Police Officer - K9 Trainer (Lateral)

Port of Seattle•SeaTac, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The lateral Police Officer – K9 Trainer works under the direction of the Chief of Police. The primary function is to train the department’s assigned explosive detection canines, develop strategic and short- and long-term training plans, manage and recruit canine decoys, and support handlers in achieving a high level of performance. The role also maintains relationships with stakeholders and local, federal, and state agencies. The position provides coaching and mentorship to K9 members, addresses and documents performance or training deficiencies, monitors canine care, conducts relevant training, and assigns training tasks to handlers. It manages decoy activities, finds and procures training aids, props, and training locations, and disposes of canine training supplies. The trainer liaises with the Transportation Security Administration, supports Canine Explosive Training Aid accountability and observation, assists with Short Notice Assessments, and attends certifications, assessments, training missions, operational development activities, and recurring evaluations. The officer may fill regular patrol positions when needed. Before appointment, the candidate must complete the Port of Seattle Police Department Lateral Field Training Program and probationary period. The normal schedule is four days per week, 10 hours per day. The role is overtime eligible. A take-home vehicle is available upon completion of FTO and appointment to the K-9 Unit; a 4% pay incentive applies upon appointment. Work takes place indoors and outdoors in varying weather, sometimes in or near moving traffic, and may involve exposure to fumes or airborne particles near aircraft and maritime vessels, as well as aircraft noise. The role requires extended periods of walking and standing. Candidates must pass background investigations and security checks, including criminal-history checks, a polygraph, medical and psychological examinations, and TSA and FBI checks. Employment is contingent on obtaining a Port ID badge, and the employee must obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Customs Seal within 30 days of hire. The position is represented by Teamsters Local 117. The Port is unable to sponsor employment visas.

Requirements

Prior or current explosive detection canine handler or explosive detection canine trainer experience.
Have or be able to obtain a Washington State Explosive Handlers License, per L&I rules and regulations.
Be at least 21 years of age.
Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.
Ability to speak, read, and write English.
High school diploma or GED certificate.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one.
Minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, with no more than a 24-month break in service.
Out-of-state applicants must have successfully completed a state-certified police academy granting a full authority certificate and hold a current, active full-authority law enforcement certification.
Out-of-state lateral applicants must meet Washington Administrative Code 139-05-210 requirements and be qualified to attend and successfully complete the Washington State Equivalency Academy.
If required by department command, successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
Complete the Port of Seattle Police Department Lateral Field Training Program and probationary period before appointment.
Pass the required background investigation, including criminal records, driving, credit, arrest, military, and educational record checks, a polygraph examination, a medical examination, and a psychological examination.
Pass TSA and FBI criminal-history background checks, obtain a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance, and obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Customs Seal within 30 days of hire.
Successful applicants must successfully complete the state law enforcement training program (Basic Law Enforcement Academy or BLEA) and a Patrol Training Officer (PTO) process.

Nice To Haves

Air Scent, Vapor Wake, or People Screening Canine experience.
Qualifying special agents from the Washington State Gambling Commission, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, or Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife may apply as laterals.
Leadership and the ability to provide accountable, honest guidance to teammates and citizens.
Effective communication with diverse populations and professional report-writing skills.
Ability to assess and solve problems independently and rapidly in stressful situations, applying policies, rules, and regulations.

Responsibilities

Train the department’s assigned explosive detection canines and develop long- and short-term training plans.
Provide coaching and mentorship to K9 members, identify and address performance issues, document training deficiencies, and formulate training plans.
Monitor canines for proper care and conduct relevant training, assigning training tasks to other handlers as needed.
Manage canine decoy activities, including recruiting and preparing decoys.
Locate and procure training aids, props, and training areas.
Dispose of canine training supplies, including clothes, luggage, and barrier materials.
Liaise with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Assist with Canine Explosive Training Aid (CETA) accountability, escorting and 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.
Maintain relationships with stakeholders and local, federal, and state agencies.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision care.
Paid vacation, starting at about four weeks per year and increasing with tenure.
Paid sick leave of at least one hour for every 40 hours worked.
More than ten paid holidays per year.
Pension and additional retirement savings plans.
Subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card.
Alternative work arrangements, including the opportunity to work hybrid.
Six weeks of paid parental leave.
Tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments, and internal internships.
Work-life balance resources.
Take-home vehicle upon completion of FTO and appointment to the K-9 Unit.
4% pay incentive upon appointment to the K-9 Unit.
Overtime pay eligibility.