Probation Careers

Join us at the County of San Diego Probation Department and help make a real difference in your community.

"I really believe in our mission here for rehabilitating people who may not see their value the way that we see their value." DPO Allsberry

Positions

The Probation Department has the following open entry-level position for peace officers:

The department also has many administrative and support positions. See descriptions and benefits information for all Probation jobs. We also hire student workers and interns.

How To Apply

You must apply online on the Department of Human Resources job postings site. For more information call 858-514-3148.

General Requirements for Peace Officers

  • Candidates must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.
  • Felony convictions will be disqualifying.
  • Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency.
  • Before appointment, candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation. That may include a psychological, polygraph or other test.
  • Candidates must be found by a licensed physician to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental conditions that might adversely affect exercising the powers of a peace officer.
  • Must meet employment guidelines and standards established by the Commission for Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Physical Requirements for Peace Officers

Video of the physical fitness requirements

Background Questionnaire

Sworn Officer Background Questionnaire  (Fill this out only when asked to do so)

Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) Position Summary

A Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) performs a wide variety of probation casework and provides preventative and rehabilitative services to adult and juvenile clients in field and institutional settings.  DPOs utilize evidence-based intervention strategies and programs, conduct investigations, write reports for the court, and supervise probationers focusing on an offender's risks and needs in an effort to change behavior to reduce recidivism. Additionally, Deputy Probation Officers perform duties related to the care, custody, and control activities within a detention facility.

Positions in this classification are peace officers as defined in Section 830 of the California Penal Code, and must meet employment guidelines and standards established by the Commission for Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), the provisions of Sections 1029 and 1031 of the California Government Code, and STC Selection and Training Standards as contained in Title 15, Section 100-358, California Code of Regulations.

Applicants must be 21 years of age by the time of appointment and must be a U.S. citizen or in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. This position may require carrying a weapon and meeting certification requirements.

Student Workers and Internships

Student Worker Program

Probation's Student Worker program offers full-time college students the opportunity to work with juveniles or adults in institutional or community settings. Student workers must be 18 years old. Work hours are available nights and weekends in the institutional setting. Students can work up to 20 hours a week. To apply, please visit the Job Postings.

Internship Program

Probation's internship program offers placements for local college students who elect their internship in a criminal justice setting. This is an excellent way for students to gain experience and skills necessary to further a career working with adults and juveniles in the department. Interns must commit to a minimum of 190 hours. All interns must be referred by an educational entity. To apply, please visit the Job Postings.