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Firearms Instructor Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Firearms Instructor information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$26.6K

$52.9K

$94.2K

How much do firearms instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for firearms instructor in Rio Rancho, NM is $52,934.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $54,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firearms instructor?

Firearms Instructors are professionals who teach individuals and groups how to handle, operate, and maintain firearms safely and effectively. They provide instruction on firearm safety, marksmanship, legal considerations, and proper handling techniques. Firearms Instructors may work with law enforcement, military personnel, security professionals, or civilians, and often conduct both classroom and live-fire training. Their role is critical in ensuring that students develop the skills and knowledge required for responsible firearm use.

What does a firearms instructor do?

As a firearms instructor, your job is to teach students how to use firearms responsibly or train personnel or customers on how to use specific firearms. Firearms instructors can work at shooting ranges, weapons manufacturing companies, or government or law enforcement agencies. Although your particular responsibilities differ depending on the field in which you work, most instructors’ duties are similar. You may oversee police academy recruits during training, work with private security companies to lead coursework, or teach citizens on how to use guns.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firearms instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firearms Instructor, you need expert knowledge of firearms safety, marksmanship, and instructional techniques, often supported by certifications from organizations like the NRA or law enforcement agencies. Familiarity with range safety protocols, training aids, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and attention to detail help instructors effectively teach and adapt to various experience levels. These skills ensure safe, effective training and compliance with legal and organizational standards.

What are some typical challenges a firearms instructor may face when working with trainees of varying skill levels?

Firearms Instructors often encounter the challenge of adapting their teaching methods to accommodate trainees with different backgrounds, learning speeds, and levels of experience. Balancing safety, engagement, and skill development for both beginners and advanced shooters requires flexibility and strong communication skills. Instructors must also address nervousness or misconceptions about firearms, ensuring all participants feel comfortable and confident while maintaining strict safety protocols. Collaborating with range staff and other instructors can help facilitate a supportive learning environment.

What is the difference between Firearms Instructor vs Security Guard?

AspectFirearms InstructorSecurity Guard
Required CertificationsFirearms safety and instructor certifications, state licensingSecurity license, state licensing
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, shooting ranges, classroomsBuildings, outdoor locations, event venues
Employer & IndustryTraining companies, law enforcement, private security firmsSecurity companies, private clients, retail stores

While both roles require licensing and involve safety protocols, Firearms Instructors focus on teaching firearm skills and safety, often in training facilities, whereas Security Guards provide security services, patrolling and monitoring in various environments. The roles differ mainly in their primary responsibilities but share common certifications and industry usage.

Can a civilian become a firearms instructor?

Yes, civilians can become firearms instructors if they meet state and federal requirements, which often include holding a valid firearms license, completing instructor certification courses, and passing background checks. Many organizations offer instructor training programs that prepare individuals to teach firearm safety and shooting skills professionally.

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Firearms Instructor jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Firearms Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Firearms Instructor job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,934 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Student Manager Supplemental Instruction - Center for Teaching and Learning

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Student Intermediate Level
Requisition ID
req36587
Working Title
Student Manager Supplemental Instruction - Center for Teaching and Learning
Pay
$15.00 Hourly
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
CTL General Administrative (521B)
Employment Type
Student Employment
Student Type
Status
Non-Exempt
Background Check Required
No
For Best Consideration Date
7/21/2026
Position Summary
Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program - Student Manager Position Summary
This application is for FALL 2026 hiring only.
Student Managers are undergraduate and graduate students that support the programming and tutoring services offered to UNM students at the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). Through this leadership position, the SI Student Manager provides mentorship and guidance to Supplemental Instruction Leaders within the context of a specific course, in collaboration with the Student Success Supervisor, Assistant Coordinator, and Faculty.
SI Student Managers undergo extensive training in preparation to perform the following responsibilities:
  • Provides administrative coordination and expertise for the SI Program and its services.

  • Participates in SI program planning meetings throughout the semester and supports day-to-day operations.

  • Co-facilitates program and staff evaluations using data driven methodologies.

  • Models professional ethics and expectations.

  • Makes informed decisions and takes appropriate actions to maintain the integrity of CTL.

  • Co-facilitates weekly trainings for student employees using best practices in academic support and tutoring.

  • Represents CTL internally and externally through presentations to student groups, organizations, and classes regarding CTL-related services.

  • Upholds and models CTL policies and values.

  • Other duties as assigned related to program need.

Requirements for Consideration
  • Enrollment in a minimum of 6 credit hours at the University of New Mexico in a degree seeking program.

  • 15-20 hour work week availability.

  • Attendance at pre-semester trainings (week before classes begin).

  • Attendance at weekly Friday trainings (3:00pm-4:30pm).

  • Flexible schedule for occasional evening shifts.

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA.

Minimum Qualifications
Equivalencies not found for this position
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
  • At least one year of experience as a Supplemental Instruction Leader or equivalent role in a student support position.

  • Excellent oral, written, electronic, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently with an enthusiasm for learning development.

  • Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with a diverse team of peers and professionals.

  • Ability to communicate with and value people with diverse academic skills, cultural backgrounds, and approaches to learning.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and other digital environments.

  • Desire to mentor and lead peers towards personal and professional goals.

  • Desire to develop and maintain healthy team dynamics.

  • Adaptability, availability and patience.

  • Effective organizational skills and information tracking.

Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
IMPORTANT: A dayor two after you applyinUNMJobs, our staff will email you a post-application questionnaire. Depending on the position, you maybe requiredto attach/submitcertain documents (For example: Transcripts, cover letter, work study award, recommendations, etc.). Full details will be on the form. Your questionnaire and documents must besubmittedbefore your applicationwill beconsidered.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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