Deputy Chief Probation Officer
Salary
$175,422.44 - $213,199.31 Annually
Location
Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
26/11-3238-O
Department
Probation Department (PRB)
Opening Date
11/09/2026
Closing Date
11/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
44
Position Information
The County of Sonoma invites applications for Deputy Chief Probation Officer.
Starting salary up to $102.15/hour ($213,199/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*
Probation Department
The Sonoma County Probation Department is committed to enhancing public safety, promoting accountability, and supporting positive behavioral change. Through evidence-based practices, rehabilitation programs, and collaboration with community partners and justice agencies, the department works to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for youth, adults, and families.
About the Position
As a member of the Probation Departments executive management team, the Deputy Chief Probation Officer (DCPO) is responsible for directing and overseeing the operations of assigned divisions, providing strategic leadership, and supporting the implementation of departmental goals and initiatives. The DCPO works collaboratively with County departments, justice partners, government agencies, and community stakeholders to support effective probation services. Additional responsibilities include:
The ideal candidate will possess superb executive leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, along with extensive knowledge of adult and juvenile probation operations and community corrections practices. They will demonstrate the ability to lead organizational initiatives, develop effective managers, and build collaborative relationships with internal and external partners. They will also possess many of the following:
Experience managing complex operations and budgets
Thorough knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and evidence-based practices in community corrections
Experience implementing organizational change and evaluating program effectiveness
Knowledge of labor relations practices and personnel management
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, both written and verbal
A commitment to equity, professional integrity, and effective public service
Effective 5/8/23, individuals who possess United States citizenship or status as a permanent resident OR have the legal authorization to work in the United States under federal law, will be considered to meet the citizenship minimum standards for this position.
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing youre working to better our communities. You can also look forward to excellent benefits* including:
This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Deputy Chief Probation Officer position. This employment list may also be used to fill future positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed.
Experience: Normally, two years of broad and progressively responsible administrative and managerial experience that includes working with peace officers in community corrections, probation, parole, or the criminal justice system; OR two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Division Director II; or three years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Division Director I; or comparable job class of another county.
Completion of Probation CORE training and PC 832 or equivalent are required within one year of employment.
Education: Normally, graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminology, or closely related field.
Additional Requirements: Applicants must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031, including but not limited to: no prior felony convictions (unless fully pardoned), good moral character as determined by thorough background check, submission of fingerprints for purpose of a criminal record check, and be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the powers of a peace officer. Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised in this announcement requires possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of: the principles, methods, and techniques of administration, including the organization and management of modern probation services; laws, codes, and statutes relating to the functions, duties, and prerogatives of the Chief Probation Officer; principles, methods, techniques, and services involved in modern probation work; effective supervisory techniques, personnel procedures and program budget management and development of budgets; general community resources necessary to assist in crime and delinquency prevention; written and oral communication, including language mechanics, syntax, and English composition; community resources available for specialized treatment of probation clients.
Considerable knowledge of: the principles and practices relating to modern budget, programs, and systems management; operations and functions of County government.
Ability to: effectively plan, organize, and direct the operations of the Adult and Juvenile Probation Services Divisions or Institutional Division; analyze administrative problems, reach practical conclusions, and institute effective changes; effectively assemble, organize, and present in written and/or oral form, reports containing alternative solutions and recommendations regarding specific resources, plans, and policies; understand, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and ordinances, and State, Federal, and local legislation; establish and maintain effective working and personal working relationships with employees, clients, public officials, and the general public; speak clearly and concisely before groups and audiences; effectively train and evaluate subordinate unit supervisors; investigate, evaluate, and analyze Adult and Juvenile Probation Division or Institutional Division functions, and make appropriate changes necessary to meet established policies and goals of the Probation Department.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicants application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Personally identifiable information (PII) is removed from the standard application fields and applicable attachments. This PII blind screening practice redacts a candidate's personal information that could potentially influence or bias the scoring process. Personal information includes the applicant's name, former last name, address, phone number, email, drivers license number, school name, education start and end dates, age, date of birth, gender, and race. This PII blind screening practice helps contribute to a fair and equitable examination process.
Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
Additional Information
It is the policy of law enforcement/legal offices and departments, in the County of Sonoma, that job candidates complete a thorough background investigation process prior to employment. This policy is imperative in order to keep the department's employees and the public safe and to maintain high standards in the law enforcement community. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to candidates.
The background investigation will include a thorough assessment of a candidate's personal, employment, educational, criminal, and credit history. The investigation may include, but is not necessarily limited to: use of prescription and/or other drugs, reports from former employers, friends, family members, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, credit reports, court reports, public records search, and/or other relevant sources. Candidates must be honest and forthcoming about information that may arise during the background process. Deception during any portion of this process is grounds for disqualification, even after employment.
All candidates will be required to take a pre-employment medical examination. The pre-employment medical examination will include drug testing as part of the medical examination for all applicants and for all current employees who are offered employment with the Offices/Departments. Additionally, candidates may be required to take a pre-employment psychological and physical abilities examination. The physical abilities examination includes general tests of flexibility and strength and functional tolerance for certain movements and postures. The results of these examinations and the background investigation shall be confidential and shall not be available to the candidate for review. Failure to pass the background investigation will eliminate a candidate from the employment process. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.
Issues that arise during the investigation process will be assessed, and judgment and discretion will be used to determine the employability of the candidate. Where there is evidence of a candidate's past use of controlled substances, many factors shall be used to determine the employability of the individual such as a pattern of use, kind of drug used, circumstances of the start of the drug use, treatment, behavior and attitude since discontinuance, etc. Please note that a history of using controlled substances does not result in automatic disqualification from the selection process. Prior to disqualifying any candidate whose profile falls within the provisions of the policy, the candidate shall be given the opportunity to present any and all evidence of mitigating facts that the candidate feels should be considered by the hiring authority.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted in person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job announcement must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: CA
HR Technician: KK
Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
County of Sonoma Benefits: Management*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at Labor Agreements & Salary Resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to Human Resources or contact the Human Resources Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonomacounty.gov or (707) 565-2900.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
02
Are you a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident, OR are you legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law?
03
Are you willing to undergo a thorough background investigation, which may include a review of criminal, employment, educational, driving, and credit records, and an inquiry into your personal and social history, including any use of drugs and alcohol?
04
As an adult, have you been convicted of a felony?
05
For this question and all subsequent questions, please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.
Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, which normally include: Two years of broad and progressively responsible administrative and managerial experience that includes working with peace officers in community corrections, probation, parole, or the criminal justice system; OR two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Division Director II; or three years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Division Director I; or comparable job class of another county.
Please describe your qualifying experience and education and include:
06
Please summarize your supervisorial and managerial experience. Detail the number and type of staff you supervised and the scope of your duties. Include your experience in managing performance issues and staff development and training.
07
Please describe a complex organizational or operational challenge you addressed in a leadership role. Include how you evaluated the situation, developed and implemented a solution, and the outcome.
08
Please describe your experience implementing programs, initiatives, and evidence-based practices in a community corrections setting, highlighting your ability to apply quality assurance/evaluative practices to measure performance.
Required Question
Employer County of Sonoma (CA)
Address 575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B
Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone (707) 565-2331
| Location | Santa Rosa, CA |
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