Kennel and Canine Care Technician

U.S. Capitol Police•Washington, DC

14d

About The Position

The Kennel and Canine Care Technician works within the Canine Training Section of the Special Operations Division, Operational Services Bureau, Office of the Assistant Chief of Police for Uniformed Operations. The role supports the care and feeding of working canines, kennel and canine administrative accountability, medical-record maintenance, and monitoring kennel facilities and grounds. The technician provides for assigned canines’ health, safety, and care; serves as a liaison between handlers and veterinary personnel; and feeds, waters, and medicates canines according to approved procedures. The role includes observing and assessing canine health, providing routine and limited emergency care, maintaining medical records, grooming canines, and keeping kennel facilities clean, safe, and maintained. The position may require overtime, including weekends and federal holidays, and driving to transport canines for appointments, emergency care, or between kennel facilities. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, sometimes in poorly lighted or insulated areas and in extreme weather. Duties include physically demanding tasks and exposure to animal-related hazards, odors, and noise.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Successfully complete a background investigation and a one-year probationary period.
Obtain and maintain a valid REAL ID U.S. driver's license.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CP-03 level (GS-05 equivalent).
Experience using basic hand tools, power equipment, and cage washer equipment.
Experience with basic sanitation and with feeding, grooming, bathing, and exercising canines according to established guidelines.
Experience performing health checks on canines.
Experience assisting with loading and transporting canines to and from different locations.
Meet all eligibility requirements by the vacancy announcement closing date.
Be physically and mentally able to handle adverse conditions, including adverse weather and kennel maintenance and cleaning conditions.
Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting items weighing up to 75 pounds, bending, climbing, and working in tiring or awkward positions; may need additional strength or agility to capture and restrain stronger canines.
Must pass required criminal-history and credit checks and the full-field background investigation if offered employment; applicants must not be in default or delinquent on federal guaranteed student loans and must demonstrate a competent financial history.
Male applicants must provide proof of Selective Service registration or exemption; female applicants are exempt.

Responsibilities

Provide for the health, safety, and care of assigned canines.
Serve as liaison between handlers and veterinary personnel.
Feed, water, and medicate canines according to approved procedures; determine food and water amounts and types, and observe special dietary requirements.
Observe canines for signs of illness, disease, discontent, and changes in general physical condition.
Conduct routine and limited emergency care and treatment, including taking vital signs, collecting specimens, irrigating wounds, removing foreign material, and applying bandages.
Administer medications as directed and record them in canine medical records.
Clean ears and teeth, bathe, and groom canines as appropriate.
Monitor daily maintenance and upkeep of kennel facilities; clean and sanitize animal facilities, crates, cages, and pens, and dispose of refuse.
Monitor facility temperature, light timers, and air and water filters; maintain daily room temperature charts recording animal conditions.
Inspect kennel facilities, equipment, and outdoor areas daily for hazards to canines and personnel.
Assist with loading and transporting canines between locations and to medical appointments or emergency care.