CANINE HANDLER - 42003775

State of Florida

32d • $44,000 - $48,400

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a professional regulatory position assigned to the Detector Dog Inspection Program. This position provides inspection and regulatory oversight at secure mail and package sorting facilities, with a focus on packaged commodities that contain agricultural products regulated by the State.

Conducts parcel inspections and surveys as a team with assigned canine to detect parcels containing regulated plant products. Identifies and inspects marked and unmarked products detected by the canine for proper certification and/or plant pests. Collects samples and prepares and submits pest specimens and plant samples for laboratory identification. Determines appropriate certification for entry requirements of plant products. Verifies all required documents, stamps, or certificates accompanying parcels. Takes appropriate regulatory action and prepares appropriate documentation for rejections, hold orders and quarantines, forfeitures, or destructions. Collects data for trace back to source or trace forward to recipient information for inspection activities conducted. Performs District Plant Specialist and Fruit Fly Detection Trapper duties, as work load permits.

Keeps the canine in good health and physical shape. Takes canine to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Conducts ongoing protocol and proficiency canine training. Maintains training records. Maintains an effective working relationship with the canine partner.

Participates, prepares, and presents educational and outreach efforts of the program. Maintains an effective working relationship with fellow employees, parcel carriers, other agencies and the general public. Advises the general public, community groups, government agencies and private industry on agricultural laws, rules and regulations.

Gathers and compiles information. Prepares reports on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis for activities conducted.

Keeps program vehicle clean and in good working order. Conducts routine vehicle maintenance and safety checkups. Maintains vehicle service records.

Performs other related work as directed by management.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and one (1) year of experience in professional canine handling, environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering; or
• A high school diploma or its equivalent and six (6) months of experience as an Environmental Specialist I or higher with the State of Florida; or
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• Must attend a 10-week Basic Canine Handler Training, Cargo/Postal Program in Newnan, Georgia to receive certification of completion from the United States Department of Agriculture within twelve months of hire and maintain annual re-certification thereafter.
• This position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of Chapter 60L-36.003, Florida Career Service Rules and Regulations.
• Frequent travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks on an emergency program, is required.
• Rotating shifts within workweek may be required depending on the operational hours of regulated facilities.
• Ability to compile, organize, analyze data, and articulate recommendations to supervisor.
• Ability to handle and work with animals on a daily basis.
• Ability to travel as required for canine and inspector training and to conduct inspection activities.
• Ability to provide and present public outreach programs and presentations.
• Ability to research and evaluate work problems and recommend solutions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and enforce applicable federal and state laws, codes, and regulations.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of physical tasks such as standing for long periods of time; walking long distances; bending; and lifting items up to seventy-five (75) pounds.

Responsibilities

• Conducts parcel inspections and surveys as a team with assigned canine to detect parcels containing regulated plant products.
• Identifies and inspects marked and unmarked products detected by the canine for proper certification and/or plant pests.
• Collects samples and prepares and submits pest specimens and plant samples for laboratory identification.
• Determines appropriate certification for entry requirements of plant products.
• Verifies all required documents, stamps, or certificates accompanying parcels.
• Takes appropriate regulatory action and prepares appropriate documentation for rejections, hold orders and quarantines, forfeitures, or destructions.
• Collects data for trace back to source or trace forward to recipient information for inspection activities conducted.
• Performs District Plant Specialist and Fruit Fly Detection Trapper duties, as work load permits.
• Keeps the canine in good health and physical shape.
• Takes canine to the veterinarian for regular checkups.
• Conducts ongoing protocol and proficiency canine training.
• Maintains training records.
• Maintains an effective working relationship with the canine partner.
• Participates, prepares, and presents educational and outreach efforts of the program.
• Maintains an effective working relationship with fellow employees, parcel carriers, other agencies and the general public.
• Advises the general public, community groups, government agencies and private industry on agricultural laws, rules and regulations.
• Gathers and compiles information.
• Prepares reports on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis for activities conducted.
• Keeps program vehicle clean and in good working order.
• Conducts routine vehicle maintenance and safety checkups.
• Maintains vehicle service records.
• Performs other related work as directed by management.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please visit www.myfrs.com;)
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED