Lead Firearms Instructor

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Job Specifications
Classification Level: 
CL 29
Salary Range: 
$98,260- $159,753
Location: 
Multiple Locations
Opening Date: 
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Closing Date: 
Open Until Filled (preference given to applications received by August 5, 2025)
Number of Positions: 
1
Vacancy Number: 
25-41
Job Type: 
Full Time
Position Overview: 

The United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office of the Central District of California is seeking exceptional officers for the position of Lead Firearm Instructor. The incumbent is the resident authority for the district’s firearm program, overseeing, designing, and implementing the program. This position is a lateral opportunity for existing specialists currently classified as CL 29.

The Central District of California serves seven counties and has 28 authorized district judgeships, 12 senior judges, and 24 magistrate judges. The Probation and Pretrial Services Office consists of more than 280 employees spread among 11 office locations. Staff includes probation and pretrial services officers and clerical support positions. The workload in the district entails supervision of over 10,000 defendants, probationers, parolees, and persons on supervised release and the preparation of approximately 3,000 presentence investigations annually.

Representative Responsibilities: 
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Oversee the development, coordination, administration, and evaluation of the agency’s firearms program (i.e., safety, training, certification, etc.).
  • Communicate and incorporate new developments and initiatives in firearms safety and training consistent with the AO, FLETC, and agency policy.
  • Act as the agency’s liaison to a judicial officer’s request for information regarding the agency’s firearms program, policy, and procedures.
  • Oversee, lead, and communicate with agency’s firearms instructor team. Maintain and ensure firearms instructor certifications.
  • Conduct firearms training, consistent with the approved national program, and qualification for all officers approved by the district for training (classroom and range) and notify the Chief Probation and Pretrial Services Officer of the result in writing.
  • Conduct re-qualification as required by the district but no less often than annually and notify the Chief Probation and Pretrial Services Officer of the results in writing.
  • Notify the Chief Probation and Pretrial Services Officer in writing of any officers who fail to re-qualify, with a copy to the officers informing them not to carry a weapon until they successfully re-qualify.
  • Inspect and approve weapons and holsters at least annually for safety and maintain inspection records.
  • Act as a resource to the district in areas of firearms policy, safety, and training.
  • Suggest modifications to the district’s firearms program and policy as needed and communicate and incorporate new developments in firearms safety and training.
  • Maintain thorough district firearms training records and training incident reports.
  • Observe the handling of weapons and report to the Chief Probation and Pretrial Services Officer any known firearms safety violations.
  • Oversee the procurement of firearms and related equipment, and coordination of range sessions. Keep an inventory of all firearms, accessories and munitions.
  •  Attend and represent agency at national, district and local firearms program related training, seminars and conferences.
  • Thorough knowledge of the Firearms and Safety Procedures Manual, Firearms Regulations, operation of firearms, and safety procedures.
  • Complete and pass a two-week Initial Firearms Instructor Certification program at the National Training Academy in Charleston, South Carolina, and complete and pass a one-week re-certification course every five years.
  • Maintain a 90% qualification score.  Complete an 8-hour Glock Armorer’s Course every three years.
  • Act as a resource for officers needing additional instruction outside of formal training days.
  • Attend all Firearms team meetings/trainings.  Maintain organization and flexibility with schedule in order to prepare for firearms training, including willingness to work outside of traditional business hours.
  • Maintain satisfactory performance of caseload as assigned by the SUSPO.  Complete and fulfill primary officer responsibilities in conducting investigations and preparing reports for the court, and/or applying principles of good supervision.
  • Assist with annual inventory and inspection of all district-owned firearms.
  • Maintain CPR/First Aid certification.
  • Perform other representative duties as assigned.
Skills/Qualifications: 

Only qualified internal applicants will be considered. Applicants for this position must currently be a CL 29 federal probation and pretrial services officer within the district.  Knowledge of the roles and functions of the federal probation and pretrial office, including knowledge of the legal requirements, practices, and procedures used in probation, parole, and/or pretrial services.  Thorough knowledge of the Firearms and Safety Manual, Firearms Regulations, the Use of Lethal Force Policy, and Glock nomenclature.  Superior communication skills, both verbal and written.  Ability to exercise sound judgment, analyze situations, and determine appropriate solutions to problems.  Ability to be flexible and adapt to unanticipated needs and problems.  Must possess the leadership skills required to lead and motivate a team of instructors and staff, and exhibit patience as an instructor.  Ability to maintain confidentiality and interact tactfully with a wide variety of individuals. Ability to work as part of a team and willingness to accept and incorporate feedback. Prior teaching/training experience is a plus; however, the applicant must understand that all firearms instruction must be conducted within AO, FLETC, and agency policy.  Additionally, the successful candidate must be able to handle multiple demanding tasks simultaneously.  The Lead Firearms Instructor is required to be fully committed to the firearms team through the length of their instructor certification period. This position is subject to a one-year probationary period, which may be extended at the discretion of the Chief U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer.

Benefits: 

In addition to salary, the federal government’s benefits equate to no less than 33% of an employee’s total compensation (see Total Compensation sample below). Federal employees are entitled to federal benefits such as health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, long-term care insurance and flexible spending accounts. Participation in a defined benefit plan the Federal Employees Retirement System-Further Revised Annuity Employee (FERS-FRAE), and up to 5% matching contributions on retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent). Generous accrual of paid time vacation and sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Paid parental leave after meeting eligibility requirements. Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program on eligible student loans. Commuter subsidies for public transportation to and from work. Extensive online training options and in-person training and professional conferences, funds permitting.

Employer Provided Benefits - Total Compensation Approximation Sample (For Illustration Purposes Only)

Sample Annual Salary

$  60,000.00

Retirement Benefits

$  17,760.00

Health/Life Insurance & Commuter Reimbursement

$  15,494.00

Paid Time-Off (Holidays & Accrued Leave)

$    8,538.00

Total Compensation

$101,792.00

 

Information for Applicants: 

Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident with authorization to work in the United States who is currently seeking U.S. citizenship or intending to become a U.S. citizen immediately after meeting the eligibility requirements. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate is required to undergo an FBI background check. The Federal Financial Reform Act requires direct deposit of federal wages for employees. The United States District Court and the Probation and Pretrial Services Office requires employees to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Federal Judicial Employees, which is available on the Court’s website: www.cacd.uscourts.gov.

Law Enforcement Officer Classification

The position is classified as law enforcement by statute. As a condition of employment, incumbents will be subject to ongoing random and reasonable suspicion drug screenings, updated background investigations every five years and as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. At the Chief Probation and Pretrial Services Officer's discretion, the most recent reinvestigation report completed on behalf of the applicant may be requested.

Application Process: 

Applications should be submitted to apply_CACD@cacd.uscourts.gov. Documents must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format, and the email should reference vacancy number #25-41. Complete applications must include the following:

  1. Cover Letter – Address how your background, skills, and experience meet the qualifications listed
  2. Resume – Include key career accomplishments
  3. Two (2) Most Recent Performance Evaluations
  4. Copies of any relevant certifications.

Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation will be necessary to interview. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be subject to an FBI background check.  The United States District Court requires employees to adhere to a code of conduct which is available on the Court’s web site at http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov.

Due to the volume of applications received, the Court will only communicate with those individuals who will be interviewed. Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation will be necessary to interview. Unfortunately, the Court is unable to reimburse applicants for any travel or parking costs. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.