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.
JCM906: Probate Judge

Probate Judge

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM906
EX14
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
155,750.00 - 233,633.00 USD Annual
$74.88 - $93.60 - $112.32
$155,750.00 - $194,688.00 - $233,633.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Probate Judge serves as the Presiding Judge for rule-to-show-cause proceedings regarding delinquent inventories, accountings, and annual reports. Approves the sale of real estate for minors and incapacitated adults. Monitors guardianship and conservatorship cases to ensure appropriate care and maintenance, including medical and health care decisions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and maintain a record-keeping and accounting system for Court of Wills, Estates, and Probate dockets and financial matters, using computer automation when possible.
  • Supervise auxiliary Court of Wills, Estates, and Probate staff, including legal assistants and other support staff.
  • Assist the public in obtaining information related to Court of Wills, Estates, and Probate matters.
  • Monitor open case files to ensure attorneys and personal representatives file pleadings required by the Probate Code in a timely manner.
  • Prepare and maintain statistics for open and closed cases.
  • Serve as custodian of Court of Wills, Estates, and Probate files and other official records.
  • Assist title companies, banks, brokerage firms, the Motor Vehicle Department, and other entities in facilitating property transfers.
  • Review pleadings to ensure they include all information required by the Probate Code.
  • Coordinate with District Court and local periodicals to meet legal notice requirements.
  • Draft legal correspondence to attorneys, title companies, banks, brokerage firms, and federal and state agencies regarding matters related to Court of Wills, Estates, and Probate cases.
  • Maintain continuous court operations during the terms of various judges.
  • Conduct legal and other research as requested by the Probate Judge.
  • Act as a liaison between the Court of Wills, Estates, and Probate and the District Court, Administrative Office of the Courts in Santa Fe, county departments, and county officials.

*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 or a related field.
  • Two (2) years of experience as a legal assistant.

*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 employment medical examination.
  • This position is safety-sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with all applicable federal and state regulations regarding alcohol and drug use.
  • Comply with all County safety guidelines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Perform duties primarily indoors in a temperature-controlled environment on an even, carpeted, or tiled surface. Work independently or with limited supervision.
  • Collaborate with other Court staff in a supervisory capacity.

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

  • Use standard office equipment, including a computer with database, word processing, and financial software, as well as photocopiers, fax machines, telephones, and calculators.
  • Handle materials such as files, forms, reports, microfilm, paperwork, and various basic office supplies while performing essential duties.

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