How to become a probation and parole officer in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Department of Corrections, Division of Field Services hires state probation and parole officers under the title Probation/Parole Officer (broad group 33-9099-C 'Protective Service Workers, All Other-C', Level 1; formerly Probation/Parole Officer I-III). New probation and parole officers start at $61,360 a year, rising to $97,594.
Pay
| Starting salary | $61,360 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $97,594 |
| Scale effective | 2025-07-11 |
FY26/27 SOC 33C Corrections Protective Service wage schedule, effective 7/11/25, Pay Band 3 (Level 1): T (trainee) $29.50/hr, Step 1 $30.70, Step 11 $46.92, plus a column 'A' $48.98 (not defined on the schedule). Annualized × 2080: T $61,360; Step 1 $63,856; Step 11 $97,593.60. Broad group lists 'New Employee Training' as the in-band advancement from T. Level 2 is Pay Band 4.
Source:[das.nh.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum education/experience, license and special requirements are set in the position's Supplemental Job Description (SJD), not the broad group spec; no SJD found
- Must be fully certified as a probation-parole officer by the NH Police Standards and Training Council after completing a council-approved training program including the use of weapons (RSA 100-A:1, VII(f))
- Full arrest powers over probationers and parolees under RSA 504-A
Source:[apps.das.nh.gov]
Hiring process
- Apply through NH First (State of NH job opportunities) to a posted NHDOC vacancy
- Selection and background process (not detailed on an official page found)
- Complete Police Standards and Training Council probation-parole officer certification training
Source:[jobs.corrections.nh.gov]
Academy
Length not published. Certification by the NH Police Standards and Training Council after a council-approved training program including use of weapons is a job requirement (RSA 100-A:1, VII(f)(10)); length not found.[gc.nh.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS), Group II (Police), Tier C
- Benefit formula: Average Final Compensation × 2% × Creditable Service (Group II members hired on or after July 1, 2011)
- When you can retire: Age 52.5 with 25 years of Group II creditable service, or age 60 regardless of years of creditable service
RSA 100-A:1, VII(f) defines a full-time Division of Field Services probation-parole officer meeting the listed conditions as a 'permanent policeman' for Group II membership.
Source:[nhrs.org]