Job Details for U.S. Probation Officer

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess 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, business or public administration. Unquestioned integrity and exemplary character. Less than 37 years old at time of appointment, unless previous federal law enforcement officer experience under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license. The requirements listed above are not subject to substitutions.

Classification Level Requirements

To qualify for appointment at the CL 27, candidates must have two years of specialized experience or completion of the requirements for a master's degree from an accredited college or university. Promotional potential to CL 28 with no further competition.

Specialized Experience is defined as progressively responsible experience as a probation officer, pretrial services officer, or in such fields as parole, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment. Experience as a police, custodial or security officer, other than criminal investigation experience, is not creditable. Also, graduate degrees and/or academic standing based on grade point average (overall 2.9 or better on a 4.0 scale or 3.5 or better in related major field of study), class ranking (upper third), or membership in a National Honor Society may be creditable for portions of the required specialized experience. Applicants without specialized experience may be considered at a lower classification level or for a Probation Officer Assistant position.

Physical requirements and Maximum Entry Age

The duties of probation officers require the investigation and management of convicted criminal offenders who present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of these offenders, these duties require moderate to arduous physical exercise, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity and coordination necessary to operate a firearm, and use of self-defense tactics. On a daily basis, these officers face unusual mental and physical stress because they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals who are convicted of committing federal offenses.

Because officers must effectively deal with physical attacks and are subject to moderate to arduous physical exertion, applicants must be physically capable. Any candidate the court is appointing to an officer or officer assistant position will be subject to a pre-employment medical examination. The applicant must be determined medically qualified prior to commencement of duties.  For additional information on the medical guidelines, please visit www.txwd.uscourts.gov - click on Jobs, then Officer and Officer Assistant Medical Guidelines.

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 law enforcement experience under the Federal Employees’ Retirement System and who have either a subsequent break in service or intervening service in a non-law enforcement officer position may have their previous law enforcement officer experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.

Background Investigation, Drug Screening and Medical Standards

Law enforcement officer applicants invited for a second interview may be subject to an initial background check including credit and criminal record checks. Prior to appointment, the incumbent considered for this position will undergo an extensive medical examination and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the incumbent may then be provisionally appointed. At such time, the incumbent will undergo an extensive Office of Personnel Management (OPM) background investigation. Continued employment will be contingent on successful completion of the OPM investigation. In addition, as a condition 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 and drug screening.