Probation Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $30.84 - $39.57 Hourly
Location : Eureka, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-00265
Department: Probation
Division: 235 - Probation
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Closing Date: 7/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DEFINITION
SENIOR PROBATION OFFICER
Probation Department
Senior Probation Officers may be assigned to work in either the Juvenile or Adult Division. The Department aims to improve community safety through offender rehabilitation, cognitive restructuring, and accountability. Officers learn methods of conducting field work safely as well as to deliver evidence based cognitive behavioral interventions targeting an offender's specific needs.
What You'll Do:
Probation Officers serve as peace officers and provide supervision, enforcement of court ordered conditions of probation, and case management to youth and adults who have been granted probation by the Juvenile or Criminal Courts.

• Conduct risk assessments of offenders and develop case plans.
• Conduct pre-sentencing investigations and write Court reports making recommendations for sentencing.
• Coordinate with service providers within our community and make referrals to rehabilitative services.
• Act as a lead officer by working complex cases and assisting in training other officers.

Where You'll Do It:
Probation offices are located in Eureka. Probation Officers provide field supervision in all cities and unincorporated areas of the County, so travel to these areas during the course of the work day may be required.
The typical schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, with a 1-hr lunch.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, provides direction, training and work review to assigned probation staff; performs specialized probation duties in the areas of intensive supervision, civil custody mediation, and/or other specialized programs; serves as a peace officer as described in Penal Code Section 830.5; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the working lead or specialist level class in the professional probation series with responsibility for providing lead direction, work review and training to assigned probation staff and/or performing specialized probation work in mediation, intensive supervision and/or other specialized programs. This class is distinguished from Supervising Probation Officer in that the latter is the first full supervisory level of the series, with responsibility for the programs, staff and activities of a unit of the probation Department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Basic supervisory principles and practices. Installation and operation of electronic surveillance devices used in intensive supervision.
• Principles, practices and techniques of adult and juvenile probation. Principles and practices of applied psychology and behavior modification.
• Child development and family systems dynamics.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Methods and techniques of effective interviewing.
• Basic principles, practices and procedures of adult and juvenile criminal and civil justice systems.
• Principles and practices of mediation.
• Community resources and agencies.

Skill in:

• Assigning, directing and reviewing the work of assigned staff.
• Training others in work procedures.
• Assessing and evaluating the risks and needs of adult and juvenile probations.
• Developing, monitoring, conducting and coordinating rehabilitation treatment programs for probationers.
• Developing and conducting mediation programs.
• Crisis counseling and determining and taking appropriate actions.
• Compiling and analyzing complex information from a variety of sources and developing sound recommendations.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Using tact, discretion and prudence in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Composing accurate and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license. Specified positions must possess a valid Class B California driver's license.
• Must be a citizen of the United States. Must be at least eighteen years of age at the time of appointment.
• Must be a high school graduate, have passed the GED Test or have attained a two year or four year degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be able to meet physical and psychological standards and pass a detailed background investigation.
• Must successfully complete training required by Section 832 of the Penal Code within 90 days of employment and the State Corrections Standards Authority STC Probation Officer Core Course within first twelve months of employment.

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, a behavioral science or a closely related field and two years of professional probation experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Probation Officer II.
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
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
RETIREMENT
The County participates in the CalPERS retirement system, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.
CalPERS Retirement Program:

• Tier I: Up to 12/31/2012: 3% @ 50
• Tier II: Post 1/1/2013: 2.7% @ 57

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.
COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE
Our generous benefits package includes:

• Health Insurance
  • Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS
  • County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage
• Additional Insurance Coverage
  • Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents
  • Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents
• County-Provided Benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Longevity Pay
  • Educational Reimbursement