Probation officer careers
Last updated on March 27, 2025
Be part of a team that leads positive change in people’s lives and our communities. Consider a career as a probation officer.
On this page
- Leaders in their field
- Passion and purpose
- Work environment
- Training and development
- Becoming a probation officer
- Earnings
- Why join the BC Public Service
Leaders in their field
Probation officers support their clients to embrace sustainable behaviour change. This contributes to safer communities for everyone in British Columbia.
Probation officers are leaders in the field of correctional community supervision. We use the most current understanding of what works to deliver programs to clients in conflict with the justice system.
They foster a work environment where creativity thrives. They value diverse perspectives and safety is always the top priority.
As a learning organization, support is available for on-going training, career growth and developmental opportunities. All new employees are offered funded Justice Institute of BC training.
Passion and purpose
Probation officers are driven by a desire to help others and to contribute to safer communities. Their diverse backgrounds ensure that probation officers bring a wide range of perspectives to provide more comprehensive and inclusive support to their clients as they work with community and justice partners to get the best outcome possible.
Many clients are socially marginalized. They may be victims of trauma or intergenerational abuse. They can also be motivated, engaged and sincere.
Probation officers develop safe, compassionate, professional relationships with all their clients. They work with community and justice partners to get the best outcome possible.
Probation officers support building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous people. They understand the value of culture and its role in healing. They value learning new ways to meet the needs of Indigenous people.
Probation officers are change leaders. They help their clients shift their criminal thinking and behaviour to pro-social thinking and behaviour. They do this through the application of the Risk-Needs-Responsivity model of correctional supervision. Probation officers teach skills and interventions to clients. This happens during individual appointments and in group programs.
Probation officers have the privilege and responsibility of being peace officers. They act as officers of the court, aiding the criminal court process as required. This can include writing court reports and testifying in criminal trials.
There are two classifications of a probation officer:
- Probation officer 24 supervises all sentenced clients as well as clients on bail.
- Probation officer 15 supervises low risk sentenced clients and clients on bail. This role is not present in all community corrections offices.
Learn more about BC Corrections.
Work environment
Probation officers work in 55 community corrections offices throughout BC.
Probation officers primarily work in an office setting. Occasionally, they also meet clients in the community and in the clients' homes. Some probation officers travel to spectacular and remote areas of B.C.
Every office has a thorough safety program to protect staff from physical harm. All staff have access to benefits and resources to maintain their own well-being.
Probation officers have options for flexible work. Their schedules support work-life balance.
Probation officers report a high degree of personal job suitability. They also value teamwork and cooperation with their colleagues.
Training and development
Probation officers begin basic training with the Justice Institute of British Columbia. Trainees receive base pay and any travel costs during the training period. All training occurs during work hours. Training is fully funded.
The training is a blend of online classes, in-person courses and workplace sessions. As each module of basic training is complete, trainees will apply your new knowledge and skills in the office. This ongoing combination of training and practice helps new employees to excel.
Once basic training is complete, probation officers take advanced training. This includes:
- strategic community supervision
- the supervision of sexually motivated offenders
- the delivery of Core Programs
There are also ongoing professional development opportunities. On average, probation officers spend 20 or more hours per year on professional development.
Becoming a probation officer
Start by reviewing our job profiles to see a full list of duties and qualifications:
- Qualifications - probation officer 24 (PDF, 293kb)
- Qualifications - probation officer 15 (PDF, 248kb)
Next, register for and complete CORR-1000: The Adult Probation Officer at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. This course provides an opportunity to understand the nature of the clients and work environment before you apply.
Not sure if you qualify? Have questions? Reach out to us. Our hiring team is here to help.
Earnings and total compensation
Probation officers earn up to $89,268 and receive a benefits package worth up to $18,700 annually.
Probation officer total compensation information can be found at:
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Why Join the BC Public Service
Competitive compensation and benefits
The BC Public Service offers a competitive compensation package, including:
- A competitive salary
- Extended health, dental and vision care coverage
- A pension
- BC student loan forgiveness
- Pacific Leaders scholarships for education
Great work-life balance
The BC Public Service supports employees to make sure they have the time for the things that are most important to them outside of work. We provide:
- Paid leave including vacation, parental leave, paid sick leave and more
- Flexible work schedules and telework options
Reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. This includes Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, immigrants, persons with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants.
Contact information
The probation officer hiring team is here to help.