Chief Deputy Sheriff

Sandoval County; Bernalillo (NM); On-site; USD 92,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandoval County in Bernalillo, NM seeks a Chief Deputy Sheriff to oversee patrol services, civil/court security, and criminal investigations. The role directs daily operations, ensures training compliance, and maintains interagency collaboration with multiple law enforcement partners.

A strong background in budgeting and personnel management is essential. The position requires an Associate’s degree in a related field, 10 years in law enforcement, with supervisory experience and NM certification.

Qualifications

• Education: Associates degree and ten years of law enforcement experience, four in a supervisory role at Sergeant level or higher, plus two years at Lieutenant level or equivalent.
• Valid New Mexico Driver’s License and Police Academy Training with NM Law Enforcement Certification.
• Background check and pre-employment drug/alcohol test required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, coordinate and administer daily Sheriff’s Office operations including patrol, civil/security, and investigations.
• Supervise staff, coordinate training, and monitor performance; provide guidance and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Coordinate interagency collaboration with local, state, federal, tribal, and BIA policing agencies.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Budgeting

Staff supervision

Interagency collaboration

Leadership

Training/instruction

Education

Associates Degree in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, or related field

Job description

# Sandoval County, NM## Chief Deputy SheriffApply: Bernalillo, NM: Full time: Posted 2 Days Ago: End Date: December 1, 2026 (19 days left to apply): JR100180**This job posting is only for candidates that are NOT current employees of Sandoval County.** If you are a current employee, you must apply using the Workday Jobs Hub which can be found in the navigation menu on the left side of the screen when you log into Workday. # Department:Sheriff's Office# Pay:$91,686.40-$114,587.20# Close Date:11-30-2026# Job Description:**GENERAL PURPOSE:** Under general direction, plans, directs, coordinates and administers the daily operations, functions, and activities of assigned services including patrol services, civil/court security, and criminal investigations; plans, coordinates, and instructs personnel on required and established training curriculum standards; serves as an intergovernmental liaison to maintain a cohesive working relationship with local, state, federal, tribal and BIA policing agencies; receives and reviews citizen complaints on subordinate staff, conducts an inquiry and takes appropriate action or makes recommendations; receives and reviews employee Notice of Accident Reports to ensure all documents are thorough and accurate; coordinates receipt and review of reports submitted by Animal Control Officers to ensure staff reconciles animal intake invoices with monthly billings received; and performs other duties as assigned.**MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS**:**Education and Experience:*** Associates Degree in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, or related field and ten years of demonstrated law enforcement experience, four years of which was in a supervisory capacity at the level of Sergeant or equivalent and two years of which was in a supervisory capacity at the level of Lieutenant or equivalent in one or more functional area that includes demonstrated experience and responsibility in budgeting, staff supervision, grant/contract activities, training instruction and administration, or collaborative interagency relationships; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.**Required Licenses or Certifications:*** Valid New Mexico Driver’s License* Completion of Police Academy Training and maintenance of a valid New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification* Other licenses and certifications may be required within a specified time period after hire.**Additional Requirements:*** Must pass a background check applicable to position.* Must pass a pre-employment Drug and Alcohol Test.**This position is subject to random alcohol and drug testing in accordance with Sandoval County Personnel Rules and Regulations Article XIII Drug and Alcohol Policy and Testing- Drug Free Workplace****SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:**Position reports to the Undersheriff and exercises supervision over lower level staff.**ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:** *The following duties **ARE NOT** intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.** Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of assigned staff; assigns tasks and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.* Coaches, trains and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training; and manages employee relations; manages the workflow and prioritization of projects and measures the performance of the assigned unit/area and all related staff and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary; provides general advice and counsel to staff; develops or assists with developmental work plans for staff; assists with implementation and recommendation of corrective actions, discipline and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary.* Administers the daily functions of assigned services including patrol services, civil/court security, and criminal investigation.* Communicates with supervisors on the needs of the office and the dissemination of information from outside sources regarding criminal activity, traffic safety concerns and responds to questions and provides guidance and direction regarding an incident to deputies and supervisors as needed twenty-four hours a day.* Receives and reviews employee Notice of Accident reports to ensure all documents are completed accurately prior to forwarding electronically to County Risk Management; and ensures the injured employee is taken care of appropriately.