Chief Probation Officer

Definition & Distinguishing Characteristics

Colusa County offers a 3% at 50 Classic Retirement Formula!

Join Colusa County as our next Chief Probation Officer and take the lead in shaping the future of community safety, justice, and rehabilitation! This is an exceptional opportunity to guide a dedicated team and make a lasting difference in the lives of youth, adults, and families throughout our County.

Reporting to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, you will supervise, plan, and coordinate the activities and operations of the Probation Department, including both adult and juvenile probation programs. This position provides highly responsible professional and technical leadership in the areas of probation, corrections, and criminal justice, ensuring services are effective, fair, and focused on both accountability and rehabilitation. You'll ensure programs meet the highest standards of professionalism and legal compliance while fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and respect within the department.

In this role, you will partner with the Courts, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to promote public safety while supporting individuals on their journey toward positive change. You’ll have the opportunity to modernize programs, mentor staff, and strengthen partnerships that make our communities safer and more resilient.

This is a pivotal leadership position where your vision, compassion, and integrity will drive the future of probation services in Colusa County. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, inspire others, and make an impact that matters, we invite you to apply today. To learn more about this position, please check out the job description pages HERE .

Selection Procedure - The following is a tentative schedule of events that will occur as part of the selection process:

• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The first review of applications will occur on: January 5, 2026.
• Screening for minimum qualifications.
• Successful applicants will be notified of the dates for first interviews and executive-level interviews once they have been scheduled.
• Final selection and appointment will be made by the Superior Court Judges and Board of Supervisors.

This recruitment is open until filled. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible, as the recruitment may close at any time after the first review.

(Note: The selection process steps may change with or without notice.)

What's this Job All About?
As Colusa County’s Chief Probation Officer, you’ll lead a dedicated team committed to improving lives and strengthening community safety. This position is more than just administration - it’s about creating positive change for individuals, families, and the justice system as a whole.

Our department operates at the intersection of accountability and opportunity, ensuring public safety while guiding individuals toward lasting change.

You’ll oversee adult and juvenile probation services, leading a team that balances accountability with compassion. Each day offers the opportunity to mentor and develop dedicated professionals while collaborating with courts, law enforcement, and community partners to help people get back on track.

This is your chance to shape the future of probation in Colusa County - to modernize services, build partnerships, and make a lasting impact on how justice and rehabilitation intersect in our community.

Culture is at Our Core
We believe that true public service comes from people who are grounded in integrity, teamwork, humility, and kindness. We’re a small but mighty organization - collaborative, close-knit, and focused on creating an environment where our employees thrive both professionally and personally. We believe in empowering our teams, recognizing achievements, and fostering a genuine sense of belonging.

When you join Colusa County, you become part of a family that values connection, compassion, and purpose.

Collaboration and mutual respect define how we work, with one another, with our justice partners, and with the community we serve.

How do we make a difference?
The Probation Department plays a critical role in enhancing public safety by balancing enforcement with rehabilitation. Through strategic partnerships with the courts, law enforcement, and community stakeholders, we implement evidence-based practices that reduce recidivism and promote positive outcomes.

In close collaboration with the Superior Court, the Chief Probation Officer ensures that probation services uphold judicial intent while advancing evidence-based practices that support rehabilitation and accountability.

As Chief Probation Officer, you will provide executive leadership to ensure effective operations, uphold justice, and foster long-term community well-being in Colusa County.

What are the benefits?

• A beautiful, safe community in which to work and serve
• Work-life balance
• A lifetime paycheck (after 5 years of service):
  • 3% @ 50 for Classic Members
  • 2.5% @ 57 for New Members
• Amazing health care benefits at NO COST to you, unless you choose a premium health care plan
• Authentically kind and engaged leadership who truly enjoy developing staff
• Deferred Compensation
• Management Leave: 10 days annually
• Paid time off: vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Vacation Parity: Previous service with a public agency counts towards vacation accrual at Colusa County. A public agency includes cities, counties, districts, the military, and similar entities. To learn more about vacation parity, please see our Benefits Summary.

Supervision & Examples of Duties

Receives general direction from the Superior Court Judge.

Exercises direct supervision over technical and clerical staff.

Qualifications

The following requirements generally demonstrate possession of the minimum requisite knowledge and ability necessary to perform the duties of the position.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree with major work in social welfare, probation, corrections, behavioral sciences, law, or public management.
  

EXPERIENCE :

• Four (4) years of professional probation experience, including some supervisory experience.

LICENSE :

• A valid State of California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Certificate of completion of the course prescribed by P.O.S.T. pursuant to Section 832 of the California Penal Code.

Supplemental Information

The salary range above consists of 15 steps. Steps 1-6 are annual merit steps with approximately 5% difference between each step, based on successful performance. Steps 7-15 are additional merit steps, requiring 2 years of satisfactory performance at the previous step. Steps 7-14 provide 2.5% increases, while Step 15 offers a 5% increase. The final salary offered will depend on the applicant's experience and qualifications, ranging from steps 1 to 15.

Please find the summary of benefits for all Department Heads here 2026 Department Heads Benefits Summary

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• County of Colusa

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