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.
JCM416: Major (Corrections)

Major (Corrections)

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM416
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



FUNCTIONAL AREA- ADMINISTRATIVE
The Major (Corrections) - Administrative oversees and enhances the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the Metropolitan Detention Center's administrative functions. This includes professional standards, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), inmate grievances, disciplinary appeals, social services, program coordination, classification, investigations, and policy development. The Major ensures all operations comply with federal, state, and local regulations and oversees hiring, training, performance management, coaching, discipline, and terminations.

FUNCTIONAL AREA- OPERATIONS
The Major (Corrections) – Operations supports the Deputy Warden in the day-to-day operational management of the facility. Responsibilities include oversight of training, transportation, fleet operations, medical and mental health services, CERT, Honor Guard, K9 unit, recruiting, and peer support. The Major ensures consistent implementation of procedures, supervises staff, resolves operational challenges, and upholds facility safety and security standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

FUNCTIONAL AREAS

ADMINISTRATIVE

  • Develop and enforce protocols to uphold high professional standards across all administrative functions.
  • Conduct assessments and audits to monitor adherence to ethical and professional standards.
  • Ensure compliance with PREA standards, lead investigations, and coordinate PREA training.
  • Oversee the inmate grievance and disciplinary appeal process to ensure fairness and policy compliance.
  • Manage the development of inmate-focused social service programs such as counseling, rehabilitation, and vocational training.
  • Collaborate with external partners to support inmate reentry and rehabilitation efforts.
  • Oversee classification procedures to ensure accurate custody assignments based on risk and needs.
  • Lead investigations into staff and inmate misconduct, ensuring impartiality and documentation.
  • Develop and update departmental policies to reflect current laws and best practices.
  • Train staff on policy changes and assess impact to recommend improvements.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and/or confidential records, documents, and decisions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned depending on operational needs.

OPERATIONS

  • Assist the Deputy Warden with the daily management of all operational service areas.
  • Ensure compliance with schedules, policies, and procedures across operational departments.
  • Quickly resolve staffing, logistical, or security issues as they arise.
  • Supervise staff in multiple units, including transportation, CERT, Honor Guard, and healthcare.
  • Oversee fleet operations, ensuring maintenance and transport scheduling.
  • Coordinate and monitor inmate transportation and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
  • Ensure inmates receive proper medical and mental health care through operational support.
  • Support and coordinate CERT activities, including training and emergency deployment readiness.
  • Oversee K9 and Honor Guard units and ensure operational preparedness.
  • Lead recruitment efforts and new hire orientation in collaboration with HR.
  • Oversee the Peer Support Program and support staff mental health and well-being.
  • Serve as an incident commander or support lead during facility emergencies.
  • Monitor and ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal standards.
  • Provide daily briefings and reports to the Deputy Warden on operational status.
  • Lead inspections and audits to maintain safety and quality standards.
  • Conduct operational meetings and foster clear communication and collaboration among departments.
  • Coordinate and schedule staff shifts to ensure proper coverage.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and/or confidential records, documents, and decisions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned depending on operational needs.

*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, Social Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Seven (7) years of work experience involving increasing responsibility in the corrections field.
  • Two (2) years in a managerial role.
  • Experience with tactical units such as CERT, K9 operations, and emergency response is preferred.

*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:

  • Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
  • This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding alcohol and drug use.
  • Employee must follow all County safety guidelines.
  • Employee must possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintain it while employed in this position.
  • Employee must complete FEMA training(s) as assigned.
  • Employee must complete required supervisory training, if applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Most duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • Some duties are performed outdoors, exposing the employee to varying weather conditions.
  • Employee may be exposed to intermittent noise, vibration, odors, fumes, contagious diseases, and potentially hostile or dangerous situations.
  • Indoor surfaces are generally flat and may be carpeted or tiled.
  • Indoor environments may involve stairs.
  • Outdoor surfaces may be flat or uneven, and may be dry or wet.
  • Outdoor work may involve stairs, ladders, hills, or inclines.
  • Surfaces encountered outdoors may include natural ground, asphalt, or concrete.
  • Employee must be available for on-call duty during emergencies.
  • Job hazards include high stress and operating a vehicle.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Regularly uses telephones, computers, fax machines, photocopiers, two-way radios, and pagers for administrative tasks.
  • May use security and restraint equipment, mace, and firearms, depending on assignment.
  • May use first aid kits, oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers, and other emergency safety equipment as needed.
  • Operates a County vehicle as assigned.
  • Handles a variety of paperwork, reports, writing tools, forms, and general office supplies.

Revision: 9/7/2025 6:31:20 AM