Police Captain

City of Española; Espanola (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Health insurance

Take-home vehicle

Job summary

City of Española is seeking a Police Chief to oversee daily operations of police personnel, records staff, detention and animal control. You will coordinate functions through sworn officers and civilian supervisors and may assume command in the Chief's absence.

Required are a high school diploma, 8 years as a sworn officer with 4 in leadership, NMLEA certification, and a valid NM Class D license. A thorough background and drug/alcohol screening are required.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Eight years' experience as sworn police officer, four in supervisory/administrative roles.
• NMLEA certification in good standing.
• Yearly firearms qualifications.
• New Mexico Class D driver's license valid.
• No felony or DV convictions; no DUI in last 5 years.
• Background check including drug/alcohol screening.

Responsibilities

• Oversees day-to-day operations of police personnel, records/civilian staff, detention, and animal control.
• Coordinates functions of a segment of line operations or staff services through supervisors.
• Directs operations and assumes command in the Chief's absence.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Eight years' experience as sworn police officer

NMLEA Certification

Tools

Firearms qualifications

Job description

Job Opportunities

Open Until Filled, First Review of Applications will be August 20, 2026

$41.00 to $45.00 per hour

( $85,280 to $93,600 annual based on 2,080 work hours per year)

Under the general supervision of the Police Chief, plans and oversees day-to-day operations of the uniformed police personnel, records/clerical staff, detention, and animal control. Manages coordination of functions of a designated segment of the Police Department line operations or staff services through subordinate police commanders or civilian section supervisors. Performs highly responsible administrative, patrol, investigative and technical work in directing the operation and activities of the Police Department and assumes command in the absence of the Chief.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Eight (8) yearsexperience as a sworn police officer, four (4) years of which must have been in a supervisory and administrative capacity. Relevant education may be substituted for experience at a rate of one (1) year equal to thirty (30) credit hours.
• Current and maintained NMLEA Certification in good standing.
• Must possess and maintain a valid, New Mexico Class D driver's license and be insurable by City's vehicle insurance provider.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony, domestic violence or any other crime involving moral turpitude.
• Must not have been convicted of a DUI within the last five years.
• Successful completion of thorough background investigation to include a successful pre-employment drug and alcohol screening with subsequent random drug and alcohol screenings.

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Eight (8) years' experience as a sworn police officer, four (4) years of which must have been in a supervisory and administrative capacity. Relevant education may be substituted for experience at a rate of one (1) year equal to thirty (30) credit hours.
• Current and maintained NMLEA Certification in good standing.
• Yearly firearms qualifications.
• Must possess and maintain a valid, New Mexico Class D driver's license and be insurable by City's vehicle insurance provider.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony, domestic violence or any other crime involving moral turpitude.
• Must not have been convicted of a DUI within the last five years.
• Successful completion of thorough background investigation to include a successful pre-employment drug and alcohol screening with subsequent random drug and alcohol screenings.

Special Requirements

A criminal background investigation will be required as a condition of employment.

Excellent benefit package includes enhanced PERA Police Municipal 5 defined-benefit pension plan with City paying 75% of total contributions; affordable health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance with City paying 75% of health insurance premiums for employee and family, and City paying 100% of basic life insurance premiums; 13 paid holidays per year; annual and sick leave accruals; uniform allowance; take-home vehicle (up to 70 miles); educational and training opportunities.

Category Public Safety Status Open First review of applications will be 8/20/2026 Salary $41.00 to $45.00 per hour ($85,280 to $93,600 annual based on 2,080 work hours per year) Posted August 5, 2026 Closing Open Until Filled