Police Officer - K9 Trainer (Lateral)

Port of Seattle•SeaTac, WA

About The Position

As the lateral Police Officer – K9 Trainer, you will be under the direction of the Chief of Police, the primary function of the Canine Trainer is to train the department’s assigned explosive detection canines, provide long term strategic planning, develop long/short term training plans, manage and recruit canine decoys, motivate, educate and develop handlers to achieve a high level of performance and success as well as maintaining relationships with stakeholders and local federal and state agencies You will provide coaching and mentorships to K9 members, identify and address performance issues, document training deficiencies and formulate training plans. You will be responsible for monitoring canines for proper care. You will conduct relevant training and assign training tasks to other handlers as needed. You will manage decoy activities, including recruitment and preparation. You will locate and procure training aids, props and training areas. You will be responsible for the disposal of canine training supplies (clothes, luggage, barrier materials etc.). You will liaison with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You will assist with coordination of support for Canine Explosive Training Aid (CETA) accountability, escorting/watching decoys and maintaining observation of CETA. You will assist with Short Notice Assessments. You will attend certifications, Operational Training Assessments, training missions, operational developments and recurring evaluations. You will fill regular patrol positions when needed. Prior to appointment to the position, you must complete the Port of Seattle Police Department Lateral Field Training Program and probationary period.

Requirements

Prior or current canine detection experience
Must have or ability to obtain Washington State Explosive Handlers License, per L&I rules and regulations
WA State applicants You are at least 21 years of age
Be a U.S. Citizen, lawful Permanent Resident, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient
Ability to speak, read, and write the English language
You possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate
Valid Washington State Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one
You must have a minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, and no more than a 24-month break in service
You can be a special agent from the Washington State Gambling Commission, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and be eligible to apply as a lateral
Out-of-State Applicants You are at least 21 years of age
Be a U.S. Citizen, lawful Permanent Resident, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient
Ability to speak, read and write the English language
You possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate
Valid Washington State Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one
You must have a minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, and no more than a 24-month break in service
You must have successfully completed a state-certified police academy granting you a full authority certificate, and must hold a current and active full authority law enforcement certification
A full authority certification refers to a fully commissioned state peace officer, with full powers of arrest and unrestricted enforcement powers of criminal and traffic statutes within the state of issuance while acting in an individual capacity
As a holder of a full authority certificate, you must have completed a state authorized and sanctioned law enforcement training academy for its full duration
All out-of-state lateral applicants must also meet the requirements outlined in the Washington Administrative code 139-05-210 "Basic Law Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency" and be qualified to attend the Washington State Equivalency Academy and successfully complete
If deemed necessary by the department Command, you may be required to successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy
Leader – You understand the gravity and weight of the position of Police Officer and provide guidance to teammates and citizens whenever possible in an accountable and honest manner
Effective Communicator – You possess the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with a diverse population. You also have a strong ability to document instances through professional report writing standards
Analytical Problem Solver – You are able to independently and rapidly assess and solve problems in stressful situations, applying policies, rules and regulations to take appropriate action

Nice To Haves

Air Scent, Vapor Wake, or People Screening Canine experience

Responsibilities

Train the department’s assigned explosive detection canines
Provide long term strategic planning
Develop long/short term training plans
Manage and recruit canine decoys
Motivate, educate and develop handlers to achieve a high level of performance and success
Maintain relationships with stakeholders and local federal and state agencies
Provide coaching and mentorships to K9 members
Identify and address performance issues
Document training deficiencies and formulate training plans
Responsible for monitoring canines for proper care
Conduct relevant training and assign training tasks to other handlers as needed
Manage decoy activities, including recruitment and preparation
Locate and procure training aids, props and training areas
Responsible for the disposal of canine training supplies (clothes, luggage, barrier materials etc.)
Liaison with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Assist with coordination of support for Canine Explosive Training Aid (CETA) accountability, escorting/watching decoys and maintaining observation of CETA
Assist with Short Notice Assessments
Attend certifications, Operational Training Assessments, training missions, operational developments and recurring evaluations
Fill regular patrol positions when needed
Complete the Port of Seattle Police Department Lateral Field Training Program and probationary period

Benefits

Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family
Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate
Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked
Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work
Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port
Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid
Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family
Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential
Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced
Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner