Senior Law Enforcement Academy Instructor (DPS #10114511+)

Salary

$35.37 – $53.05 Hourly

$73,568 – $110,352 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C10

Posting Details

Provides training and oversight of New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Cadets, Law Enforcement Officers, and Public Safety Telecommunicators exclusively at the Department of Public Safety.

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.

Why does the job exist?

This position is responsible for developing, coordinating, and instructing various basic and in-service training programs for first responders at the Department of Public Safety at the sole full performance level of the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Instructor classification.

How does it get done?

Provides training and oversight of New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Cadets, Law Enforcement Officers, and Public Safety Telecommunicators exclusively at the Department of Public Safety.

• Monitors, regulates, and evaluates trainee performance.
• Counsels trainees on personal, professional, and academic issues.
• Research/review/revise training lesson plans, handouts, manuals, audiovisual aids, simulations, and other instructional tools and materials to ensure quality and consistency with Academy-goals, legal standards, and law enforcement best practices.
• Prepares, utilizes, and maintains training equipment.
• Ensures safety practices and protocols are followed.
• Serves as technical or subject matter experts in one or more law enforcement and/or public safety telecommunicator discipline.

Instruction & Curriculum Delivery

• Provide classroom, scenario-based, and physical training instruction to New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy cadets, certified law enforcement officers, and public safety telecommunicators in accordance with Academy curriculum, standards, and state law (NMAC 10.29.1-10.29.10).
• Deliver instruction in assigned subject matter areas using approved lesson plans, training aids, and instructional methods.
• Evaluate trainee learning outcomes through written, practical, and performance-based assessments. Trainee Oversight & Mentorship
• Monitor, regulate, and evaluate trainee performance, conduct, and adherence to Academy policies and professional standards.
• Provide counseling and coaching to trainees on personal, professional, academic, and ethical matters to promote discipline, resilience, and leadership.
• Maintain accurate trainee records, progress reports, and disciplinary documentation in accordance with Academy protocols.

Curriculum & Program Development

• Research, review, and revise lesson plans, training manuals, handouts, audiovisual materials, and scenario-based exercises to ensure instructional consistency, legal compliance, and alignment with contemporary law enforcement best practices.
• Collaborate with Academy leadership, compliance team and subject-matter experts to integrate new legislative mandates, use-of-force standards, and procedural updates into the curriculum.
• Assist with development and validation of learning objectives, testing instruments, and instructional materials.

Operational Support & Safety

• Prepare, maintain, and ensure proper use of all instructional materials, training equipment, and simulation resources.
• Enforce all safety practices, range protocols, and liability mitigation measures during all training activities.
• Participate in Academy events, graduation ceremonies, and other official functions as directed.

Professional Development & Representation

• Maintain current instructor certifications and qualifications as required under NMAC 10.29.4 and Academy policy.
• Serve as a professional role model, demonstrating integrity, discipline, and adherence to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
• Represent the Academy and the Department of Public Safety in a positive, professional manner during all interactions with agencies, cadets, and the public.

Who are the customers?

This job is done for New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Cadets, Law Enforcement Officers, and Public Safety Telecommunicators, who receive training and oversight through the Department of Public Safety.

Ideal Candidate

Bachelor’s degree in any field as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of this classification and four (4) or more years’ experience in law enforcement patrol operations, law enforcement training, or criminal investigations plus two (2) years law enforcement teaching experience.

Minimum Qualification

Associate degree in any field as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of this classification and six (6) years experience, (2) years of which must be law enforcement teaching experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Must hold a current New Mexico Police Officer certification as set forth in §297-6 NMSA 1978 or be eligible for Certification by Waiver upon hire and/or must complete Certification by Waiver within six (6) months of hire, and currently hold the minimum of a New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy general instructor certificate or Equivalent as set forth in §10.29.4.8 NMAC.

Employment Requirements

Employment is subject to a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations; and is conditional pending results. Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy.

In addition, the selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a current Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico; or pass and receive the Defensive Driving Certificate.

Must hold a current New Mexico Police Officer certification as set forth in §297-6 NMSA 1978 or be eligible for Certification by Waiver upon hire and/or must complete Certification by Waiver within six (6) months of hire and currently hold the minimum of a New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy general instructor certificate or Equivalent as set forth in §10.29.4.8 NMAC.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in classroom and outdoor settings. May be exposed to physical and mental stress, hazardous materials, controlled substances; may be required to work irregular hours, holidays, weekends, and in inclement weather. May be exposed to loud noises and dangers inherent during firearms, defensive tactics, and emergency vehicle operations training. The incumbent will participate in and conduct physical fitness training and activities with cadets such as running, circuit training, and resistance training.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Sylvia Serna, [email protected], Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

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