Kern County Probation Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Information Shift Pay: 5%additional pay for evening shift work; 7.5% additional pay for night shift work. Applicants must be able and willing to work any shift of a 24-hour period and any 5 of 7 days. Applicants must be willing to work in any outlying county area, as assigned

EXAMINATION SCHEDULE: Written Exam (In-person): September 18, 2026 Written Exam (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of the development, behavior, physical and psychological needs of youth; techniques of counseling and de-escalation; treatment modalities; evidence based practices and programs including best practice program models; youth disabilities; trauma informed approaches; Probation Department programs, policies and procedures. Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process. Employment Standards Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university Three (3) years of experience in a California Probation Department operated youth facility in a position comparable to the Youth Services Officer classification, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

One additional year of college may be substituted for one year of required experience A valid California Class C Driver's License is required at time of appointment. Specialized licenses may be required depending upon assignment. For those positions requiring the use of a firearm while on duty, successful completion of firearms qualification exams are required.

Applicants must meet the minimum Peace Officer Standards as defined in the California Penal Code, Section 830.5 and the California Government Code, Sections 1029 and 1031. Applicants must have a reputation of honesty and trustworthiness. A felony conviction will be disqualifying and convictions for misdemeanors and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Appointees will be fingerprinted and will be required to pass an extensive background investigation. ***Applicants must attach a copy of their degree or transcripts verifying the completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university, by the final filing deadline of September 4, 2026. (If unable to attach your documents, please e-mail them to nacket@kerncounty.com)

Physical Requirements Applicants must have the ability to run a distance of 200 yards within 50 seconds, drag a weight of 100 pounds 22 yards within 20 seconds and push a 75 pound sled continuously for 30 seconds. Medical Examination A thorough physical and psychological evaluation is required, and by assignment, may require an additional psychological assessment to carry a firearm while on duty. Applicants state of health must be consistent with the ability to perform the duties of the position as demonstrated by meeting the Board of State and Community Corrections guidelines for vision, hearing and medical screening.

Applicants must be free from any condition which would prevent them from performing work required of a Youth Services Officer. Full job description for: Senior Youth Services Officer About Kern County Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us: Growth Mindset We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Additional Information Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date. A background check may be conducted for this classification.

Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense. This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointments will be made at the Kern County Probation Department. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed.

Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission. For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page. Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.