Salary: $20.74 Hourly
Location : Farmington, NM
Job Type: Temporary
Department: Juvenile Detention Center
Opening Date: 04/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job SummaryUnder general supervision, guards juveniles in the Juvenile Detention Facility; provides for the needs of juveniles during detention to include but not limited to: lock down juveniles in cells after searching for weapons, valuables, drugs or other contraband; serves meals, provides first responder aid if needed; observes conduct and behavior of juveniles to prevent disturbances and escapes; inspect locks, cells, closets, hallways, access chases, recreational, medical and kitchen areas, windows, grills, doors, and gates for tampering; performs all other duties in a manner consistent will all policies and procedures within a correctional environment.
Education and Experience Requirements- Minimum age requirements of 21 years
- High School diploma or GED equivalent.
- Must have no felony convictions or convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude.
- Must be certified as a juvenile officer within the first 90 days of employment/transfer/position.
- Valid State of New Mexico Driver's license or able to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements- Working conditions are typical juvenile detention facility settings; involves the potential for high stress levels and exposure to hostile situations; some non-standard work hours are required.
- Employees may be subject to physical altercations with inmates which may require restraining and/or physically relocating inmates. At times, staff can be called upon to assist with moving unconscious juveniles in emergency situations for medical treatment. Supervising inmate may require prolonged walking, standing, or sitting. May be required to lift 50 pounds or more to accommodate the operational requirement of the facility.
- Full-time work hours for this position consist of rotating shift work, nights and weekend shifts and overtime. Rotating shifts is a requirement for the operations of this facility.
- Work schedule for this position may include working on religious holidays.
- Utilize, process, and navigate the County's electronic ERP system as necessary and appropriate based on the needs and requirements of this position.
Essential Job FunctionsThe list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
- Observes conduct and behavior of juveniles to prevent disturbances and escapes and to maintain health and cleanliness.
- Inspect cells, closets, hallways, access chases, recreational, medical and kitchen areas, locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates for tampering.
- Searches juveniles and cells for contraband articles.
- Transports juveniles to judicial proceedings, medical or other authorized appointments.
- Guards and directs juveniles during work assignments and ensures appropriate inmate counts.
- Patrols assigned areas for evidence of forbidden activities, infractions of rules, and unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustments of inmates; reports observations to shift sergeant.
- Escorts juveniles to and from visiting room, legal visits, medical office, and religious services or other authorized locations.
- Guards entrance of detention center to screen visitors.
- Prepares written reports concerning incidences of juveniles disturbances or injuries.
- Ensures that proper departmental procedures regarding correspondence between the public and juveniles are maintained.
- Serves juveniles meals in accordance with established procedures; ensures that proper counting is maintained of all utensils, cups, trays and inmate counts are correct.
- Searches juveniles property for contraband including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, weapons, and nuisance contraband as prescribed by facility policy or by law.
- Distributes mail for juveniles which includes checking for contraband.
- Requests physical examinations and forwards specific requests for medical assistance to the nurse; escorts juveniles to the nurse's office and provides security for the nurse.
- Verifies and writes receipts on commissary purchases; ensures that the Commissary vendor distributes purchases to the proper juveniles.
- Supervises the visitation of attorneys, family members and others.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
01
Are you a male applicant (for working with male juvenile offenders)?
02
Do you meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years of age?
03
Have you worked in an environment that requires maintaining or enforcing compliance with schedules and organizational policies and procedures? Please explain.
04
Have you ever worked in an environment with individuals experiencing behavioral challenges? Please explain.
05
Due to the nature of the Juvenile Services facility, maintaining adequate staffing is essential. Are you able and available to work any shift that may be assigned to you? This includes rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime as needed.
06
Per the Juvenile Services Department policy, a criminal background check will be conducted as part of the application process. Applicants must be able to pass the criminal background check to qualify for employment. Applicants who wish to proceed in the application process will be required to complete, and submit a Juvenile Services Background Authorization Form. Information collected will be used for the criminal background check only.
07
According to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), an applicant is required to disclose the following requirements. Have you ever been engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lock up, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institution?
08
Have you ever been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in sexual activity by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse?
09
Have you ever had allegations against you or been civilly or criminally convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or have you had allegations or administrative discipline against you involving any sexual misconduct while performing your duties at work?
10
Have you resigned your position with a prison or jail pending administrative investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse?
11
Under section 3.11 of the San Juan County Employee Handbook, a Temporary Employee is hired for a specific project and employment is expected to last no longer than 9 months and is not entitled to County Benefits. This position has potential to turn into a regular, full-time position but is not guaranteed. If this position lasts longer than 9 months, you will be subject to PERA/NMCHRA contributions. Do you understand this requirement?
Required Question