Probation Officer Jobs
Probation Officer jobs are open across county, state, and federal government agencies at every level from entry-level officer to senior and supervisory roles, with specializations in adult supervision, juvenile probation, and pre-trial services. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
Find Probation Officer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 13+ Probation Officer jobs
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, behavioral sciences, social work, or related field and one year of related professional experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Must satisfactorily complete local, state and national criminal history and fingerprint checks. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.
Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
Position Summary
This is responsible professional work counseling juveniles and adults in activities related to legal conditions of probation for the Alachua County Department of Court Services/Alternative Sentencing program.
An employee assigned to this classification confers with offenders, legal representatives, family members, and other concerned persons, and reviews documents pertaining to legal and social history of the offender to conduct pre-hearing and/or pre-sentencing investigations and to formulate rehabilitation plans.
Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of the results obtained.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.
- Exudes a positive customer service focus.
- Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.
- Conducts intake on all clients ordered to perform a period of probation by the Courts.
- Instructs probationers on all conditions of probation; makes treatment referrals; develops payment contracts with probationers; and makes referrals for employment assistance.
- Makes contact with clients in the field and office according to established risk classification. Contacts are also made with family members, employers, and significant others on a monthly basis.
- Conducts investigations; pre-sentence, post-sentence and special investigations involving verification of pertinent information related to social background, criminal history, substance abuse, employment history, family structure and mental health history.
- Reports compliance/non-compliance of court order and conditions through early termination requests or violation of probation hearings.
- Monitors treatment compliance by established review with local treatment agencies.
- Inputs case management data into the Court Alternatives information management system.
- Serves as Officer of the Day to provide coverage of daily operations for officers who are not present in the office.
- Maintains records on all cases.
- Compiles information to ensure accurate statistics are available for monthly reports.
- Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Considerable knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to parole and probation in the State of Florida.
- Knowledge of the operation of the Alachua County criminal justice system.
- Knowledge of community employment resources including business organizations and employment agencies.
- Knowledge of procedures and legalities involved in conducting pre-sentence and post-sentence investigations as well as other special investigations.
- Knowledge of basic theory and current practice in the treatment of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and mental illness.
- Ability to access probationers in emergency situations and implement solutions for resolution of problems.
- Ability to plan, organize work, and manage time effectively.
- Ability to relate to and react to the needs of probationers in the area of securing employment.
- Ability to objectively evaluate personal requests of probationers and make responsible decisions.
- Ability to create and maintain accurate records within a computerized system.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to prepare and organize written reports.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with probationers, judges, law enforcement personnel, other County employees and the general public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Standard business hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, but schedules may be adjusted to meet the needs of the department and clients served.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, behavioral sciences, social work, or related field and one year of related professional experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Must satisfactorily complete local, state and national criminal history and fingerprint checks. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.
Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
Position Summary
This is responsible professional work counseling juveniles and adults in activities related to legal conditions of probation for the Alachua County Department of Court Services/Alternative Sentencing program.
An employee assigned to this classification confers with offenders, legal representatives, family members, and other concerned persons, and reviews documents pertaining to legal and social history of the offender to conduct pre-hearing and/or pre-sentencing investigations and to formulate rehabilitation plans.
Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of the results obtained.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.
- Exudes a positive customer service focus.
- Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.
- Conducts intake on all clients ordered to perform a period of probation by the Courts.
- Instructs probationers on all conditions of probation; makes treatment referrals; develops payment contracts with probationers; and makes referrals for employment assistance.
- Makes contact with clients in the field and office according to established risk classification. Contacts are also made with family members, employers, and significant others on a monthly basis.
- Conducts investigations; pre-sentence, post-sentence and special investigations involving verification of pertinent information related to social background, criminal history, substance abuse, employment history, family structure and mental health history.
- Reports compliance/non-compliance of court order and conditions through early termination requests or violation of probation hearings.
- Monitors treatment compliance by established review with local treatment agencies.
- Inputs case management data into the Court Alternatives information management system.
- Serves as Officer of the Day to provide coverage of daily operations for officers who are not present in the office.
- Maintains records on all cases.
- Compiles information to ensure accurate statistics are available for monthly reports.
- Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Considerable knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to parole and probation in the State of Florida.
