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.
JCM502: Assistant Chief of Security

Assistant Chief of Security

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM502
10
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
89,128.00 - 111,946.00 - 140,733.00 USD Annual
$42.85 - $53.82 - $67.66
$89,128.00 - $111,946.00 - $140,733.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Chief of Security plans, directs, manages, and oversees security operations and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support. The Assistant Chief of Security assumes full management responsibility for services and activities within their assigned area and serves as a key leader within the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). Under the general direction of the Jail Administrator, responsible for planning, directing, managing and overseeing security and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assume full management responsibility for services and activities of the assigned area of responsibility. Recommend and administer policies and procedures.
  • Manage the development and implementation of MDC goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area.
  • Establish appropriate service and staffing levels. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures, and allocate resources accordingly.
  • Plan, direct, and coordinate the MDC work plan through subordinate staff. Assign projects and areas of responsibility. Review and evaluate work methods and procedures. Meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
  • Assess and monitor workloads, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships. Oversee hardware and software upgrades and staff training needs.
  • Select, train, motivate, and evaluate corrections personnel. Coordinate staff training, implement performance improvement plans, and initiate discipline or termination procedures as needed.
  • Participate in the development and administration of the department’s annual budget. Approve forecasts for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Approve expenditures and implement necessary budget adjustments.
  • Represent MDC to other divisions, departments, elected officials, and outside agencies. Coordinate assigned activities with other stakeholders, including external agencies and organizations.
  • Explain, justify, and defend MDC programs, policies, and operations. Negotiate and resolve sensitive or controversial issues.
  • Attend and participate in professional meetings. Stay current with trends and innovations in corrections, criminology, social work, and related fields.
  • Respond to and resolve complex and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
  • Assume the responsibilities of the Assistant Chiefs or the Jail Administrator in their absence.
  • Ensure the development, communication, implementation, and training related to Bernalillo County’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Authorize the execution of the EOP and ensure appropriate resources are available to protect residents, employees, and property within the County’s jurisdiction.

*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.
  • Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of corrections.
  • Three (3) years in a management 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:

  • Successfully complete a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
  • This position is safety sensitive. Employment is subject to a pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state rules and regulations regarding alcohol and/or drug testing.
  • Comply with all County safety guidelines.
  • Possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of employment and maintain it throughout employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Most essential duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • Some duties are performed outdoors, exposing the employee to natural weather conditions.
  • May be exposed to intermittent noise, vibration, fumes, odors, contagious diseases, and potentially hostile or dangerous situations.
  • Indoor surfaces are typically even (carpeted or tiled), dry, and may include stairs.
  • Outdoor surfaces may be even or uneven, wet or dry, and may include natural ground, asphalt, or concrete.
  • Outdoor duties may involve stairs, ladders, inclines, or hills.
  • Employee is required to be on call in emergency situations.
  • Work may involve a high level of stress and the operation of a vehicle.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, two-way radios, and copy machine.
  • Uses security equipment, restraint devices, mace, and weapons as needed, depending on assignment.
  • Uses first aid kits, oxygen equipment, fire extinguishers, and other emergency or safety gear when required.
  • Operates a County vehicle as assigned.
  • Handles various forms, reports, writing instruments, and general office supplies in the performance of administrative duties.

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