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.
JCV622: Zoning and Land Use Inspector Lead

Zoning and Land Use Inspector Lead

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCV622
6
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
54,018.00 - 67,870.00 - 85,363.00 USD Annual
$25.97 - $32.63 - $41.04
$54,018.00 - $67,870.00 - $85,363.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Zoning and Land Use Inspector Lead interprets and enforces all adopted County zoning ordinances and land use regulations. Reviews development plans, conducts field investigations and surveys, and works directly with the public and other departments to ensure compliance with County land use requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Represents the department at public hearings, including the Board of County Commissioners and County Planning Commission.
  • Assists in developing inspection processes and ensures proper recordkeeping for Metropolitan and District Court.
  • Serves as staff lead on projects such as code amendments, research initiatives, and directives from County Management.
  • Assists with the interpretation and enforcement of zoning regulations, design overlay standards, and special use permit conditions.
  • Coordinates, trains, and provides work direction to Zoning and Land Use Inspectors on behalf of the Zoning Manager.
  • Supports permit counter staff by answering zoning-related questions and providing technical guidance.
  • Prepares comments on adopted land use regulations for the County Development Review Authority, conditional use permits, and special use permits.
  • Prepares court prosecution materials, testifies as a witness, and drafts case briefs for the Legal Department in District Court cases.
  • Reviews commercial and residential plans for zoning code compliance, including setbacks, land use, landscaping, parking layout, administrative actions, and development plans.
  • Performs field inspections and maintains accurate records of findings and assignments.
  • Investigates reported and observed zoning violations; issues complaint letters, correction notices, and stop-work orders as appropriate.
  • Conducts special surveys and prepares reports that may include comparative statistics and findings.
  • Assists the public with zoning applications and coordinates with other departments as needed to complete submittals.
  • Recommends approval or denial of platting actions based on zoning and subdivision ordinances and suggests modifications when applicable.
  • Attends official public meetings and advises property owners and agents on lot line adjustments, subdivisions, zone changes, and other zoning procedures.
  • Maintains confidentiality when handling sensitive records, plans, documents, and decisions.


*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 Business Administration or a related field.
  • Five (5) years of experience in planning, business administration, zoning code enforcement (residential housing), housing and land use inspections, surveying, real estate appraisal, or as a licensed real estate broker/associate broker, or a closely related field.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. At least two (2) of those years must be field experience in one or more of the areas described above.


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE


The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment 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.
  • Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
  • Employee must complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned to position.
  • Employee must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license by employment date and maintain a valid NM driver’s license while in this position.


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Works alone primarily, with or without directions. Works with a select team at times.
  • Worker performs duties both indoors (approximately 75%) and outdoors (approximately 25%).
  • Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment. Workers exposed to natural weather conditions, noise, fumes and traffic hazards while working outdoors.
  • Indoor duties are performed on an even surface, which may be carpeted or tile. Outdoor duties may be performed on an even or uneven surface, which may be wet or dry. Outdoor surfaces may include natural ground, asphalt and concrete.
  • Work hazards, or potential work hazards include inspecting for possible zoning or land use violations.
  • May be exposed to some unpleasant confrontations.


EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.
  • Various forms of paperwork including money and fees are handled in performance of essential duties.
  • County vehicle is utilized routinely in the performance of essential duties.
Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM