We surveyed 561 probation officers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical probation officer. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a probation officer?
Low
High
Working as a probation officer typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a probation officer?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a probation officer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a probation officer?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a probation officer. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for probation officers.
Do probation officers work full-time or part-time?
95% of probation officers work in full-time roles while 5% work part-time.
Is being a probation officer stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst probation officers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a probation officer?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a probation officer.
How competitive is the workplace for probation officers?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for probation officers.
Does being a probation officer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for probation officers.
Are probation officers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Probation officers rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do probation officers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Probation officers tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a probation officer physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a probation officers is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are probation officers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Probation officers tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a probation officer require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a probation officer.
Does being a good probation officer require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as probation officers.