Federal

US Pretrial Services Officer

U.S. Courts ยท Judicial Branch
๐Ÿ“ Brooklyn, New York CL-25/28 $60,595 - $137,165/yr
Posted: Jan 30, 2026 Deadline: Apr 30, 2026 (Closes in 74 days days left)

About This Position

U.S. Pretrial Services Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement position and assist in the administration of justice and promote community safety, gather information, supervise offenders/defendants, interact with collateral agencies, prepare reports, conduct investigations, and present recommendations to the court.

Qualifications

For placement above the starting salary of $60,595, the successful applicant must have at least one to three years of specialized experience in fields such as pretrial services, probation, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction or mental health treatment. The successful applicant must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.

Major Duties

Conducts investigations and verifies background information concerning persons charged with a federal offense when they are arrested or summoned to court. Evaluates information and prepares reports for the judge prior to the initial hearing with assessment of non-appearance and danger to community. A recommendation regarding bail and/or release of a defendant is included in the report. Supervises defendants who are released with supervision conditions. Notifies the court and the U.S. Attorney of any violations. Develops a supervision plan and maintains a detailed record of case activity. Travel and contacts are conducted in unsafe neighborhoods where crime may occur.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible to work in the United States. A written examination will be provided to qualified applicants. New Officers are required to attend a six-week training academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Charleston, South Carolina. Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo a medical examination and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical and drug screening, the selectee may then be provisionally appointed. At such time, the incumbent will undergo an extensive Office of Personnel Management (OPM) background investigation. In addition, the incumbent will be subject to ongoing random drug screening, updated background investigations every five years, or as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, and may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. First time appointees to positions covered under law enforcement retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday. Applicants aged 37 or over, who have previous federal law enforcement officer experience under Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), and who have either a subsequent break in service or intervening service in a non-law enforcement officer position, may have their previous law enforcement experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirements.

Education

Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study, such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, education, or business or public administration, which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position. Other preferred skills may include the earning of a master's degree in a closely related field, fluency in a foreign language (Mandarin or Spanish preferred but not required), and/or advanced knowledge of computer systems and technology.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Applicants will be evaluated on experience and qualifications.

Additional Information

Due to the volume of applications received, the U.S. Pretrial Services Office will only contact those individuals who are invited for personal interviews. Pretrial Services does not reimburse candidates for the interview or relocation expenses.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants MUST submit ALL the following documents, in a single PDF file, to be considered: 1) Resume. 2) Cover letter outlining qualifications and employment history. 3) Two-page statement indicating the knowledge, skills, and abilities you believe you possess which will match the needs of the office and of the position. 4) Two most recent performance evaluations. 5) Transcripts for bachelor's and any advanced degrees. 6) AO-78 - Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment. This application is available at https://www.uscourts.gov/forms/human-resources-forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment All documents must be submitted by electronic mail in a single PDF file to: [email protected] Include the vacancy announcement number in the subject line of the email and DO NOT submit paper applications by mail.

Required Documents

See How to Apply instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the US Pretrial Services Officer position at U.S. Courts?
The salary range for this position is $60,595 - $137,165/yr. This is a CL-25/28 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the US Pretrial Services Officer job located?
This position is located in Brooklyn, New York. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
For placement above the starting salary of $60,595, the successful applicant must have at least one to three years of specialized experience in fields such as pretrial services, probation, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction or mental health treatment. The successful applicant must possess excellent written and o...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Apr 30, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What does CL-25/28 mean?
CL-25/28 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.