Probation Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $39.57 - $50.78 Hourly
Location : Eureka, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-00025
Department: Probation
Division: 235 - Probation
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DEFINITION
The Humboldt County Probation Department is comprised of approximately 90 employees and plays an important role in promoting public safety throughout the community. The department operates a Juvenile Hall that includes both a secure mental health treatment program and a secure track program. Through its Juvenile Services Division, the department supervises approximately 100 youth, many of whom are provided opportunities for diversion and rehabilitation. Case management is grounded in evidence-based practices designed to support positive outcomes and reduce future involvement in the justice system.
The Juvenile Services Division also supports the courts by conducting investigations and preparing reports to assist with informed decision-making. Across all of its responsibilities, the department's primary mission is to enhance public safety through a balanced focus on rehabilitation, accountability, and community well-being.
Humboldt County is a close-knit community surrounded by remarkable natural beauty, including expansive beaches and ocean, majestic mountains, productive farmland, and the world-renowned giant Redwood forests. This unique setting, combined with the department's commitment to serving youth, families, and the broader community, makes Humboldt County a special place to live and work.
A successful candidate will:

• Participate on the Administrative Team, including providing input for budget preparation and management, policy updates, and the strategic direction of the department
• Participate in personnel actions including leading recruitments and conducting administrative investigations
• Set strategic goals and standards for the division and use data to monitor progress and performance
• Establish and maintain a coaching culture
• Support the ongoing use of and fidelity to evidence based practices

Under direction, plans, organizes, directs and manages the work of an adult, juvenile, or juvenile correctional facility division of the Probation Department including the delivery of all phases of Probation services; provides expert professional assistance to County staff and outside agencies in areas of responsibility, including serving on the department management team and inter-agency coordinating teams; performs direct supervision; performs related work as assigned. Serves as a peace officer pursuant to Penal Code Section 830.5.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Positions in this class are sworn peace officers under section 830.5 of the penal code and report to the Chief Probation Officer or Assistant Chief Probation Officer. Incumbents direct and are responsible for the work of probation officers. Incumbents also have a primary duty and responsibility for counseling, supervision and custody of a group of youths assigned or committed to the hall or home. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Chief Probation Officer in that the latter is responsible for assisting in the overall departmental administration.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Plans, organizes and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for probation or juvenile corrections programs.
• Organizes, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of assigned staff; provides administrative supervision to staff.
• Participates in the selection of personnel and provides for their training and professional development.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends disciplinary action and other personnel decisions.
• Reviews work of subordinate units to insure that agency standards are maintained.
• Participates on a variety of inter-agency committees, consults with community groups, individuals and other law enforcement related agencies, service agencies, state and federal officials to determine needs and to coordinate activities and services.
• Monitors and participates in the development of legislation and program standards; prepares reports on changes and pending changes; prepares recommendations for local system changes.
• Reviews cases of clients; consults with staff, attorneys, judges, and others as needed on cases; serves as expert witness and testifies in court on specific cases or department policies and procedures.
• Plans, develops, implements, directs and evaluates a variety of specialized probation or juvenile corrections programs; identifies program funding sources and directs the preparation of or prepares grant applications and proposals to secure funding; develops statistical information and analyzes data in support of program recommendations.
• Prepares budget recommendations; monitors expenditures and program income; conducts cost benefit analysis evaluations; recommends budget revisions as needed.
• Develops service provider contracts; monitors and evaluates services provided, costs and income received; recommends revisions when needed.
• Conducts or supervises a variety of investigations including citizen complaints, disciplinary, background, and other special investigations as assigned.
• Conducts or directs the conduct of analytical studies related to probation or juvenile detention activities, programs and services.
• Prepares a wide variety of casework documentation and periodic special reports for County, federal or state authorities, and for appropriate management review.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including developing goals and objectives, work planning, organization and employee supervision.
• Principles and practices of program management including program development, funding sources, grant proposal writing, program evaluation and fiscal management.
• Applicable laws affecting probation or juvenile detention programs and services including federal and state entitlement programs.
• Principles and practices of budget development, budget administration and cost analysis.
• Principles, practices and methods of probation or juvenile detention including supervision and crisis management.
• Methods and procedures for collecting, compiling and analyzing statistical and demographic information and data.
• Principles and practices of data base management and statistical analysis using a personal or on-line computer system.

Skill in:

• Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of others.
• Planning, developing, implementing, evaluating and directing probation or juvenile detention programs.
• Utilizing statistical and demographic information and data to determine community and service population needs.
• Identifying program funding sources and preparing grant applications and proposals. Interpreting, explaining and applying laws, regulations and policies related to probation or juvenile detention programs.
• Managing multiple tasks and meeting critical deadlines.
• Representing the County in contacts with County, state, federal and community probation or juvenile detention related agencies and groups.
• Preparing clear and complete reports, documentation and other written materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Must have successfully completed training required by Section 832 of the Penal Code.
• Must have successfully completed STC Core Training and Basic Supervision and possess CPR and First Aid certificates.
• Must complete Administration Core Training within the first 12 months of employment.
• Must be able to pass a psychological evaluation and detailed background investigation.

Desirable Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in psychology, sociology, criminology, a behavioral science, business management or closely related field and two years experience working at a level equivalent to the County's class of Supervising Probation Officer or Juvenile Corrections Facilities Manager.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.
If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION