Supervising Probation Officer

Salary: $35.81 - $45.96 Hourly
Location : Eureka, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-00082
Department: Probation
Division: 235 - Probation
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 10/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DEFINITION
A Supervising Probation Officer is the first level of supervision within the Probation Department. Supervisors are assigned a unit in either the Adult or Juvenile Probation Divisions. Supervisors are critical to the success of the Department, as the field of probation is constantly evolving and supervisors lead their units through these changes. In assuring their units are meeting their performance expectations both qualitatively and quantitatively, supervisors are able to ensure the Department provides the best service possible to our community. Supervising Probation Officers are encouraged to adopt a coaching style of supervision, to maximize their staff 's performance and job satisfaction.
A Supervising Probation Officer is responsible for:

• assigning and monitoring the work of their assigned unit.
• participating on hiring panels and onboarding and training new staff .
• representing the Department in meetings or workgroups with other county departments and community based organizations.
• completing performance evaluations for assigned staff .
• reviewing data to determine where their unit is succeeding and identify areas for improvement.

Under direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises, reviews and evaluates the activities of a unit of the Probation Department; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This class is the first supervisory level in the professional probation series. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating and supervising an assigned unit. This class is distinguished from Assistant Chief Probation Officer in that the latter participates in the overall management of and has administrative responsibility for all County probation matters.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Plans, organizes, coordinates and supervises assigned probation programs and activities.
• Participates in the hiring of assigned staff, recommending selection for management approval.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action and other personnel decisions.
• Assigns incoming cases and reviews and evaluates staff work; trains probation staff in work methods and procedures; develops professional growth plans for probation staff.
• Reviews court reports and case work to ensure compliance with laws and departmental policies; identifies problems and/or inconsistencies and recommends corrective actions.
• Researches new legislation and court decisions relating to probation, identifies those situations impacting the Department and advises others.
• Participates in developing, planning and implementing departmental policies and procedures.
• Receives, investigates and resolves complaints relating to juvenile and adult probation and juvenile detention.
• Establishes and maintains contact with representatives of law enforcement and social service agencies involved with the Department.
• Conducts and attends staff meetings.
• Represents the department in meetings with other agencies; testifies in court as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, training, evaluation and discipline.
• Principles, practices and techniques of adult and juvenile probation.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Principles and practices of applied psychology and behavior modification.
• Principles and practices of adult and juvenile criminal and civil justice system.
• Public and private community resources and agencies.

Skill in:

• Planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing and evaluating the work of others.
• Training staff in work procedures.
• Assessing and evaluating the risks and needs of adult and juvenile probations.
• Developing and monitoring rehabilitation treatment programs for probationers.
• Interviewing in crisis situations and determining and taking appropriate actions.
• Compiling and analyzing complex information from a variety of sources and developing sound recommendations.
• Exercising initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Preparing accurate reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using tact, discretion and prudence in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contact in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Must successfully complete training required by Section 832 of the Penal Code within 90 days of employment.
• Must successfully complete Probation Officer Core Training and Basic Supervision and possess CPR and First Aid certificates within first twelve 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, a behavioral science or a closely related field and three years of professional probation experience at a level equivalent to the County's classes of Senior Probation Officer or 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.