K9 Trainer

Constellis•Moyock, NC

About The Position

The K9 Trainer conducts operational training for canine teams assigned to Illinois, ensuring compliance with TSA and contract rules and regulations. The role includes training and overseeing handlers and canines, maintaining training records and canine care, and performing temporary certified handler duties as required. The assigned certified canine must be allowed to live inside the employee’s adequate, indoor, climate-controlled residence, which is subject to recurring inspections. The position requires developing and following training protocols, arranging realistic operational exercises, maintaining job-related certifications and security clearances, and operating a company vehicle. Travel of up to 25% to other contract locations nationwide may be required. Work hours follow the customer’s agreed schedule; nights, weekends, and holidays are required, and schedules vary. Work takes place in busy training environments and in the field, including outdoors and in inclement weather, with possible exposure to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration. The role also involves substantial physical activity and lifting or carrying items weighing up to 100 pounds. Constellis offers competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package as part of its total rewards package.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
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.
Ability to obtain a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within four to six weeks of employment.
Adequate transportation to transport the assigned canine and crate inside the vehicle to and from the assigned work location; transportation must have operational climate control.
Ability to 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, maintained throughout employment.
Effective oral and written communication skills with all levels of the organization.
Strong organizational skills and the 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.
Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 100 pounds.
Ability to stand for long periods in all weather conditions and intermittently sit, walk, run, climb, squat, stretch, bend, and kneel; frequent use of hands and fingers and reaching with hands and arms.
Assigned canine must be permitted to live inside the employee’s adequate, indoor, climate-controlled residence, which is subject to recurring inspections.
Willingness to operate a company vehicle and travel up to 25% to other contract locations nationwide.
Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays according to a variable schedule.

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.
Perform temporary certified handler duties as required by the program, including commanding a trained explosive working dog.
Participate in CCSP-related training to search cargo and identify explosive threats.
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-population-density environments, including mass transit settings.
Transport, secure, and account for canine training aids, equipment, company vehicles, canine trailers, company assets, and resources.
Assist with instruction of new handlers and trainers when needed.
Maintain all job-related certifications and security clearances.
Operate a company vehicle and travel to other contract locations nationwide as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.