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.
JCM706: Sheriff Major

Sheriff Major

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM706
EX12
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
125,549.00 - 188,324.00 USD Annual
$60.36 - $75.45 - $90.54
$125,549.00 - $156,936.00 - $188,324.00

POSITION SUMMARY

This Sheriff Major provides support in crime reduction, data analysis, quality assurance, and special projects. It also involves oversight of law enforcement and other assigned personnel across all departmental bureaus as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Administer law enforcement activities across assigned bureaus. Plan daily operations, assign and direct personnel, and conduct performance evaluations to ensure compliance with law enforcement standards.
  • Ensure compliance with all Sheriff’s Office policies, procedures, rules, regulations, special orders, standing orders, and legal requirements.
  • Establish and apply effective quality control measures, data analysis, and leadership practices. Plan, analyze, and supervise subordinates to optimize professional capabilities and achieve operational goals.
  • Meet regularly with Chief Deputies or Division Commanders to identify, discuss, and resolve operational issues.
  • Enforce adherence to the chain of command and ensure deputies follow accepted law enforcement procedures and professional ethics.
  • Analyze new laws, methods, and technological advancements in crime detection, reduction, and law enforcement to improve departmental efficiency and compliance.
  • Prepare reports and strategic planning documents for the Undersheriffs for dissemination to the Bernalillo County Sheriff.
  • Perform special projects as assigned by the Bernalillo County Sheriff.

*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 Business Administration, Management, Public Administration, Criminology, Psychology, or a related field.
  • Fourteen (14) years of directly related work experience.
  • Ten (10) years of Management experience in field operations and criminal investigations and experience with officer involved shootings and Department of Justice (DOJ).
  • Current certifications as a law enforcement officer in the State of New Mexico.

*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.
  • Comply with all terms and conditions of federal and state regulations for pre-employment and random drug testing; this position is safety-sensitive.
  • Follow all County safety guidelines.
  • Complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned.
  • Complete required supervisory training, if applicable.
  • Possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the employment start date and maintain a valid license while employed in this position.


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.
  • Employee may be exposed to intermittent noise, vibration, fumes, odors, contagious diseases, and potentially hostile or dangerous situations.
  • Indoor surfaces are typically even, dry, and may be carpeted or tiled; stairs may be present.
  • Outdoor surfaces may be even or uneven, wet or dry, and include natural ground, asphalt, or concrete.
  • Outdoor duties may involve stairs, ladders, inclines, or hills.
  • Employee may be on call during emergency situations.
  • Work hazards include high stress levels and vehicle operation.


EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment used includes telephones, computers, fax machines, photocopiers, pagers, and two-way radios.
  • Employee may use security and restraint equipment, chemical agents (e.g., mace), and firearms, depending on assignment.
  • First aid equipment, oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers, and other safety tools are used as needed.
  • Employee operates a County vehicle as assigned.
  • Materials handled include a variety of forms, reports, office supplies, and paperwork.

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