Special Agent

$29.23 - $43.85 Hourly

$60,800 - $91,200 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C8

Posting Details

The Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) of the State of New Mexico is composed of seven (7) regulatory divisions charged with the regulation and licensing of over four hundred thousand (400,000+) licensees across dozens of professions and industries ranging from the construction trades to medical and financial practitioners to the legal cannabis industry. The Enforcement Bureau of the RLD was created pursuant to 2025 House Bill 10 as a dedicated law enforcement entity to combat illegal cannabis activity in New Mexico. The Enforcement Bureau will directly investigate suspected illegal cannabis activity with the goal of obtaining successful criminal prosecutions of individuals and businesses who are violating the cannabis laws of New Mexico. The Enforcement Bureau will work alongside the Cannabis Control Division of the RLD to ensure compliance with the Cannabis Regulation Act, including, when necessary, conducting seizures and destruction of illegal cannabis products upon the issuance of appropriate orders issued by the district courts.

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


Why does the job exist?

After enactment of the Cannabis Regulation Act in 2021, the rapid development and expansion of the legal, licensed, regulated cannabis industry in our state was followed by a rise in illegal cannabis activity conducted by individuals and organizations operating in clear violation of New Mexico law. In recognition of the need for additional law enforcement resources with the authority and training necessary to properly investigate these cases and properly enforce applicable criminal statutes the Enforcement Bureau of the RLD was created by the New Mexico Legislature in 2025 House Bill 10. The Enforcement Bureau is charged with a duty to "investigate alleged violations of law and report its findings to the superintendent and the director of the cannabis control division of the department." Employees of the new Enforcement Bureau will also work alongside staff from the Cannabis Control Division of the RLD and staff from other law enforcement agencies and governmental entities to carry out destruction orders issued by the district courts when illegal cannabis products and related materials have been discovered and seized.


How does it get done?

In addition to directly conducting statewide criminal investigations of suspected illegal cannabis activities, preparing cases for prosecution by the district attorneys, and testifying in support of criminal prosecutions when requested, the staff of the RLD Enforcement Bureau will provide support to the Cannabis Control Division of the RLD concerning investigations for civil administrative cases involving licensees and unlicensed parties. Special Agents of the Enforcement Bureau will, as necessary, seize, collect, secure, transport and oversee the storage of suspected illegal cannabis products and samples of cannabis collected for laboratory testing purposes. Special Agents of the Enforcement Bureau will oversee, and be directly involved in, carrying out the destruction of illegal cannabis products and related materials as necessary when destruction is ordered by the district courts. Must be able to regularly/daily operate a provided state vehicle for purposes of essential travel to/from investigation sites and other locations as necessary to carry out the duties of the position. Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.


Who are the customers?

The Enforcement Bureau of the RLD is created under the authority of the Superintendent of the Regulation and Licensing Department pursuant to Section 9-16-17 NMSA 1978 (2025). The employees of the Enforcement Bureau, including the Bureau Chief and Special Agents, are selected by the Superintendent and report to the Superintendent. The Enforcement Bureau Chief, and all employees of the Enforcement Bureau, will work in close cooperation with the Cannabis Control Division (CCD) of the RLD, but the Enforcement Bureau is not part of the CCD.


Ideal Candidate

Substantial experience as a certified law enforcement officer directly involved in the investigation of crimes and a proven track record of producing cases that lead to successful criminal prosecution. Prior experience in the investigation of narcotics cases is valued but not required. Prior experience in dealing with hazardous materials handling and/or destruction is valued by not required. Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Accounting, Business, any of the hard sciences (chemistry, biology, botany, etc.) or a related field. Preference for applicants possessing current New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification or those with a demonstrated ability to obtain New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification within one year of hire.


Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Political Science, or other related field and three (3) years of experience in law enforcement, criminal and/or white collar or economic/financial fraud investigations. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling seven (7) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Must be a New Mexico Certified and Commissioned Law Enforcement Officer (Police Officer), or be eligible for Certification by Waiver, subject to the provisions of Chapter 29, Article 1 NMSA 1978, as set forth in 29-7-6 NMSA 1978, 29-7-10 NMSA 1978 and 10.29.6 NMAC, and as specifically enacted in statute, as established by the New Mexico Legislature, conferring statutory authority upon an agency to appoint, employ, and commission Police Officers pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 29 NMSA 1978 or pursuant to NMSA 1978, 60-13-9(G), 70-5-20 and 60-14-4(T).


Employment Requirements

This position is designated as safety sensitive and subject to random drug and alcohol screening. Must possess and maintain current New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification. Individuals without current New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification must complete the New Mexico Law Enforcement Basic Police Officer Training (BPOT) Academy or certification by waiver training, within 1 year of employment as set forth in 29-7-6B NMSA 1978. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment. Employment is subject to post offer pre-employment criminal background check and is conditional pending results.


Working Conditions

Work is performed in a mix of office settings and in the field for both conducting investigations and carrying out physical labor associated with the destruction of cannabis products and related materials. Extensive time in vehicles both for travel and when necessary for observation/investigation of assigned matters. Ability to lift, sit for long periods of time, travel out of town as necessary, computer usage required, extensive use of keyboard, occasional meeting of deadlines with severe time constraints, occasional working extended or irregular hours. Possible life-threatening dangerous situations. Must be able to regularly/daily operate a provided state vehicle for purposes of essential travel to/from investigation sites and other locations as necessary to carry out the duties of the position.


Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Vince Mares View phone number on click.appcast.io, Email


For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.