- Knowledge of the operation of the Alachua County criminal justice system.
- Knowledge of community employment resources including business organizations and employment agencies.
- Knowledge of procedures and legalities involved in conducting pre-sentence and post-sentence investigations as well as other special investigations.
- Knowledge of basic theory and current practice in the treatment of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and mental illness.
- Ability to access probationers in emergency situations and implement solutions for resolution of problems.
- Ability to plan, organize work, and manage time effectively.
- Ability to relate to and react to the needs of probationers in the area of securing employment.
- Ability to objectively evaluate personal requests of probationers and make responsible decisions.
- Ability to create and maintain accurate records within a computerized system.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to prepare and organize written reports.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with probationers, judges, law enforcement personnel, other County employees and the general public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Standard business hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, but schedules may be adjusted to meet the needs of the department and clients served.
See All Probation Officer Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any probation officer role that fits.
Find Probation Officer JobsProbation Officer Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- State of Wyoming3
- State of New Mexico2
- State of Oklahoma2
- State of West Virginia2
- Alachua County Board of County Commissioners1
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector8
- Law & Legal Services5
- Education1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in probation officer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field
- Valid state probation officer certification or eligibility to obtain it upon hire
- Experience conducting risk and needs assessments using tools such as LSI-R or ORAS
- Ability to pass a background check, polygraph, and drug screening
- Proficiency in case management software and electronic reporting systems
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for field supervision visits
Tips for Your Probation Officer Job Search
Tailor your resume to each jurisdiction
County, state, and federal probation agencies each weight different experience. Highlight caseload management numbers, risk-assessment tools you've used like LSI-R or ORAS, and any court-ordered service coordination so your resume matches the specific posting's language.
Earn your certification before applying
Many jurisdictions require POST certification, a state-specific probation officer license, or completion of a corrections academy before you can be hired. Research your target state's requirements and complete any mandated training so you clear the minimum qualifications screening.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists probation officer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by supervision population
Adult felony supervision, juvenile caseloads, and pre-trial monitoring require different documented competencies. Target openings that match your actual experience so your application doesn't get screened out for a population type you haven't directly supervised.
Prepare scenario answers around risk and safety
Probation officer interviews rely heavily on behavioral and situational questions about de-escalating a non-compliant client, responding to a violation, or managing a high-risk caseload. Draft specific examples from your fieldwork before the interview and practice them out loud.
Negotiate your step placement, not just the title
Civil service pay scales are usually fixed by grade, but many agencies let you negotiate the step within a grade based on prior experience. Document your years of directly relevant supervision experience before your offer conversation so you can argue for a higher starting step.
Probation Officer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most probation officers?
The companies hiring the most probation officers right now include State of Wyoming, State of New Mexico, and State of Oklahoma, with the largest share of openings in Wyoming, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. County and state departments of corrections consistently post the highest volume of openings year-round.
How many probation officer jobs are remote?
About 0% of probation officer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how much of the role involves in-person home visits, court appearances, and direct client contact. Administrative, case review, and pre-trial intake functions are the sub-areas most likely to include a remote component.
How do you become a probation officer?
Becoming a probation officer typically starts with earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology. You then apply to a county, state, or federal probation department, pass a background investigation and physical fitness test, and complete a state-mandated training academy. Many jurisdictions require you to obtain a probation officer certification before carrying a full caseload independently.
Can you get hired as a probation officer with little experience?
Yes, many jurisdictions hire entry-level probation officers directly from college with no prior fieldwork, as long as you meet the degree and background requirements. Internships with courts, parole boards, or juvenile justice agencies give your application a competitive edge. Volunteer work in substance abuse counseling, social services, or community corrections demonstrates the interpersonal skills agencies look for in new hires.
What does the probation officer interview process look like?
Most probation officer hiring processes include a written exam or skills assessment, a structured panel interview with supervisors and HR, and a background investigation that covers criminal history, credit, and references. Some agencies add a polygraph and a psychological evaluation before extending a conditional offer. The full process from application to start date often runs several months because each step must clear before the next begins.
Where can I find and apply to probation officer jobs?
You can find and apply to probation officer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, supervision population preference, and location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All Probation Officer Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any probation officer role that fits.
Find Probation Officer Jobs