AL DOC Handler Commercial Training Lead
About The Position
The Handler Commercial Training Lead is the primary on-site training and proficiency resource for Global K9 Protection Group (GK9PG) K9 detection teams supporting the Alabama Department of Corrections (AL-DOC). The role develops and maintains handler and canine performance through hands-on instruction, structured narcotics detection training, and ongoing proficiency monitoring, helping ensure teams remain certification-ready and aligned with GK9PG and AL-DOC standards. The position reports to the Site Lead and serves as a coach and subject-matter resource to the site team. It does not have disciplinary authority; performance or conduct concerns identified through training are documented and referred to the Site Lead, who handles corrective or disciplinary action. The position is full-time and hourly, with competitive pay based on experience. Work takes place at the assigned AL-DOC site, subject to client security and site procedures, and may include outdoor work in varying weather conditions and regular handling of narcotics training aids. The role involves working around canines, including risk of bites or other canine-related injury, and may require work outside normal business hours, including weekends, as needed.
Requirements
- At least one year of experience as a K9 handler and/or K9 trainer.
- Graduate of, or certified by, an accredited K9 training school; proof of accreditation is required.
- Must be a citizen or national of the United States.
- Available to work outside normal business hours, including weekends, as needed.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and bend, kneel, crouch, and climb as required during training and detection work.
- Ability to maintain physical control of a working canine on and off leash.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment.
- Clear and confident verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to produce accurate, timely, and complete training records and reports.
- Ability to plan and prioritize competing demands, solve problems with attention to detail, foresight, and adaptability, and build effective working relationships with handlers, site leadership, operations, and AL-DOC staff.
- Ability to coach and develop handlers with patience and clarity, lead professionally and respectfully without relying on formal authority, and foster a positive and accountable team culture.
Nice To Haves
- Experience training or certifying narcotics detection canines.
- Experience in a correctional, law enforcement, or military K9 setting.
- Experience mentoring or leading other handlers.
Responsibilities
- Deliver hands-on instruction to handlers and canines to build and sustain narcotics detection proficiency across assigned teams.
- Develop and run narcotics detection training schedules to keep each team on track for certification and recertification.
- Plan and lead local proficiency training sessions and field practice events using scenarios reflecting AL-DOC operational conditions.
- Apply GK9PG certification and proficiency standards, identify performance gaps, and develop targeted remedial training plans.
- Mentor handlers individually and provide clear, constructive feedback.
- Assess canine behavior and working drive, and adjust training to correct or prevent problem behaviors.
- Perform routine canine health and wellness checks, promptly escalate medical concerns, and coordinate care with a licensed veterinarian.
- Provide on-site behavioral support to K9 teams at the assigned AL-DOC site.
- Assist with developing, implementing, and updating training standards, policies, and procedures.
- Assist in monitoring adherence to GK9PG and AL-DOC policies and procedures, and promptly raise compliance concerns to the Site Lead.
- Follow GK9PG accountability procedures for handling, storing, and documenting narcotics training aids.
- Assist in maintaining accurate K9 records and training logs documenting each team's progression.
- Document training performance and proficiency concerns and report them to the Site Lead for any corrective action.
- Raise client issues to operations promptly and help develop practical solutions.
- Produce accurate, timely, and complete training records and reports, and plan and prioritize demands to keep training on schedule.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
