiction treatment. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable. A master’s degree and related experience is preferred.

Additional Qualifications Desired

• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to deal with multiple demands in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with legal terminology and processes
• Ability to exercise mature judgment
• Demonstrated computer skills (keyboard, Windows, Word)

Age Requirement

First time appointees to positions covered under law enforcement officer retirement provision must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of the appointment. Applicants 37 or over who have previous law enforcement officer experience under the Federal Employees’ Retirement System, may have this previous experience subtracted from their age requirement.

Employee Benefits

Employees of the U.S. Probation Office are not classified under Civil Service but are entitled to many of the same benefits. These benefits include:

• 13 paid vacation days each year for the first three years of employment, thereafter, up to 26 days each year and paid sick leave.
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), life insurance options, Thrift Savings Plan plus Social Security. Officers qualify for hazardous duty retirement benefits and are eligible to retire at age 50 with 20 years of federal law enforcement service. Age 57 is the mandatory retirement age, with 20 years of federal law enforcement service.
• Participation in the Federal Health Insurance Program.
• Eleven paid holidays each year.
• Excellent opportunities for within grade salary increase and grade increases based upon performance

Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo an OPM background investigation, a medical examination, and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the selectee may then be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable suitability determination by the court. In addition, as conditions of employment, 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 and drug screening. The selectee will be required to attend and successfully complete the training academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center on a TDY status. New officers must have a degree of physical fitness to enable them to complete this training. Officers will also be expected to maintain a level of physical fitness necessary to effectively respond to life-threatening situations in the performance of their duties. This position requires the incumbent to carry a firearm and qualify and maintain firearms proficiency. Persons who have been convicted of felonies and certain misdemeanors, including a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (Title 18, U. S. C. section 922(g)(9)) are not eligible to possess a firearm or ammunition. The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for probation officers, pretrial officers and officer assistants are available for public review on the U.S. Courts website . A written test may be required for all qualified candidates unless you are currently a federal probation officer or pretrial officer seeking a transfer. Mandatory electronic funds transfer for payment of net pay Applicants must be a citizen of the United States. Only those applicants considered for an interview will receive further notification in writing. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the job announcement, any of which actions may occur without any prior written notice. The court requires employees to adhere to a Code of Ethics and Conduct which is available to applicants for review upon request. This position is considered an at-will position. Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.