Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

Bernalillo County

Department of Human Resources

Job Descriptions

What does the red Zia symbol mean? The Zia sun symbol represent the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four period of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The centre of the sun symbol stands for life itself. The yellow field with red symbol pays recognition to the Aragon Realm of the conquistadors and their homeland in Spain.
JCM405: Chief of Staff

Chief of Staff

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM405
9
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
78,582.00 - 98,696.00 - 124,093.00 USD Annual
$37.78 - $47.45 - $59.66
$78,582.00 - $98,696.00 - $124,093.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief of Staff oversees a wide range of management, technical assignments, and special projects. This position provides strategic oversight and guidance on high-priority initiatives and supports the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) leadership team. The Chief of Staff represents the department in meetings with commissioners, elected officials, members of the judiciary, and the broader criminal justice community. This role is responsible for critical activity coordination, strategic planning, and administrative functions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Directs operations for the Office of the Chief of Corrections and manages communication flow between the Chief and members of the MDC executive team and key stakeholders.
  • Collaborates directly with MDC Deputy Chiefs, Directors, and Captains on matters affecting their divisions.
  • Manages all aspects of reform related to the McClendon Consent Decree, including inmate mental health services, medical services, and conditions of confinement.
  • Serves as the Chief’s liaison with all parties involved in efforts toward compliance and sustainability under the McClendon Consent Decree.
  • Serves as the Chief’s liaison with criminal justice agencies, legislative staff, and the judiciary.
  • Ensures the Chief receives timely follow-ups and updates from monthly meetings with criminal justice agencies and the judiciary.
  • Acts as the Chief’s liaison to the Bernalillo County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the Detention Facility Management Oversight Board, providing monthly updates on MDC activities.
  • Develops and revises MDC policies, procedures, and administrative instructions in alignment with strategic goals.
  • Coordinates complex projects and assignments requiring collaboration across divisions and committees.
  • Develops data analysis and reports to support executive decision-making for the Chief.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • Nine (9) years of work experience in detention facilities, corrections, or law enforcement.
  • Two (2) years in a managerial role.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. 


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE


The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Successful completion of a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
  • Compliance with all County safety guidelines.
  • Possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license.
  • Completion of FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position.
  • Completion of required supervisory training courses, if applicable.



WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Most essential duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • Outdoor duties may be required and expose the employee to varying weather conditions.
  • Worker may be exposed to intermittent noise, vibration, fumes, odors, contagious diseases, and potentially hostile or dangerous situations.
  • Indoor working surfaces are typically even and may be carpeted or tiled.
  • Indoor surfaces are generally dry and may involve stair use.
  • Outdoor surfaces may be even or uneven, and may be wet or dry.
  • Outdoor duties may require stair or ladder use and may be performed on inclines or hills.
  • Outdoor surfaces may include natural ground, asphalt, or concrete.
  • Employee is on call during emergency situations.
  • Work hazards include high job-related stress and operating a vehicle.
  • There is a possibility of personal injury from violent inmates or physical exertion while restraining or pursuing inmates.



EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment used includes telephones, computers, fax machines, typewriters, photocopiers, pagers, and two-way radios.
  • Security-related tools include restraint devices, mace, and weapons depending on assignment.
  • Frequently used items include facility keys, handcuffs, cutting tools, and shackles.
  • Safety equipment includes first aid kits, oxygen tanks, and fire extinguishers, used as needed.
  • Operates a County vehicle as assigned.
  • Materials handled include forms, reports, writing utensils, and various standard office supplies.

Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM