ASSISTANT CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER

County of Santa Cruz
Invites you to apply for:

ASSISTANT CHIEF
PROBATION OFFICER

Supplemental Questionnaire Required

Promotional Only

Salary: $150,592 - 201,677 Annually

Closing Date: Monday, May 4, 2026

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www.santacruzcountyjobs.com

THE POSITION:
The Assistant Chief Probation Officer is a key leadership role dedicated to strengthening
community safety through fairness, innovation, and evidence‑based practices. We are seeking a
leader who not only brings professional expertise, but who is deeply committed to equity, inclusion,
and improving outcomes for all communities we serve.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL BE:

Innovative and forward‑thinking, eager to develop creative community‑centered solutions to
complex system challenges.
A champion of transparency and collaboration, fostering open communication across staff,
justice partners, and diverse community stakeholders.
Culturally responsive and relationship‑focused, building trust with communities
disproportionately impacted by the justice system.
Politically and organizationally astute, able to navigate complex landscapes with integrity and
clarity.
Committed to equitable, research‑based operations, driving strategies that reduce recidivism,
promote accountability, and support long‑term success.

THE DEPARTMENT:
The Santa Cruz County Probation Department is a national leader in research‑driven, person-
focused practices, to support clients and young persons, enhance public safety and reduce harm.
This includes evidence‑based supervision models proven to reduce recidivism; interventions that
address the root causes of criminal behavior, with attention to equity and individual needs;
meaningful, community‑based alternatives to incarceration which promote healing and reduce
disparities; and services tailored to the strengths and circumstances of individuals, ensuring that
support is fair, respectful, and impactful. The Department strives to serve as a trusted, effective
alternative to incarceration-one that earns the confidence of the courts, justice partners, and the
community by demonstrating equitable outcomes and reduced recidivism.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:

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 Probation Division Director
in Santa Cruz County;

OR

Equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required
knowledge and abilities listed in the job specification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License or the employee must be able to provide
suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority. Completion of mandated
Standards and Training for Corrections (Manager/Administrator Core Course) in the first year of
job assignment.

Background Investigation: Ability to pass a full background investigation to meet provisions of
Government Code 1029, 1029.1 and 1031.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to the possibility of bodily injury; infections which may cause
chronic disease or death; combative minor detainees; offensive odors; high noise levels; insect
bites, dust and pollens. Physically and mentally capable of performing the positions essential
functions as summarized in the specifications typical tasks. Apply a reasonable degree of
physical exertion to control client behavior in emergency situations.

Other Special Requirements: Availability to respond to emergencies as needed on a 24-hour
basis, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

THE COMMUNITY:
Stunning Santa Cruz County has approximately 260,000 residents and is situated in the northern
area of Monterey Bay, 70 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles southwest of the Silicon Valley.
The County’s natural beauty is apparent in its pristine beaches, lush redwood forests, and rich
farmland. The County enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate with low humidity and approximately
300 days of sunshine a year. The area’s unique shops and restaurants, coupled with a multitude of
cultural and recreational activities, including theatre, music, art as well as golfing, surfing, hiking,
and biking, offer a wealth of leisure activities. There are numerous local higher education
institutions including Cabrillo College and the University of California, Santa Cruz, with two
additional State Universities less than an hour away. These elements make Santa Cruz County a
great place to live, work, and play!

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply online at www.santacruzcountyjobs.com or mail/bring an application and supplemental
questionnaire to: Santa Cruz County Human Resources Department, 701 Ocean Street, Suite 510,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For information, call (831) 454-2600. Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711.
Applications will meet the final filing date if received: 1) in the Human Resources Department by
5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.

Women, people of color and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you have a
disability that requires test accommodation, please call (831) 454-2600.

To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all
new employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.