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.
JCM505: Captain (Sheriff)

Captain (Sheriff)

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM505
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 Captain directs and coordinates operations of an assigned division (e.g., Criminal Investigation, Field Services, or Support Services). This role assigns personnel and equipment, administers discipline, and continuously reviews division programs. Works under the general direction of the Sheriff, Undersheriff, and Chief Deputy. Supervisory duties include hiring, training oversight, performance assessment, coaching, discipline, and termination.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Formulates and prescribes work methods and procedures for personnel within the assigned division.
  • Assigns tasks to subordinate officers and supervise section leaders.
  • Coordinates investigations into allegations of employee misconduct.
  • Advises and assists officers in complex investigations and personally handles unusual law enforcement problems.
  • Consults regularly with the Sheriff, Undersheriff, and Chief Deputy to develop and review plans and programs that improve productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness.


*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

  • Associate's Degree in related field or post-secondary education equivalent to 60 semester hours in related field.
  • Ten (10) years of current law enforcement experience in Bernalillo County Sheriff Department.
  • Minimum Six (6) months at the rank of Lieutenant.

*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
  • Adherence to all County safety guidelines
  • Possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license. ​
  • Completion of required FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position
  • Completion of required Supervisor classes, if applicable
  • A 30-day trial period for those promoted to Captain; during this period, either the individual or the County may initiate a return to the former classification/rank without the right to appeal


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • The majority of essential duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • Outdoor duties are sometimes required for essential duties, and the worker is exposed to natural weather conditions while performing outdoor duties.
  • The worker may be exposed to intermittent noise and vibration factors, particularly while in the squad car.
  • The worker may be exposed to a variety of fumes, odors, and gases in the performance of essential duties.
  • The indoor working surface is even and may be carpeted or tiled.
  • Indoor surfaces are typically dry and may involve the use of stairs.
  • The outdoor surface may be even or uneven and may be wet or dry.
  • Outdoor duties may involve the use of stairs or ladders and may be performed on inclines or hills.
  • Outdoor surfaces may include natural ground, asphalt, or concrete.
  • The worker may perform duties alone or as part of a select team.
  • Work hazards include the high stress level of the job, operation of a vehicle at potentially high speeds, and exposure to bodily harm or possible death in the performance of certain job duties.



EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used to perform administrative duties includes the telephone, computer, copy machine, and two-way radio.
  • Equipment and materials used to perform patrol duties include a law enforcement vehicle, two-way radio, officer's uniform and badge, body armor, duty belt, firearm, baton, traffic vest, flashlight, helmet or riot shield, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flares, gloves, and a mouthpiece for performance of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
  • Materials and products typically handled in the performance of administrative duties include a wide variety of forms and paperwork, reports, various writing utensils, and a wide assortment of other basic office supplies and materials.
Revision: 8/26/2025 9:28:33 PM