1

Bia Police Officer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Assists the Police Chief, Tribal Courts, Probation Officer, BIA Social Service Agent, social worker or any law enforcement agent with child and elderly abuse cases. * Keeps detailed activity and ...

POLICE OFFICER

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$37.54 - $42.24/hr

Assists the Police Chief, Tribal Courts, Probation Officer, BIA Social Service Agent, social worker or any law enforcement agent with child and elderly abuse cases. * Keeps detailed activity and ...

Bia Police Officer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$31.6K

$60.5K

$100.8K

How much do bia police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for bia police officer in Rio Rancho, NM is $60,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,200.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a bia cop?

To become a BIA police officer, candidates typically need to meet minimum age and education requirements, pass physical and background checks, and complete law enforcement training through a certified academy. Prior experience in law enforcement or related fields can be beneficial, and applicants must often demonstrate good moral character and physical fitness. Additional qualifications may include passing written exams and interviews specific to the Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement program.

How much does a BIA officer make?

A BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) police officer typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and rank. They often receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and must complete law enforcement training and background checks to qualify.

What is a bia police officer?

A BIA police officer is a law enforcement officer employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, responsible for policing Native American reservations and tribal lands. They enforce federal laws, maintain public safety, and may require specialized training in tribal communities and federal regulations.

What is the difference between Bia Police Officer vs Bia Security Guard?

AspectBia Police OfficerBia Security Guard
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, certification, sometimes state licensingSecurity training, certification often required
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, public safety settingsPrivate or public property, commercial locations
Employer & IndustryGovernment, law enforcement agenciesPrivate security firms, businesses

The Bia Police Officer and Bia Security Guard roles share some similarities, such as security training and certification requirements. However, police officers are part of law enforcement agencies, with authority to enforce laws and respond to emergencies, while security guards primarily focus on property protection and access control. The roles differ mainly in scope, authority, and work environment, making each suited to different career goals within the security and law enforcement industry.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by BIA Police Officers working in tribal communities?

BIA Police Officers often work in remote or rural tribal communities where resources and backup may be limited compared to larger city departments. Officers may face the challenge of building trust and fostering positive relationships with community members who may have historical reasons for skepticism toward law enforcement. Additionally, BIA Officers must be adaptable, handling a wide variety of calls from routine patrols to complex jurisdictional issues involving federal, state, and tribal laws. Collaboration with local tribal authorities and other agencies is essential for effective policing and community safety.

What are BIA Police Officers?

BIA Police Officers are law enforcement personnel employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior. They are responsible for enforcing federal, state, and tribal laws on Native American reservations and trust lands. Their duties include patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergencies, conducting investigations, and collaborating with tribal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of Native American communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a BIA Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a BIA Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement principles, investigative skills, and knowledge of federal, tribal, and local laws, typically supported by graduation from an accredited police academy and federal background clearance. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, incident reporting systems, and mobile data terminals is essential. Integrity, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills set outstanding officers apart when serving diverse tribal communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring community trust, effective law enforcement, and the safety of all stakeholders.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Becoming a police officer at age 27 is generally feasible, as many departments accept applicants in their late 20s and beyond. Candidates typically need to meet minimum age requirements, pass physical and written exams, and complete police academy training, which can be started at various ages depending on the department's policies.
What job categories do people searching Bia Police Officer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Bia Police Officer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Bia Police Officer jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Bia Police Officer job openings:
Infographic showing various Bia Police Officer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,518 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

$37.54 - $42.24/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Responsible for the enforcement of tribal, state and federal laws, including criminal and traffic ordinances and codes, designed to protect the lives and property of Pueblo residents and visitors.

Our philosophy is built on the principles of integrity, fairness, collaboration, communication, and recognition for performance excellence. Meeting all performance standards leads to attracting and retaining a qualified workforce, provides opportunities for qualified team members, and contributes towards the ongoing success at Pueblo of Sandia today and in the future.  

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Patrols by vehicle or on foot, Indian country or within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo of Sandia to provide public safety and enforce tribal, state and federal laws.
  2. Responds to radio dispatches, phone-in calls, informant tips, walk-in traffic and initiates appropriate response(s).
  3. Responds to and investigates crimes reported by private parties, Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement Dispatcher, Chief of Police or other law enforcement agencies.
  4. Apprehends law violators and makes arrests based on probable cause.
  5. Serves court documents to include but not limited to, court summons, court subpoenas, arrest warrants, search warrants and civil papers.
  6. Attends court hearings, testifies, presents evidence and seeks prosecution through the courts. May also serve as an expert witness.
  7. Responds to and investigates traffic accidents.
  8. Directs traffic and performs patrol activities as needed.
  9. Assists the Police Chief, Tribal Courts, Probation Officer, BIA Social Service Agent, social worker or any law enforcement agent with child and elderly abuse cases.
  10. Keeps detailed activity and prepares case reports.
  11. Answers questions and complaints from the public.
  12. Provides customer service by responding to people’s needs and emergencies.
  13. Maintains confidentiality of law enforcement sensitive information and confidential sources. 
  14. Prepares/gives classes and speeches to promote safety/awareness.
  15. Checks and maintains vehicles and personal protective equipment.
  16. Attends advanced training seminars and specialized training classes.
  17. Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility for all team members and are expected to report to work based upon the assigned scheduled each day in accordance with the Attendance Policy for Pueblo Sandia.

 Additional Responsibilities

  1. Supports a single function and holds a position that does not supervise people but provides guidance to lower-level Team Members as needed. 
  2. Functions as an advisor to management due to the complexity of the level of work performed. 
  3. May hold current licenses, certifications, specialized education, and possess stipulated technical expertise as required.
  4. Demonstrates advanced knowledge in all aspects of the specialized function. 
  5. Performs work as a highly skilled individual contributor and considered a subject matter expert within the peer set, particularly with problem-solving.
  6. Critical thinking and the ability to analyze issues, identify solutions, and implement them effectively.

 Key Performance Indicators

This position has Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) identified as a measurement of success. KPI’s will be shared with all team members who work in this job title and feedback will be provided regarding the successful completion of the KPI’s as part of the performance review process.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

  1. Ability to read/write and prepare detailed daily activity and case reports.
  2. Ability to deal effectively with the public.
  3. Ability to prepare and give oral presentations to the public.
  4. Ability to investigate accidents and crime scenes and make arrests.
  5. Ability to prepare and prosecute cases and give courtroom testimony.
  6. Ability to plan tasks and manage time efficiently.
  7. Ability to receive telephone calls and respond to emergencies.
  8. Knowledge of tribal, state and federal laws/enforcement procedures.
  9. Knowledge of traffic ordinances and codes.
  10. Knowledge of maintenance requirements for departmental and personal protective equipment.
  11. Knowledge of tribal policies, safety practices, regulations and standard operating procedures
  12. Ability to operate radio communication equipment, digital recording equipment, computers, printers and electronic equipment.
  13. Ability to work well with others.

   Education and Experience

Required:

  1. High School diploma or GED equivalent required.
  2. Must be at least 21 years or age.

Preferred:

  1. Prior law enforcement experience.

Note:  Relevant work experience or education may be substituted to satisfy education and/or work experience. 

License/Certifications/Registrations

  1. NM Law Enforcement Academy (NMLEA) Certification, U.S. Indian Police Academy Certification or another law enforcement certification with the ability of obtaining a New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification by Waiver within the first year of hire.
  2. Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted New Mexico Driver’s License. 
  3. Must successfully pass all NMLEA requirements if attending the NMLEA Certification by Waiver.
  4. No felony convictions; no arrest convictions within the past three (3) years.
  5. Must maintain NMLEA law enforcement certification.
  6. Ability to obtain a new license after one year.
  7. Must be able to successfully pass a stringent background investigation and character investigation in compliance with PL 101.630.
  8. Will require a pre-employment and random drug screening

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The following selected physical activities are required to perform the essential functions of this position

Physical Requirement

Description

Balancing

Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling and walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.

Climbing

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion.

Crawling

Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.

Crouching

Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

Feeling

Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.

Finger Dexterity

Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

Grasping

Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

Hearing

Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.

Kneeling

Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.

Lifting

Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.( Lift up to 85% of body weight)

Pulling

Using upper extremities to exert force to draw, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.

Pushing

Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.

Reaching

Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Seeing

The ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.

Walking

Job requirements include, in the performance of duties, walking throughout the work area, on various work surfaces throughout internal or external locations.

Seeing

The ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.

Sitting

Particularly for sustained periods of time.

Standing

Particularly for sustained periods of time.

Stooping

Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.

Talking

Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

List Working Conditions Required:

Work is performed indoors and outdoors. Outside work is subject to temperature extremes and inclement weather conditions.

  1. Work hours subject to rotating days, shiftwork and holidays with overtime work required.
  2. Subject to hazards which may cause personal bodily harm; possible exposure to toxins and drugs, arduous physical exertion under rigorous and unusual conditions, fumes, explosives, automotive fluids, smoke; diseases; cuts bruises, burns, common cold, influenza, dust, odors and elevated noise levels.
  3. Tasks may be performed on uneven, inclined, hard and soft carpeted floors, cement structures and surfaces.
  4. Duties may involve walking, running, jumping, climbing over barriers, discharging a firearm, standing for long periods of time, sitting and crouching.