Police Cadet (Internal & External)

The Town of Taos is seeking qualified applicants for the following full-time position which includes an excellent benefit package; 100% major medical premium paid for employee with a choice of State of New Mexico Blue Cross Blue Shield, HMO & PPO or Presbyterian, State of New Mexico Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) Retirement, personal leave and holiday pay, employee development and training programs and much more!

VA# 25-26-19

Job Title: Police Cadet

Taos Police Department

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: $23.86

Opening Date: September 24, 2025

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of entry level routine law enforcement duties in a training capacity related to enforcing the laws, maintaining the peace, and protecting the citizens of Taos. As a non-certified law enforcement officer, performs duties only in the immediate supervision of a senior officer or field-training officer.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Lieutenant or Sergeant or assigned certified officer.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Attends police officers’ standards and training academy to receive instruction and training in the various aspects of law enforcement as required to receive law enforcement certification.

May accompany patrol officers during regular shift; patrols all areas of the town in police vehicles or on foot, including the town streets and businesses, checking for unlocked doors, windows and building security; makes business location and residential house checks for possible illegal activities.

Performs in-office functions to provided administrative support and learn administrative process prior to receiving P.O.S.T. certification.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Graduation from high school; AND No experience necessary;

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Some knowledge of Taos and its street systems; requirements related to certification as a law enforcement officer; interpersonal relations; hazards associated with a career in law enforcement; motor vehicle operation.

Ability to react effectively in emergency and stress situations; ability to exhibit imagination, initiative and problem-solving capability in coping with a variety of law enforcement situations; follow standard safety practices and procedures common to law enforcement work; perform work requiring good physical condition; teach and communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.

Special Qualifications: Must be 21 years of age. Must be clear of a prior criminal record.

Must possess a valid New Mexico State Driver's License. Must successfully complete State of New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification within 1 year of employment.

Work Environment:

Functions of the position generally performed in a controlled environment, but subject to all seasonal and weather extremes. Constant travel. Many functions of the work pose high degree of hazard uncertainty. Physical readiness essential to effective job performance. Various levels of mental application required, i.e., memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking, creative problem solving. Continuous use of motor skills. Ability to lift up to and above 90 lbs.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS- If you feel you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and you have the necessary drive and ambition to be part of the Taos Police Department for the Town of Taos, please submit a complete Town of Taos Preliminary Police Employment Application to: Town of Taos Human Resources Department, 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos, NM 87571 or via e-mail: employment@taosgov.com. Your application must be complete, clear, and include the correct job title and announcement number. Applications and any attachments become the official property of the Town of Taos and cannot be returned or reused after being submitted. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 P.M. on the closing date listed above.

Drug Free Workplace

EEO/ADA Compliance