A probation officer's duties include evaluating offenders to determine treatment, providing resources to aid rehabilitation, discussing and arranging treatment programs, supervising offenders and monitoring their progress, and writing reports. The job requires a bachelor's degree in fields like social work, criminal justice, or psychology. While employment opportunities are expected to be excellent due to growth and replacements needed, the occupation faces challenges from relatively low earnings, heavy workloads, and high stress. Median annual wages in 2008 were $45,910 with most probation officers earning between $35,990 and $60,430.