Senior Youth Services Officer - Shift - Probation

About the role

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

Responsibilities

• Work any shift of a 24-hour period and any 5 of 7 days.
• Willingness to work in any outlying county area, as assigned.
• Pass written exam (in-person) on September 18, 2026.
• Score at least 70% on each phase of the examination process.
• Complete 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university.
• Have three (3) years of experience in a California Probation Department operated youth facility in a position comparable to the Youth Services Officer classification, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Hold a valid California Class C Driver’s License at time of appointment.
• Pass specialized licenses and firearms qualification exams if required.
• Meet minimum Peace Officer Standards as defined in the California Penal Code, Section 830.5 and the California Government Code, Sections 1029 and 1031.
• Have a reputation of honesty and trustworthiness.
• Pass a thorough physical and psychological evaluation, including an additional psychological assessment if required to carry a firearm while on duty.
• Be free from conditions that would prevent performance of Youth Services Officer duties.

Requirements

• A valid California Class C Driver’s License is required at time of appointment.
• Able and willing to work any shift of a 24-hour period and any 5 of 7 days.
• Willingness to work in any outlying county area, as assigned.
• Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of experience in a California Probation Department operated youth facility in a position comparable to the Youth Services Officer classification, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• One additional year of college may be substituted for one year of required experience.
• A valid government issued photograph identification is required for admission to the examination.

Qualifications

• Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of experience in a California Probation Department operated youth facility in a position comparable to the Youth Services Officer classification, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• A valid California Class C Driver’s License is required at time of appointment.
• Able and willing to work any shift of a 24-hour period and any 5 of 7 days.
• Willingness to work in any outlying county area, as assigned.
• Pass a thorough physical and psychological evaluation, including an additional psychological assessment if required to carry a firearm while on duty.
• Be free from conditions that would prevent performance of Youth Services Officer duties.

Skills

• Ability to run a distance of 200 yards within 50 seconds.
• Ability to drag a weight of 100 pounds 22 yards within 20 seconds.
• Ability to push a 75 pound sled continuously for 30 seconds.

Benefits

Full job description for: Senior Youth Services Officer

Pay

Shift Pay: 5% additional pay for evening shift work; 7.5% additional pay for night shift work.

Schedule

Written Exam (In-person): September 18, 2026

Physical Requirements

• Ability to run a distance of 200 yards within 50 seconds.
• Ability to drag a weight of 100 pounds 22 yards within 20 seconds.
• Ability to push a 75 pound sled continuously for 30 seconds.

Medical Examination

A thorough physical and psychological evaluation is required, and by assignment, may require an additional psychological assessment to carry a firearm while on duty.

Additional Information

• Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification.
• Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.
• A background check may be conducted for this classification.
• Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.

Other

• This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointments will be made at the Kern County Probation Department.
• Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed.
• Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.
• For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.
• Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.