* Manages, plans, coordinates and/or instructs personnel on the required and established training curriculum standards and hours set-forth by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, as required.* Through subordinate supervisors, discusses personnel issues, staffing concerns, promotions, safety of personnel and proper maintenance of equipment; assists subordinate supervisors in ensuring high quality of standards are being maintained at all times.* Receives and reviews employee payroll to ensure completeness and presence of supporting documentation regarding hours worked within the pay period.* Attends meetings with other law enforcement agencies and other governmental entities for the sharing of information and collaboration of enforcement strategies and/or traffic safety concerns.* Performs various law enforcement duties including dealing with prisoners, handling service requests, and writing reports.* Manages and coordinates the staff hiring process; coordinates vehicle maintenance and vehicle assignments; coordinates various law enforcement databases; performs grant research and writing; and researches, drafts, and implements orders and procedures related to routine Sheriff's Office operations.**Required Knowledge of:*** Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a sheriff’s department, including business/industry principles and practices related to work assigned.* Administering and managing law enforcement services and programs in a public-sector setting.* Law enforcement organization and administration.* Law enforcement principles, practices, techniques, and equipment with special reference to assignments.* County ordinances and New Mexico criminal and traffic law manual; and manufacturer equipment manuals.* The principles, practices of leadership, training, and supervision.* Law enforcement services and investigative activities.* Sheriff’s Office standards, policies and procedures, and rules of conduct.* County geography.* Law enforcement training programs, techniques and methods.* A variety of software packages relevant to the department and assigned work.* Acquiring and monitoring grants.* Contract negotiation and administration.* Research methods and report presentation.* Effective communication principles and practices including oral and written communication; to include public relations and public speaking.* Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers, computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.* Principles and practices of governmental budget administration and monitoring.* English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.* Principles of business letter writing.* Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.**Required Skill in:*** Applying law enforcement principles, practices, methods, and techniques.* Administering a specialized law enforcement division, unit, or function.* Analyzing difficult law enforcement situations and problems and reacting quickly and calmly in emergency situations.* Operating a motor vehicle during every day driving and during emergency situations; and understanding the limitations of that vehicle.* Conducting research, extracting useful information and preparing written documentation for dissemination that is thorough, accurate and understandable.* Resolving conflicts.* Delegating authority and supervising the activities of others.* Maintaining accurate and complete records and reports.* Using firearms, motor vehicles, and communication equipment.* Developing and implementing goals and objectives for assigned area of responsibility.* Writing, administering, and evaluating grants, contracts, and proposals.* Developing and conducting training programs associated with assigned area of responsibility.* Negotiating and administering contracts and agreements.* Evaluating processes and procedures for improvement and cost-effectiveness.* Working cooperatively with County employees, contractors, and the public.* Working with equipment, tools, and materials required in area of assignment.* Applying project management techniques and principles.* Communicating effectively verbally and in writing, including public relations and public speaking.* Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public, including meeting and dealing tactfully with the public.* Utilizing personal computer software programs and other relevant software affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets.* Principles and practices of governmental budget administration and monitoring.* Developing, interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them.* Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.**Physical Demands / Work Environment:*** Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment, with occasional work performed in vehicles and outdoor settings.* Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time, stooping, and lifting books or files of approximately 25 pounds or less.* Work frequently involves extended periods of time viewing a computer monitor and operating a keyboard.* Work regularly requires speaking, hearing and utilizing a phone, calculator, cell phone, copier or fax machine.* Regularly may be exposed to extreme weather and potential physical harm and/or infectious disease when dealing with citizens and their property, responding to emergency calls, and when operating emergency equipment and vehicles.* Operates a County vehicle as necessary to attend meetings, training and perform related job duties.### About UsWe foster an organization that engages its citizens and exceeds their needs. We promote organizational excellence through collaborative leadership, improved communications and the development of employee learned programs. We ensure employees' skills and County policies are aligned with County goals and objectives to sustain investment in public and organizational infrastructures. Sandoval County is always recruiting for hardworking, qualified people to join our workforce. If you have a passion for public service and for serving the residents of our county, we could be a great fit for you!