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Drug Task Force Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Detective/Investigations Drug Task Force Canine Team (K9) SWAT Team (Special Weapons and Tactics) STRIKE Team (High Impact Task Force) FET (Field Evidence Technician/Crime Scene Investigation) FTO ...

Detective/Investigations Drug Task Force Canine Team (K9) SWAT Team (Special Weapons and Tactics) STRIKE Team (High Impact Task Force) FET (Field Evidence Technician/Crime Scene Investigation) FTO ...

Patrol Deputy

Greeley, CO · On-site

$40.64 - $51.46/hr

Drug Task Force Field Evidence Technician Field Training Officer Investigations Strike Team K-9 Firearms Instructor Armorer Bomb Technician Mobile Command Bus operator Special Weapons and Tactics ...

Patrol Deputy

Greeley, CO · On-site

$40.64 - $51.46/hr

Drug Task Force Field Evidence Technician Field Training Officer Investigations Strike Team K-9 Firearms Instructor Armorer Bomb Technician Mobile Command Bus operator Special Weapons and Tactics ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drug Task Force information

See Colorado salary details

$46.3K

$75.3K

$92K

How much do drug task force jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug task force in Colorado is $75,281.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $79,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by members of a Drug Task Force, and how are they addressed?

Members of a Drug Task Force often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing drug trends, working in high-pressure environments, and coordinating with multiple agencies. To address these, task force officers receive ongoing training, utilize advanced surveillance technology, and participate in regular inter-agency meetings to ensure effective communication and information sharing. This collaborative and adaptive approach helps them respond efficiently to evolving threats and maintain officer safety.

What is the difference between Drug Task Force vs Narcotics Investigator?

AspectDrug Task ForceNarcotics Investigator
CredentialsLaw enforcement training, possibly specialized narcotics certificationsLaw enforcement training, narcotics investigation certifications
Work EnvironmentTeam-based, multi-agency operations often in field and community settingsField investigations, surveillance, interviews, often within police departments
Employer & IndustryLocal, state, or federal law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, sheriff's offices, federal agencies

Both roles focus on narcotics enforcement but differ mainly in scope and structure. Drug Task Forces typically operate as multi-agency teams targeting large-scale drug operations, while Narcotics Investigators are usually part of a single agency focusing on individual cases. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in law enforcement narcotics units.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drug Task Force officer?

To thrive as a Drug Task Force Officer, you need law enforcement experience, knowledge of narcotics laws, and often completion of police academy training or similar qualifications. Familiarity with surveillance technologies, evidence collection procedures, and specialized databases like NCIC is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, discretion, and effective communication are vital soft skills for handling sensitive investigations and collaborating with multiple agencies. These skills ensure effective interdiction of illegal drug activities, officer safety, and successful legal prosecution.

What is a Drug Task Force?

A Drug Task Force is a specialized law enforcement unit made up of officers from various agencies who work together to investigate and combat drug-related crimes. These teams focus on disrupting the manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking of illegal drugs within a specific region or community. Drug Task Forces often use undercover operations, surveillance, and intelligence gathering to target drug organizations and reduce drug activity. Their collaborative approach enhances resource sharing and effectiveness in addressing complex drug crimes.
What are popular job titles related to Drug Task Force jobs in Colorado? For Drug Task Force jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drug Task Force jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Drug Task Force jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Drug Task Force jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Drug Task Force job openings:
Infographic showing various Drug Task Force job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $75,281 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Detention Deputy - Entry Level

Weld County

Greeley, CO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Weld County rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

218th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Compensation Range
$37.73 - $52.75
Job Description Summary
If you are interested in Law Enforcement and looking for an opportunity to start from the ground up and grow a career with Weld County Sheriff's Office, we have the beginning of an amazing career waiting for you!
Our Mission
The Weld County Jail will accept and lawfully hold prisoners in a safe, humane, wholesome environment that returns people to the community better, or no worse, than they arrived.
The Weld County Sheriff's Office offers multiple additional assignments to include:
Detective/Investigations
Drug Task Force
Canine Team (K9)
SWAT Team (Special Weapons and Tactics)
STRIKE Team (High Impact Task Force)
FET (Field Evidence Technician/Crime Scene Investigation)
FTO (Field Training Officer)
Drone Pilot
Honor Guard
Bomb Squad
Courts Unit
The Weld County Sheriff's Office sponsors up to 10 employees per year to attend a P.O.S.T. (Peace Officers Standards and Training) academy. This academy certifies our employees to advance their career in law enforcement to be a deputy sheriff or police officer on the street. Start your career in law enforcement with the best at Weld County!
A Detention Deputy relies heavily upon interpersonal communication skills, physical techniques and tactics, and writing skills to safely, effectively, and efficiently manage jail operations. Jail operations include performing activities necessary to maintain the health, safety, security, and welfare of jail staff and incarcerated individuals (inmates). All shift assignments are on a yearly bid basis and we maintain jail functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Job Description
The following are the steps for the hiring process:
Step 1:
Online assessment through the National Testing Network (NTN). Be sure you select Corrections (for the Detentions position) and Law Enforcement (for the Patrol position). You have the option to take the test from your home computer or select a test site. If you have taken the NTN assessment in the past year for another agency, you may have it moved to Weld County.
Link: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/
Step 2:
PAT (Physical Abilities Test).
Please select a date to take the test using the link below.
https://outlook.office365.com/book/SOTrainingUnitBooking@weldgov.onmicrosoft.com/s/X_kkYYOsZke52ZeI4Wpmww2?ismsaljsauthenabled
The course is located outside, on the South side of the Weld Food Bank.
1104 H Street (near this location - NOT in the building)
Greeley, CO 80631
Please wear workout attire.
Step 3:
Background Check
The deputy will give you a background packet at the PAT OR you may pick one up at one of two locations (HR 1150 O street OR Sheriff's Office Administration Building 1950 O st).
Instructions and the hiring steps are included in the packet.
Step 4:
Polygraph - scheduled by the polygraph examiner.
Step 5:
Drug Screen scheduled by a Sheriff's Office Employee.
Step 6:
Physical fitness examination - scheduled by a Sheriff's Office Employee.
Step 7:
Psychological Exam -scheduled by the polygraph examiner.
Step 8:
Hired.
  • Continuously ensures safety and security of inmates, staff, visitors, and the public; facilitates and protects the Constitutional rights of all persons, including, but not limited to; access to medical and dental care, law library, religious activities, legal representation, and due process.
  • Directly, and indirectly, supervises inmate activities within housing units.
  • Observe inmates and maintain alertness to detect, deter, or prevent self-destructive or criminal behaviors including, but not limited to; suicide, escape, assault, theft, escape, criminal mischief, extortion, ethnic intimidation and introduction of contraband.
  • Observe inmates to detect and refer medical conditions to professional medical personnel and facilitate medical treatment; or identify crisis counseling situations and make referrals to professional counseling staff for inmate safety and security.
  • Documents inmate behavior, housing unit activity, unusual conditions and/or events to maintain accurate records of inmate behavior and housing unit activity.
  • Conducts regular inspections, and requests repairs or maintenance to the facility or equipment, when needed.
  • Collects and properly distributes mail, inmate complaint forms, inmate supplies and laundry, meals and written in-house communication; and properly accepts documents, packages, money, and safely stores inmate property.
  • Ensures verbal and written directives, policy, and ordinances, of Weld County and the Sheriff, are consistently and uniformly applied, and that actual practices reflect these applications.
  • Provides basic intervention and applies conflict resolution strategies, to effectively control inmate behaviors and maintain order within the Weld County Jail.
  • Consistently and effectively enforces jail rules regulating inmate conduct through verbal counseling or accurate preparation of an infraction report to document a written warning, lockdown, or disciplinary request.
  • Works effectively in groups of peers and other employees; facilitates smooth transition of shifts through briefings, verbal, or written communication; provides support to Deputies assigned in housing units.
  • Works rotating shifts to meet deployment needs, which vary at times.
  • Conducts face and head counts, and reports results, to maintain the effective control of inmates; accurately confirms identity of inmates from booking photographs and name rosters to facilitate distribution of meals, commissary orders, and authorized inmate entry and exit from housing units.
  • Conducts strip, person, cell and area searches, to maintain effective control of inmates.
  • Escorts inmates from one location to another to provide for required inmate activities.
  • Executes emergency response and tactical plans, to maintain safety and security within the Weld County Jail for events including, but not limited to; hostage situations, natural disasters, fire, riot, requests for assistance, and electrical power failure.
  • Effectively applies physical control techniques and restraint devices according to procedure, whenever necessary, to maintain inmate control and order.
  • Allows only authorized entry and exit of secure jail perimeter and areas within the jail facility, and determines lawful authority to accept or release an inmate from the jail to maintain safety, security, and order within the Weld County Jail; obtains legible photograph and classifiable ten-prints of prisoners accepted for booking to accurately identify inmates.

