K9 Trainer

Constellis•Moyock, NC

About The Position

The Trainer conducts operational training for canine teams assigned to Illinois to ensure operations comply with TSA and contract rules and regulations. The role provides instruction and oversight to handlers and canines, conducts training and audits, supports recertification and remedial, sustainment, and advancement training, and may perform temporary certified handler duties. The Trainer also participates in cargo-screening training to search cargo and identify explosive threats and conducts authorized representative duties involving X-ray, physical search, and explosive trace detection as needed. The position is responsible for training records and the care and maintenance of an assigned certified canine. The canine must be permitted to live inside the employee’s adequate, climate-controlled residence, which is subject to recurring inspections. The Trainer develops and follows established training protocols, arranges operational exercises that replicate real-life scenarios, and transports and accounts for training aids, equipment, vehicles, trailers, and other company resources. The role may assist with instruction for new handlers and trainers and requires maintaining job-related certifications and security clearances. The position requires travel of up to 25% to other contract locations nationwide and operation of a company vehicle. Work may range from a busy training environment to field work, with frequent interruptions and outdoor work in inclement weather, including heat, cold, and humidity. Exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration may occur. Hours are dictated by the customer’s agreed schedule; nights, weekends, and holidays are required, and schedules vary. Physical duties include lifting and carrying items up to 100 pounds; standing for long periods; and intermittent sitting, walking, running, climbing, squatting, stretching, bending, and kneeling, with constant hand and finger use and reaching.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
At least five years of experience training canines and teams in explosive detection.
Three years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational environment.
Obtain a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within four to six weeks of employment.
Pass applicable contract testing and certifications for the program within four to six weeks of employment and maintain certification requirements.
Demonstrated experience solving unique training problems with detection dogs and teams, and knowledge of evaluating and applying canine training principles, conditioning, and standards.
Valid driver’s license and a clear driving record for the last three years; these must be maintained during employment.
Effective oral and written communication skills with all levels of the organization.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage time and multiple priorities to completion.
Problem-solving skills and an analytical thought process.
Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
Adequate transportation to transport the assigned canine and crate inside the vehicle to and from the assigned work location; the vehicle must have operational climate control.
Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 100 pounds; stand for long periods in all weather conditions; and intermittently sit, walk, run, climb, squat, stretch, bend, and kneel. Requires constant use of hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
Must permit the assigned canine to live inside the employee’s adequate, indoor, climate-controlled residence, which is subject to recurring inspections.
Must be willing to operate a company vehicle.
Must be available for variable customer-directed schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and travel as required.

Nice To Haves

Prior supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Provide training and oversight to assigned handlers and canines for operational searches and training.
Perform canine training, audits, and administrative deliverables for assigned canine teams.
Schedule and conduct recurring team training for recertification, remedial, sustainment, and advancement purposes.
Provide temporary certified handler duties as required.
Participate in CCSP-related training to search cargo and identify explosive threats.
Perform temporary handler duties while commanding a trained explosive working dog as required.
Conduct, train, and oversee authorized representative duties related to X-ray, physical search, and explosive trace detection as needed.
Maintain training records and care for and maintain the assigned certified canine.
Develop and follow established training protocols in accordance with statements of work and standard operating procedures.
Arrange operational exercises that replicate real-life scenarios and enable canines to work independently in high-density environments, including mass transit environments.
Transport, secure, and account for canine training aids, equipment, company vehicles, canine trailers, company assets, and resources.
Assist, when needed, in instructing new handlers and trainers.
Maintain all job-related certifications and required security clearances.
Operate a company vehicle as required.
Travel up to 25% to other contract locations nationwide.
Perform other duties as assigned.