Special Agent - Executive Protection

33.40 - $50.11 Hourly

69,479 - $104,219 Annually

This position is a Pay Band PI

Posting Details

The Attorney General and the Department of Justice, collectively referred to as the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ), represents and defends the legal interests and sovereignty of the people of the State of New Mexico. The NMDOJ exercises the responsibilities delegated by the New Mexico Constitution, statutes enacted by the New Mexico Legislature, and the common law. The Attorney General has primary authority for enforcement of consumer protection and antitrust laws, prosecution of criminal appeals and some complex white-collar crimes, training and certification of peace officers, and most natural resource and environmental matters. Additionally, the NMDOJ works concurrently with New Mexico's 13 district attorneys and other local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to carry out its criminal justice responsibilities and activities.

The Special Investigations Division of the NMDOJ is comprised of separate units, each handling investigations in its own specialty area. The Division utilizes expert special agents for major criminal investigations across the state as directed by the Attorney General, including violent crimes such as child abuse, homicide, sexual assaults, and guardianship cases. The Special Investigations Division also investigates government corruption, fraud, economic and financial crimes, and forced child labor, often working in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Agents from special investigations are also assigned to executive protection.

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two (2) weeks of closing date.

Why does the job exist?

It is the policy of the NMDOJ to assign law enforcement officers commissioned as Special Agents to its Executive Protection and Intelligence Unit. The primary purpose of the unit is to provide personal security to the Attorney General, his family, and their physical locations to extend to their real property or residence. Secondary to their security function, the Agents assigned to the unit shall investigate any threats made against the office, its staff and the Attorney General. Agents assigned shall provide a liaison between the Executive Office and Operations regarding communicating threats and assessing weaknesses in physical security in NMDOJ offices. Agents assigned shall also, at the direction of the Attorney General provide security for visiting dignitaries i.e. visiting Attorney Generals from other jurisdictions.

Agents assigned shall accompany the Attorney General, at his direction to functions, meetings, whether political or the business of the NMDOJ. During these assignments or in transit to and from Agents are considered on duty and shall conform to all readiness for duty requirements. Agents will have available to them all issued NMDOJ equipment, tools, vehicles and weapons during these assignments, always conforming to the agency use of force policy and other appropriate applicable policies.

Occasionally, Agents will be required to travel with the Attorney General out of state or at times even out of country. Agents will comply with all applicable state or international laws regarding the carrying of agency weapons during this duty. When travelling out of country Agents shall notify the State Department prior to departure updating their status as is changes. Agents shall carry with them at all times agency issued credentials and identification.

How does it get done?

In addition to the duties and responsibilities of a Special Agent, the Executive Protection / Intelligence Unit agents provide security for the Attorney General. The Attorney General, and his Family, are provided protection by the Executive Protection / Intelligence Unit while in the State of New Mexico, throughout the United States and while traveling internationally. Agents also provide assistance to National and Foreign Dignitaries and their Executive Protection Units while visiting the State of New Mexico. All Special Agents are called upon to assist the Executive Protection / Intelligence Unit in providing transportation, event security and executive protection for events in the State of New Mexico.

Agents assigned to the Executive Protection / Intelligence Unit must develop partnerships with Federal, State and local Law Enforcement Agencies across the United States and Foreign countries. Many events require detailed planning and site visits in order to determine manpower requirements as well as evacuation routes for emergencies. The Agent coordinates with other law enforcement agencies and event coordinators to ensure a safe and secure event site.

Areas of expertise required of a member of the Executive Protection / Intelligence Unit include, but are not limited to :

1. Preplanning of event sites which include security arrangements, contingency plans, intelligence gathering and coordination with Local, State, and Federal agencies.

2. Coordination of National and Foreign Security Arrangements

3. Provide secure and safe transportation and evasive driving skills necessary for executive protection.

4. Strategic placement of personnel necessary to provide a secure environment for dignitaries and their staff.

5. Investigate any direct or indirect threats made towards the Attorney General or employees of the NMDOJ.

6. Compliance with new Federal Firearms guidelines based on FAA and Homeland Security Directives.

7. Maintaining proficiency in all tools and skills utilized within the detail. Including, but not limited to : firearms, tactics, physical readiness, driving, law enforcement databases, and operation planning.

8. Agents shall seek out training opportunities to maintain readiness and receive updates on current tactics and procedures in protection operations.

9. Other duties as assigned by management to include background checks, investigations, training, and high-risk operations with other NMDOJ divisions that require additional resources (search warrants, warrant roundups, apprehension, etc.).

Who are the customers?

This position serves the Attorney General of the State of New Mexico, the NMDOJ, and the citizens of New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate

A successful candidate will have the ability to use basic computer applications; Excellent time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize work; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Strong organizational, planning and problem solving skills, and criminal investigative experience. Executive Detail and / or tactical training preferred.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, or other related field with five (5) years of experience in law enforcement, criminal investigation, white-collar or economic / financial fraud investigation. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and / or direct experience in this occupation totaling nine (9) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Currently carry a valid New Mexico law enforcement certification or be eligible for certification by waiver of training.

Employment Requirements

This position is designated a safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and / or drug testing. Employment requires successful completion of post offer pre-employment physical and is subject to criminal background check and is conditional pending results of criminal background check. Be of good moral character and not have been convicted of a felony offense by a court of this state, any other state or the United States. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License as some statewide travel is required.

Current New Mexico State Law enforcement certification or eligibility for certification by waiver. Subject to drug screening upon hire and random safety sensitive drug testing.

Working Conditions

Working Conditions include extensive personal computer and telephone use, long hours in state vehicle, extensive in and out of State travel, varied and extended hours. Exposure to a law enforcement environment to include exposure to law enforcement investigations.

Supplemental Information

Benefits :

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Agency Contact Information : Tim Maestas, (505) 895-2492. 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.

Salary : $69,479 - $104,219