This is a limited continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:
4/10/2026 and 10/9/2026
Under general supervision the Deputy Probation Officer performs professional work in the investigation of adult offenders or juvenile court referrals; supervises probationers; participates in the institutional care, custody, treatment, and counseling.
Examples of Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of
• Principles and practices of probation work
• Principles of social and correctional case and group work
• Laws relating to criminal justice
• Causes of crime and delinquency
• Counseling techniques
• Interviewing
• Community resources available to probationers
• Principles of investigation and laws governing search and seizure and preservation of evidence
• Codes, standards and regulations governing care and treatment of juveniles in juvenile halls, camps, ranches or schools
• Crisis intervention
• Self-defense
• Arrest procedures
• Appropriate use of force and security techniques
• Rights and liabilities of peace officers
Ability to
• Analyze behavior patterns
• Exercise sound judgment in assessment and treatment of probationers
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance
• Cope with hostility and aggressive behavior
• Prepare concise and clear reports
• Maintain records
• Communicate with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds
Employment Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, preferably with a degree in social or behavioral sciences.
AND
Either: One year of full-time paid professional experience in correctional work subsequent to the degree in a County, State or Federal probation, parole or law enforcement agency.
Or: One year of social casework experience subsequent to the degree in a County State, or Federal agency.
Or: One year as an Assistant Probation Officer (formerly Probation Assistant) with Sacramento County.
Or: The equivalent of one (1) year as a Probation Aide (On-Call) with Sacramento County.
Note: If the word "experience" is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements. To compute full-time equivalency of On-Call experience: 173.6 hours = 21.7 days = 1 work month.
Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here (Download PDF reader) or speak to someone in our office before the final filing date listed in this notice.
Special Requirements
Compliance with Government Code: In accordance with California Government Code, Section 1031, each employee shall meet the following minimum standards:
a. Be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Any permanent resident alien shall be disqualified from holding a position if his or her application for citizenship is denied.
b. Be at least 18 years of age.
c. Be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record. In addition, a classifiable set of the fingerprints shall be furnished to the Department of Justice and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
d. Be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
Criminal History and Background Check: Appointees must pass a criminal history and background check, and pursuant to California Government Code, Section 1029, the conviction of a felony is grounds for disqualification from an appointment. Pursuant to Sacramento County Civil Service Rules, candidates found to have been convicted of a felony will be disqualified.
Certificate Requirement: Completion of required P.O.S.T. training for Probation Officers as specified in Section 832 of the Penal Code within one (1) year after appointment as a Deputy Probation Officer.
Arming: Some assignments within the Probation Department require the willingness and capability to be armed. Authorization to carry a weapon while on duty requires a psychological examination confirming fitness to be armed as well as the successful completion of force and weaponry training as required by the department.
Physical Requirements: Incumbents will frequently perform a wide variety of physical tasks such as standing, walking, running, stooping, bending, climbing stairs and lifting probationers which requires strength, coordination, endurance, and agility. In addition, there may be occasional contact with hostile individuals, and incumbents may be subject to physical and verbal abuse while restraining/arresting individuals.
Driver's License: Possession of a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, is required at the time of appointment.
Note: Failure to maintain the appropriate valid California Driver License may constitute cause for dismissal from the class under applicable Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement.
Hours of Work: Incumbents in this class must be willing to work irregular hours, holidays, and weekends.
Probationary Period
The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.
Application and Testing Information
APPLICATION
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click her