U.S. Probation Officer

U.S. Probation Officer (Permanent / Full-Time)

Vacancy Number
: USPO 26-03

Location: United States Courthouse, 320 6th Street, Suite 200, Sioux City, Iowa

Opening Date: 10/9/2026

Closing Date: Open until filled, priority given to applications received by 11/20/2026

Classification Level Summary

• CL 28 - Salary Range: $71,583 to $116,394
• CL 27 - Salary Range: $59,732 to $97,098
• CL 25 (LEO) - Salary Range: $51,419 to $82,322

Two years of specialized experience with a bachelors degree.

Two years of specialized experience or a master's degree.

One year of specialized experience, superior academic achievement with a bachelor's degree, or one academic year of graduate work.

The salary range listed reflects the full pay scale spanning across all classification levels for this position. Starting salaries depend on education, skills, and experience.

If the incumbent commences employment at CL 25 or CL27, promotional opportunities are available without further competition based on experience and performance.

Earning Potential

• Officers are eligible for semiannual or annual pay increases based on their step level and satisfactory performance. Promotional opportunities to specialist and supervisory positions are available on a competitive basis.
• The current specialist opportunities within the Northern District of Iowa include Sentencing Guidelines Specialist, Special Offender / Sex Offender Specialist, Evidence Based Practices Specialist, Treatment Services Specialist, and Location Monitoring Specialist. Specialist positions generally qualify as a CL29 with a salary range of $85,141 to $138,380.
• Supervisory positions generally qualify as a CL30 with a salary range of $100,604 to $163,535.

About Us

• Candidates will find the U.S. Probation Office in the Northern District of Iowa is an excellent place to launch or continue a career within the federal court system. We offer a positive and professional work environment, a competitive salary, and a full range of federal benefits.
• Our agency is comprised of 45 to 50 staff with locations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Sioux City, Iowa. Our staff bring a diverse range of educational backgrounds, including studies in Education, English, Public Policy, Sociology, Psychology and Criminal Justice. Our staff also bring diverse professional experiences, including state probation and correctional officers, substance abuse counselors, and social workers.

The Opportunity

The duties specified herein are intended to provide generalized examples of the major duties and responsibilities that are performed by a U.S. Probation Officer within any unit and do not reflect all duties performed by positions covered by this classification. Additional information regarding the fulfilling career opportunities as a U.S. Probation Officer is located at the following link: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Position descriptions for U.S. Probation Officers are available on our website: https://%20

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Pretrial Investigations Unit

• Conducts pretrial investigations by interviewing individuals and their families; compiling criminal history records; and verifying background information through collateral resources. Prepares a bond report that assesses risk of flight or risk of danger to the community pending resolution of the charged offense. Included within the bond report is a recommendation regarding detention or release of an individual who has been charged, as well as any conditions of release that may apply.

Presentence Investigative Unit

• Conducts investigations and prepares reports by interviewing individuals and their families; reviewing and summarizing the investigative materials; compiling criminal history records; investigating the financial status of the individual charged; and verifying background information through collateral resources. An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant case law. Provides testimony regarding guideline applications and serves as a resource to the court to facilitate proper imposition of sentences.

Pretrial And Post-Conviction Supervision Unit

• Integrates evidence-based practices into daily activities and interactions with individuals under supervision. Supervises individuals to provoke positive lifestyle changes, to maximize compliance with court-imposed conditions, reduce risk to the community, and provide correctional treatment. Develops supervision plans,…