Corrections Canine Handler(20102778, 20102779, 20102832)

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Corrections Canine Handler works under direction and requires knowledge of detection. The handler is deployed to Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction institutions and other locations as directed to conduct surveillance and safety and security inspections, detect illicit contraband, and track people to apprehend escapees. The handler provides care for an assigned canine, commands it during searches, and collaborates with correction officers and other staff on contraband detection and searches.

The role includes searching institution grounds, property parking lots, housing units, shops, recreation and dining areas, and work areas. The handler maintains a residential-based canine kennel and ensures the residence and assigned state vehicles are safe, clean, and properly maintained. Duties also include transporting the canine for veterinary care and daily exercise, transporting its food and other items, documenting canine alerts, and responding to investigations and operations involving contraband or security threat groups (STGs).

Requirements

• Five years of experience in enforcement of security measures for incarcerated persons, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field, or the equivalent of the stated minimum class qualifications.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must pass a physical fitness test under DRC Policy 310-SEC-54.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveillance and safety and security inspections at DRC institutions and other locations to detect illicit contraband and track people to apprehend escapees.
• Provide care to the assigned canine as directed by the administrator.
• Command the canine to search for contraband, illicit substances, or other items, and collaborate with correction officers and other staff assigned to detection and searches.
• Ensure an area is secured before deploying the canine.
• Search institution grounds, property parking lots, housing units, shops, recreation areas, dining areas, and work areas with the assigned canine.
• Maintain the assigned residential-based canine kennel for cleanliness and safety.
• Maintain assigned state vehicles for drivability, cleanliness, and safety.
• Transport the canine to routine and emergency veterinary care and transport food and other canine supplies.
• Ensure the residence is properly maintained, safe, and secure for the canine and people occupying it.
• Transport the canine for daily exercise.
• Gather information and write reports on findings from canine alerts for the supervisor.
• Handle investigations conducted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol or other law enforcement agencies as a result of contraband detection.
• Respond to DRC institutions and facilities to assist with STG detection, enforcement, and profiling operations.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed