CANINE HANDLER - 42003775

State of Florida

7d • $44,000 - $48,400

About The Position

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.

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