Federal Magistrate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview Position: United States Pretrial Services Officer Closing Date: July 22, 2026 Starting Salary: Up to CL 27/13, $67,205 (Salary commensurate with experience.) Transfers within the Judiciary will be considered for a salary match up to CL 28. Location: Alpine, Texas Position Overview: The United States Pretrial Services Office for the Western District of Texas is currently accepting applications for the position of Pretrial Services Officer in Alpine, Texas. Pretrial Services Officers assist the courts with reducing unnecessary pretrial detention by providing timely, objective, and verified background information to the Court on defendants charged with federal offenses

The information provided to the Court is used in setting reasonable, least restrictive bail conditions. A recommendation of release or detention is made to the Court, with or without special conditions, to reasonably assure community safety and appearances at future Court hearings. Defendants are supervised by Pretrial Services until the case is resolved.

Responsibilities Conducts thorough investigations, including gathering and verifying background information on defendants charged with federal criminal offenses when they are arrested or summoned to the court. Gathers background information through interviews with the defendant, arresting authorities, U.S. Attorney's Office, family, and community members; Evaluates information and prepares a bail report to the federal magistrate judge prior to the initial hearing with an assessment of risk of nonappearance and danger to the community

Makes well-supported recommendations to the Court regarding bond options; Enforces court-ordered supervision components/conditions and implements supervision strategies in accordance with local and national policies. Conditions can include referrals for substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, drug and alcohol testing, location monitoring, etc. Conducts risk assessments on defendants being interviewed; Supervises defendants being released by the Court.

Makes regular telephone contacts, home visits, and community contacts as required by the conditions of release, national and local policies. Assists defendants with securing any necessary employment, medical, legal or social services; Develops appropriate supervision plans for defendants and completes case reviews due monthly. Conducts criminal record checks quarterly on defendants under supervision to ensure compliance.

Notifies the Court and U.S. Attorney's Office of violations of pretrial release. Prepares violation petitions/reports and makes recommendations to the Court regarding all apparent violations of pretrial release conditions; Maintains accurate case records on each case as required by local and national policies; Schedules and conducts drug/alcohol use detection tests of defendants under supervision, following established procedures and protocols

Maintains paper and computerized records of test results. Maintains compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees and court confidentiality requirements/regulations. Performs all other related duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Preferred Qualifications 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. Physical requirements and Maximum Entry Age: The duties of pretrial services officers require the investigation and management of defendants who present physical danger to officers and to the public

In the supervision, treatment, and control of these defendants, 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 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. Application Procedure Qualified candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and copy of college transcripts for Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree, if applicable, to www.txwpt.uscourts.gov > Court Info > Jobs > Current Employment Opportunities & Online Application

No late applications will be considered. Local candidates will receive priority consideration. To be considered, the following must be included in the cover letter: Position Title Job Number Email Address Bilingual: English/Spanish or not - Fluency in English and Spanish is desirable but not required.

Year in which Bachelor's Degree was received Date of Birth, including year born The United States Courts reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice. More than one position may be filled from this posting. In the event that a position becomes vacant within the district in a similar classification, within a reasonable time of the original announcement, the Court Unit Executive may elect to select a candidate from the applicants who responded to the original announcement without posting the position.

The Court is not authorized to reimburse travel expenses for interviews or relocation. This position is subject to mandatory electronic direct deposit of salary payments. All applicants must be a U.S

citizen or must be a lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) and seeking U.S. citizenship. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed

Employees of the U.S. Courts serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered "at-will" employees (except for probation officers who may be removed for cause). All employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees (available for review upon request)

Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation is needed. Please visit www.txwpt.uscourts.gov for more information The United States Pretrial Services Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.