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Federal Probation Officer Jobs in Springfield, IL

Telecommunicator

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$27.42 - $39.29/hr

... completion of the probationary period. Residency requirements are required based the ... Provides supplemental information to officers and field personnel expeditiously, including but not ...

Federal Probation Officer information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$31.2K

$62.4K

$98.6K

How much do federal probation officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal probation officer in Springfield, IL is $62,405.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,100.00 and $73,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectFederal Probation OfficerFederal Parole Officer
CredentialsBachelor's degree, sometimes required to have a master's; training in criminal justice or related fieldBachelor's degree, often similar training; focus on parole supervision
Work EnvironmentSupervises offenders in the community, works for the U.S. CourtsSupervises parolees post-incarceration, works for the Federal Parole Commission
Employer & IndustryU.S. Courts, federal probation agenciesFederal Parole Commission, federal correction agencies

Both roles involve supervising offenders in the community, ensuring compliance with legal conditions. While Federal Probation Officers work primarily before sentencing or during probation, Federal Parole Officers oversee parolees after release from prison. The roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments but differ in their specific responsibilities and supervising agencies.

What are some common challenges federal probation officers face when managing caseloads, and how are they typically addressed?

Federal Probation Officers often manage large and diverse caseloads, which can include individuals with complex needs such as substance abuse issues, mental health concerns, or histories of violent offenses. Balancing supervision, enforcement, and support requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Officers frequently collaborate with treatment providers, law enforcement, and the courts to coordinate resources and ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions. Ongoing training and support from experienced colleagues help officers adapt and respond to these challenges, while regular team meetings facilitate sharing best practices and problem-solving strategies.

What is a federal probation officer?

Federal Probation Officers are law enforcement professionals who supervise offenders placed on probation or released on parole by federal courts. Their main role is to ensure that these individuals comply with the terms of their release and do not pose a risk to public safety. They conduct investigations, monitor behavior, provide resources for rehabilitation, and report progress to the court. Federal Probation Officers play a key role in helping offenders reintegrate into society while maintaining the conditions set by the judicial system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal probation officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Probation Officer, you need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field, strong judgment, and knowledge of law enforcement procedures. Familiarity with case management systems, risk assessment tools, and court documentation software is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and the ability to handle stressful situations make someone stand out in this role. These skills are essential for ensuring public safety, supporting offender rehabilitation, and maintaining effective case supervision.

What does a federal probation officer do?

As a federal probation officer, your job is to supervise defendants and offenders, provide correctional treatment, maintain personal contacts, and otherwise support the criminal justice system of the United States. In this role, you help provide protection for defendants, investigate potential violations of parole or supervised release agreements, report any possible crime to the appropriate agents, and ensure defendants and offenders appear in court for conviction or acquittal. Federal probation officers also communicate with other persons and organizations, such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons and attorneys involved with a case, to prepare reports, make recommendations, or testify at court hearings. You work exclusively for the federal government, so you may need a security clearance to supervise certain people.

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Federal Probation Officer jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Federal Probation Officer job openings:
Infographic showing various Federal Probation Officer job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,405 per year, or $30 per hour.

$51K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Probation officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement capacity and assist in the fair administration of justice, provide community safety, conduct objective investigations, supervise defendants or offenders, interact with collateral agencies, prepare reports and present recommendations to the Court. The officers hired will be assigned to prepare presentence reports and/or supervise defendants/offenders to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to the community, and to provide cQualifications:Minimum of one year of progressively responsible experience, gained after completion of a bachelor's degree, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, or corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.
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.
Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position is required to undergo an extensive medical examination and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the selectee may then be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable suitability determination by the court. Continued employment will be contingent on successful completion of the OPM investigation. In addition, the incumbent will be subject to ongoing random drug screening and updated background investigations every five years.
The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for probation officers, pretrial services officers, and officer assistants are available for public review at http://www.uscourts.gov.
Because officers must effectively deal with physical attacks and are subject to moderate or arduous physical exertion, applicants must be physically capable. Officers must possess, with or without corrective lenses, good distance vision in at least one eye and the ability to read normal size print. Normal hearing ability, with or without a hearing aid, is also required. In most instances, the amputation of an arm, hand, leg, or foot will not disqualify an applicant from appointment, although it may be necessary for the applicant to use prosthesis to compensate for the amputation. Any severe health problems, however, such as physical defects, disease, and deformities that constitute employment hazards to the applicant or others, may disqualify an applicant. Examples of health problems that may be disqualifying are untreated hernia, cardiovascular disorders, serious deformities or disability of the extremities, mental health disorders, fainting and/or seizures, metabolic disorders, bleeding disorders, pulmonary disorders, and marked speech abnormalities.
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 law enforcement officer experience under the 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 law enforcement officer experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.
Education:Completion of 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, 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.
Education Substitution: Completion of one academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours), of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position equates to one year of specialized experience. Completion of a master's degree in a field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, equates to two years of specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER