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County Probation Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

City of Turlock

Police Officer II

Turlock, CA · On-site

$8.0K - $9.7K/mo

... probation $5,000 upon completion of 3 years of service from swearing-in date Veteran who is ... County and State laws. Conducts various investigations including neighborhood disturbances ...

L.I.F.E.

Behavior Technician

Merced, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

E. ) is hiring for entry to experienced level Behavior Technicians (BT) for Merced county! L.I.F.E ... probationary period). * $75 monthly Attendance Bonus for staff who average 15 hours/week. * $75 ...

LA FAMILIA

SUD Counselor

Merced, CA

$27.07 - $31.10/hr

The SUD counselor will work closely with the FSP team and Merced County BHRS supporting clients in ... Represent clients and advocate on their behalf with probation officers, law officials, etc.

All JobsCounty Probation JobsCounty Probation Jobs in Merced, CA

County Probation information

See Merced, CA salary details

$33.3K

$66.5K

$105.1K

How much do county probation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for county probation in Merced, CA is $66,493.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $78,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by county probation officers in managing their caseloads?

County probation officers often manage large and diverse caseloads, which can be challenging due to the varying needs and risk levels of clients. Balancing administrative tasks, such as documentation and court reports, with fieldwork and direct supervision requires strong organizational skills. Officers may encounter resistance or noncompliance from clients, so effective communication and problem-solving abilities are essential. Additionally, collaboration with law enforcement, social services, and the courts is frequent, requiring flexibility and teamwork. Staying updated on legal and procedural changes is also important to ensure compliance and best outcomes.

Where do county probation officers make the most money?

County probation officers tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and larger populations, such as urban areas or counties with greater budgets for criminal justice. Factors like experience, education, and specialized certifications can also influence salary levels across different counties.

What classes do you need to become a county probation officer?

To become a county probation officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field. Relevant coursework includes criminal law, juvenile justice, and social services; some positions may require additional training or certification in areas like case management or conflict resolution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county probation officer?

To thrive as a County Probation Officer, you need a background in criminal justice, social work, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and state certification. Knowledge of case management software, legal documentation systems, and electronic monitoring tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills help officers build rapport with clients and manage complex caseloads. These skills are crucial for ensuring compliance with court orders, supporting rehabilitation, and maintaining community safety.

What is the difference between County Probation vs County Parole Officer?

AspectCounty ProbationCounty Parole Officer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field; some positions may require certificationSimilar educational requirements; often requires parole-specific training or certification
Work EnvironmentWorks within the probation department, supervising offenders on probation in community settingsWorks within parole agencies, supervising offenders released from prison in community settings
Employer & IndustryCounty government, criminal justice systemCounty government, criminal justice system
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping roles in offender supervisionRelated but focuses on offenders transitioning from incarceration to community

County Probation and County Parole Officer roles both involve supervising offenders in the community, but probation officers typically oversee individuals on probation, while parole officers supervise those released from prison. Both positions require similar educational backgrounds and work within county criminal justice agencies, serving different stages of offender rehabilitation.

What is a county probation officer?

County probation officers are professionals who supervise individuals who have been placed on probation instead of serving time in jail or prison. They monitor offenders' compliance with court-ordered conditions, provide support and resources for rehabilitation, and ensure public safety. Their duties often include conducting regular check-ins, coordinating with treatment providers, preparing reports for the court, and sometimes working with victims. Probation officers play a crucial role in helping offenders reintegrate into the community while holding them accountable for their actions.
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for County Probation jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most County Probation job openings:
County Probation jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Probation job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,493 per year, or $32 per hour.

Supervising Juvenile Institutions Officer - Extra-Help Supervising Juvenile Institutions Officer

Merced County, CA

Merced, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Salary : $90,584.00 - $110,115.20 Annually
Location : Merced County Probation Department, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2600510
Department: Probation
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 11 Probation Supervising Employees
Examples of Duties
This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay is $43.55 per hour.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Consults with management and coordinates with Juvenile Facility Staff and others regarding conduct, attitudes and special problems of juveniles.
  • Plans the care, supervision and guidance of assigned juveniles and oversees and enforces discipline and order.
  • Takes necessary action and alerts proper authorities in emergency situations.
  • Use appropriate level of force, when necessary, for the purpose of stopping and/or restraining a combative youth.
  • Oversees the maintenance of logs and reports and completes reports as required.
  • Maintains security and maintenance of the facilities including key control and ensuring safety and sanitation standards are adhered to in compliance with laws, statutes and regulations governing juveniles' institutional care and facility.
  • Distributes prescription and non-prescription medicine to juveniles as directed by medical authority.
  • Trains, supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned staff.
  • Plans, assigns, reassigns and supervises the work of Juvenile Institutions Officers on an assigned shift and obtains relief workers as required.
  • Assists in the implementation of policy changes or, as assigned, develops and implements policy.
  • Conducts internal administrative and background investigations and prepares reports.

Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
Four (4) years of full-time experience in probation/parole field casework or similar work in a related correctional field. Past experience providing care, supervision and guidance to delinquent and emotionally disturbed juveniles in an institution or alternative sentencing program preferred.
Education:
Graduation from a four (4) year accredited college or university with a degree. (One year graduate training in the field of Criminology, Public Administration, Psychology, Sociology, or similar field may be substituted for no more than one (1) year of the required experience.)
OR
Graduation from a two (2) year Community College with a degree plus two (2) years of additional qualifying experience noted above.
License:
Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.
Certificates:
California Penal Code Section 832 requirements regarding arrest, search and seizure.
Possession of Board of Corrections Certificate for Juvenile Institutions Officer or Deputy Probation Officer Core Training and evidence of continued compliance with annual training requirements.
Possess and maintain valid First Aid and CPR Certificates.
Training:
Training and background which will meet the requirements of California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031.
Essential Functions
  • Operate a personal computer and other modern office equipment.
  • Effectively plan, organize, assign, direct, assist, train, supervise and evaluate within policy the work of staff involved in the custody, care, supervision and guidance of juveniles during an assigned shift at a Juvenile Facility and/or alternative sentencing programs for juveniles, and/or during transportation detail.
  • Performs duties effectively on all assigned shifts.
  • Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
  • Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
  • Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports.
  • Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines and under stressful conditions.
  • Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
  • Comprehend and follow written and oral instructions.
  • Write clear and concise reports.
  • Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
  • Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
  • Frequently kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
  • Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
  • Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
  • When necessary for safety or youth/staff, lift and move with/without help objects weighing up to 150 pounds.
  • Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
  • Sit, stand or walk for long periods of time.
  • Regular attendance is an essential function.
  • Must be free from any physical, mental or emotional condition that might adversely affect the exercise of Peace Officer powers.
Knowledge of:
  • Provisions of the California Penal, Welfare and Institutions, Civil, Education, Vehicle, Health and Safety and Administrative Codes pertaining to the Department's functions.
  • Department Policy and Procedure Manual.
  • Principles and methods of providing care, supervision and guidance to delinquent and emotionally disturbed juveniles.
  • Principles and methods of supervision and training of staff providing care, supervision and guidance to delinquent and emotionally disturbed juveniles.
  • Growth, development, needs and problems of children.
  • Individual and group guidance techniques.
  • Behavior modification and crisis intervention techniques.
  • Security precautions associated with juvenile detention.
  • Knowledge of employee performance evaluation, grievance and disciplinary practices and procedures.
Ability to:
  • Apply principles of training and staff development.
  • Apply First Aid & CPR Techniques.
  • Provide support and direction to individual minors and groups of minors, as needed.
  • Exercise good judgment in day-to-day activities and in controlling disturbances.
  • Effectively enforce and interpret Juvenile Facility and other alternative sentencing programs, rules, regulations and policies.
  • Respond quickly and use good judgment in emergencies.
  • Deal fairly and effectively with subordinates and minors.
  • Prepare and present clear and concise reports.
  • Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with those contacted in the course of employment.
  • Speak effectively to groups of people on probation work and juvenile delinquency prevention.
  • Effectively represent the Merced County Probation Department with the Superior court system, public, community organizations, and other government agencies.

HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums.
  • Anthem 500 EPO
  • Anthem 1500 EPO
  • Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
Dental Insurance - Delta Dental
  • County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
Vision Insurance - VSP
  • County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
DISABILITY INSURANCE
Management Disability Insurance
  • Unit 11 Supervising Probation Officers - 100% premium paid by employer
LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • Unit 11 Supervising Probation Officers $40,000
Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pre-tax or post-tax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7356.
01
Do you possess the California Penal Code Section 832 requirements regarding arrest, search, and seizure?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you possess Board of Corrections Certificate for Juvenile Institutions Officer or Deputy Probation Officer Core Training and evidence of continued compliance with annual training requirements?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you met the training and background requirements per California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you possess a valid First Aid and CPR Certificates?
  • Yes
  • No

05
This recruitment is being established to fill both full-time and part-time positions. Please indicate below all types of work you would be willing to accept:
  • Full Time Only
  • Part Time Only
  • Either Full Time or Part Time

Required Question

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