Probation Officer

Introduction

The U.S. Probation Office for the District of Wyoming, a combined district for probation and pretrial services, is currently accepting applications for the position of U.S. Probation Officer.

The Probation Office currently consists of 21 employees located in three divisional offices (Cheyenne, Casper, and Lander).

U.S. Probation Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement position and assist in the administration of justice and promote community safety. They gather information, supervise persons under supervision, interact with collateral agencies, prepare reports, conduct investigations, and present recommendations to the court.

• Conduct investigations, prepare reports, and make recommendations to the court. Interview offenders or defendants and their families and collect background data from various sources.
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and statutes, including Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, Monographs, and relevant case law.
• Enforce court‑ordered supervision components and implement supervision strategies. Maintain personal contact with defendants and offenders, investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance.
• Address substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and similar problems. Implement necessary treatment or violation proceedings through assessment, monitoring, and counseling. Refer defendants or offenders to appropriate outside agencies such as medical and drug treatment facilities, employment, and training.
• Respond to the judicial officer’s requests for information and advice. Testify in court as to the basis for factual findings and, if warranted, guideline applications. Serve as a resource to the court.
• Maintain detailed written records of case activity.

All probation or pretrial services officer positions require completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study that demonstrates the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human‑relations skills involved in the position.

In addition to meeting the minimum education requirements, candidates at each grade level must also have specialized experience or meet additional academic requirements as specified below.

Specialized experience is progressively responsible experience in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, substance/addiction treatment, public administration, human relations, social work, psychology, or mental health. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.

• CL25:
  • One year of specialized experience OR completion of a bachelor’s degree and one of the following superior academic achievements:
  • A GPA of 2.90 or higher overall;
  • Standing in the upper third of the class;
  • An average of 3.5 or higher in the major field of study;
  • Elected membership in a national honorary scholastic society meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies.
• Completion of one academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position.
• CL27:
  • Two years of specialized experience OR completion of a master’s degree in a field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• CL28:
  • Two years of specialized experience.

First‑time appointees must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants aged 37 or older with previous law‑enforcement experience may have that experience subtracted from their age if they have a subsequent break in service or intervening service in a non‑law‑enforcement officer position. Retirement is mandatory at age 57.

The duties require investigation and management of convicted offenders who present physical danger to officers and the public. The role involves moderate to arduous physical exertion, including prolonged walking and standing, and the use of self‑defense tactics. Applicants must…