Sergeant - Sheriff's Office

Under the direct supervision of the Captain, enforces the laws of New Mexico and ordinances of Sierra County by supervising, monitoring, and evaluating the daily activities of patrol deputies.

• Upholds Sierra County’s code of justice with the highest level of integrity and enforces local, county, state, and federal laws.
• Advises the Lieutenant in matters pertaining to required policy and regulation changes for the department.
• Instructs and trains new police officers and assists in matters concerning difficult police problems and cases. 
• Improves staff effectiveness by orienting, coaching, counseling, training, and recommending disciplinary action for employees; planning, delegating, monitoring, and appraising job tasks and results in a timely manner; and developing a climate for offering information and opinions.
• Implements new procedures received from Sierra County. 
• Maintains active, working knowledge of departmental rules, policies, procedures, and developments in the law that affect the Sheriff’s office and Deputies.
• Ensures Sheriff Deputies are carrying out office duties properly, effectively, and consistently; compares field practices with the standards established through written orders.
• Assures unsatisfactory performance is improved through encouragement, explanation, referral to superior officers or other means consistent with departmental policy. 
• Submits written reports to the Lieutenant regarding any member of the department who commits a serious breach of the regulations of the department or where informal corrective measures prove inadequate, including complete details of misconduct and/or corrective measures attempted. 
• Implements all orders received from the Lieutenant. 
• Explains to departmental personnel content and meaning of new orders that will affect their responsibilities.
• Responds to emergencies and incidents, or dispatches as required. 
• Assumes command of crisis situations until relieved by an officer of superior rank.
• Participates in staff meetings by sharing observations and recommendations regarding the Sheriff’s office, participants, and staff in order to identify and solve problems and functions as a unified team.  
• Prepares comprehensive and concise verbal and written reports.
• Remains flexible in working hours as needed to meet deadlines and support organizational needs.
• Builds and fosters effective working relationships with others.  

• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences.

• Executes other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

*Applicant must disclose real or perceived conflicts of interest and must abide by the Governmental Conduct Act (NMSA 10-16-1 (et. seq.).

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years’ experience in law enforcement or related field.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered. 
• Maintain New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Certification.
• Obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation.
• Must have no DWI convictions within the past five years.
• Must have no felony convictions.
• Cannot be on probation or parole for any conviction.
• Cannot have more than two speeding tickets within the past two years.
• Must pass a psychological assessment.

Knowledge of:

• Advanced law enforcement terminology, concepts, and department policies and performance standards.
• Applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, requirements, principles, policies, and practices of law enforcement and community and public relations.
• Criminal justice procedures.
• The county’s geography and roads.
• Policies, functions, and responsibilities of Sierra County and Sheriff’s department.
• Modern trends related to the practice of law enforcement.
• Community/Problem Oriented Policing methodologies.

Skill in:

• Hiring, training, and evaluating assigned staff.
• Exercising sound judgment and reacting effectively in emergency, hostile, or life-threatening situations.
• Preparing clear, concise, competent, and timely reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Directing emergency operations efficiently and effectively.
• Providing outstanding customer service.
• Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, accounting, database and/or industry-related software programs in a Windows environment. 
• The use of firearms, two-way radios, and other specialized law enforcement weapons and equipment.

Ability to:

• Tactfully handle sensitive issues to provide information to staff for immediate action.
• Give clear instructions.
• Strictly enforce laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.

• Remain calm, use good judgement, and work under stressful circumstances. 
• Interpret applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing. 
• Speak persuasively in groups.
• Interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.  
• Work independently with minimal supervision and with others. 

• Conduct an interview/interrogation to effectively obtain and disseminate information.

• Maintain confidentiality, a professional attitude; and demonstrate moral character, honesty, tact, fairness, lack of prejudice, and desire to help when dealing with people.

Work Environment: 

Work is generally performed outdoors where incumbent may be exposed to varying temperature and weather conditions. Occasional work in an office or indoor setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required.  Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.   Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.

Physical/Mental Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively. The employee occasionally is required to move throughout the complex; climb or balance; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and lift up to 50 pounds.  Close vision and clarity of vision at long distance are required.  Incumbent may sit for extended periods of time. Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens; high risk / potentially dangerous situations; excessive noise; working with hostile, violent, and/or offensive individuals; and areas where the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices, or materials is necessary.  Position may cause stress and tension; and require incumbent to quickly change position on issues when presented with better alternatives. 

Equipment, tools, and materials:

Tools used in performing the essential functions of the job: patrol vehicle, ATV, UTV, firearm, taser, pepper spray, extra magazines, radio, rifle, patrol unit, laptop, Narcan, gloves, evidence bags, body camera, digital camera, handcuffs and keys, traffic vest, bullet proof vest, basic medical equipment, uniform shirt and pants, shined boots, and laptop.

*Sierra County is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.