Job Details for U.S. Probation Officer
| Court Name/Organization | Mississippi Southern Probation and Pretrial Services |
| Overview of the Position | Probation officers conduct the investigation and management of alleged criminal offenders or convicted 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 for officer safety, and use of self-defense tactics. Daily, 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 suspected or convicted of committing Federal offenses. |
| Location | Jackson, Hattiesburg, Gulfport, MS |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 01/27/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | CPS CL 27/1 |
| Salary | $59,732 - $116,394 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://www.mssp.uscourts.gov/employment-opportunities |
| Announcement Number | 25-6 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Qualifications
Required Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably 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 and three years of specialized experience*, or completion of a Juris Doctor degree or a master’s degree in a field study closely related to the position such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, or business or public administration. This provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position and is required for all U.S. Probation Officer positions in the Southern District of Mississippi.
*Progressively responsible experience gained after completion of a bachelor’s in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations or work in substance or addiction treatment. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience is not creditable.
Maximum Entry Age
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 federal law enforcement officer experience under Civil Service Retirement System or 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 federal law enforcement experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.
Important Notice
Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo a background investigation, medical examination, and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the background investigation, 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, and may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluation.
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.
Employee Benefits
The U.S. Probation Office falls within the Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government. Judiciary employees serve under “Excepted Appointment” and are considered “At-Will” employees. Benefits include participation in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System which contributes to the Social Security Retirement Program, Federal Employees’ Health Benefits, Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401 K plan with employer matching contributions), paid holidays and annual and sick leave accrual. This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payment of net pay.
A computerized test is required for all qualified candidates.
Candidates must be citizens of the United States of America or be eligible to work in the United States.
Application Info
Applicants must submit:
- A Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment Form AO78
- A resume
- A cover letter which addresses qualifications, skills, and experience necessary to perform the duties.
The documents may be sent via e-mail to mssp_jobs@mssp.uscourts.gov. E-mailed documents must be in PDF format. Please list Vacancy Announcement 25-6 USPO in the subject line. The position is open until filled.
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited for interviews and only those interviewed will receive a response.
Disclosures
The U.S. Probation Office reserves the right to modify the conditions of this vacancy announcement, or fill multiple positions from this vacancy announcement, to withdraw the announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date without prior written notice. The U.S. Probation Office requires employees to adhere to a Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. The court will not reimburse candidates for travel in connection with interviews or pay for any relocation expenses.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.