Required Qualifications
  • No experience required.
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be in possession of, or ability to obtain upon hire, a valid Driver's License.
  • Shift work required - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Shifts require working days, nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English, and to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, procedure, and operating manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of the general public or employees of organizations.
  • Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables, in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Ability to operate telephones; computer terminal, keyboard, photocopier, and scanning instrumentation; self-contained breathing apparatus and gas mask; two-way radios; and law enforcement-related equipment, such as restraints and handcuffs.

Tattoos:
1. Tattoos may be displayed while on duty or representing the agency unless considered controversial, disrespectful, or offensive.
2. Tattoos, scarifications, and brandings on the face, or front of the neck, are not authorized.
• Modest hand tattoos are allowed, at the discretion of the Sheriff or designee.
• Modest neck tattoos not extending onto the front of the neck, beyond the carotid arteries, are allowed at the discretion of the Sheriff or designee.
Piercings:
1. Modest piercing are allowed.
2. Nostril is okay; septum, bridge, nasal Lang & rhino piercings are not allowed.
3. No more than one piercing is allowed to be displayed.
• Unusually large or obtrusive piercings are not allowed.
• Ring thickness of 18 gauge (1mm) or smaller and a ring diameter of 10mm or smaller is allowed.
• A stud size of 2mm or smaller is allowed.
3. Ear piercings
• Sworn personnel, only females are allowed to wear one pair of post style earrings, one in each lobe, while on duty.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Deputies must have full mobility and use of both arms and legs, and a full range of motion, to reach over their heads, reach below their knees, bend over or squat down, and to perform self-defense techniques taught by the Sheriff's Office. They are required to move quickly, climb stairs, and ladders, and be able to run to assist other officers when there is a call for assistance. They must have the ability to stand and/or sit for long periods of time. The Deputy must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds and display enough strength to remove an average human being from a hazardous area, assist in lifting inmates from floor level to bed level, or to overcome and restrain a combative or resistive subject of average ability. Deputies must be able to meet the fitness standards, as prescribed by the Sheriff's Office.
Dual hearing is required. Detention Deputies are required to listen to multiple audio inputs simultaneously, such as portable radio conversations, conversations with inmates or other sources, noise within the housing units, alarms, etc.
Specific vision abilities, and/or corrected vision abilities, are required, including dual vision, close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The jail contains 383,754 square feet (8.8 acres) of floor space, within a structure consisting of four wings of either two or three levels, connected by hallways, stairs, and elevators. Jail duties are predominantly conducted indoors, but occasionally a deputy is required to go outside to conduct security checks of the perimeter and roof. All posts require frequent walking on concrete floors.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This position is non-exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.
Use the link below to get a closer look at the generous benefits offered:
https://www.weld.gov/Government/County-Information/Join-Our-Team/Employee-Benefits
Weld County is an equal employment opportunity employer. We ensure that all employment practices are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Weld County pledges to uphold a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, promoting fairness and dignity for all employees. We actively take affirmative action to comply with nondiscrimination policies and invite qualified individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to contact our Human Resources Department at humanresources@weld.gov or (970) 400-4234.

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