K9 Handler

Andy Frain Services•Gurnee, IL

10d

About The Position

Andy Frain Services, Inc. is seeking a disciplined, mission-ready K9 Handler for a specialized person-borne gun detection program. The handler maintains operational certifications, safeguards and trains an assigned canine, supports designated client sites, and responds to incidents, demonstrations, emergency response, and standby assignments as operational needs require. The posting describes the ideal candidate as a retired law enforcement canine handler, prior military canine handler, or similarly experienced professional with sound judgment, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to canine care and operational readiness. The handler must complete and maintain the certifications, qualifications, licensing, and training needed for the program and armed assignments. The role is responsible for the canine’s health, welfare, care, and training, as well as required records and the serviceability of canine equipment, duty gear, firearms, and other issued assets. Searches are conducted only with the assigned canine at designated sites and as directed by authorized management. The position also operates a company-assigned vehicle and requires wearing prescribed duty gear while on duty. The role includes routine and scheduled proficiency training, scenario- and site-based exercises, environmental exposure training, documentation of training outcomes, and participation in remedial training or performance reviews when needed. The posting also includes a travel-handler version requiring national travel for extended periods as part of a program support team. Schedules may be adjusted and can include weekends, holidays, nights, and overnights.

Requirements

Single-purpose canine handler certification, or ability to obtain it before commencing work.
Dual-purpose canine handler certification, or ability to obtain it before commencing work.
At least three years of law enforcement canine handling experience, at least three years of military canine handling experience, or similarly documented substantially comparable experience.
Willingness to remain with the program for a minimum of three years.
Strong desire to work with canines and willingness to train, care for, and maintain the assigned working canine to program standards.
Ability to successfully complete a 90-day probationary period.
Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the preceding three years.
Successful completion of Andy Frain Safe Drivers’ Instruction.
Ability to meet firearms training, department qualification, company assessment, licensing, and jurisdictional requirements for armed work.

Responsibilities

Complete and maintain program certifications, qualifications, licensing, and training required for armed assignments.
Certify with the assigned canine before deployment and maintain annual certifications, recertifications, proficiency standards, and readiness benchmarks.
Take responsibility for the assigned canine’s health, welfare, conditioning, housing, grooming, feeding, medical follow-up, training progress, and general care.
Conduct searches only with the assigned canine at designated Andy Frain Services sites and as authorized.
Support Andy Frain Services management, authorized client contacts, and law enforcement agencies as directed.
Maintain accurate canine utilization records, training documentation, certifications, deployment records, and other required program documentation.
Keep canine-related equipment, duty gear, assigned firearms, and other issued assets serviceable and compliant with company policy.
Operate and maintain the company-assigned vehicle in accordance with fleet policies, safe-driving requirements, and applicable laws.
Wear prescribed duty gear while on duty, including a protective vest and duty belt, as required for the assignment.
Remain available for client demonstrations, incident and emergency response, standby assignments, and adjusted schedules.
Conduct routine maintenance training with the assigned canine under program standards and the direction of the Canine Coordinator / Program Manager.
Complete proficiency training to sustain and improve detection capability, obedience, control, neutrality, environmental stability, and performance under distraction.
Participate in scenario-based, site-based, and environmental exposure training.
Document training dates, locations, duration, objectives, aids used when applicable, outcomes or alerts, corrective actions, and follow-up plans.
Participate in remedial training, coaching, and performance reviews when proficiency standards or performance trends indicate a need.
For the travel-handler version, travel nationally for extended periods as part of a program support team.