Police Officer - K9 Trainer (Lateral)

Port of Seattle•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The lateral Police Officer – K9 Trainer works under the direction of the Chief of Police. The role trains the department’s assigned explosive-detection canines; provides long-term strategic planning; develops short- and long-term training plans; manages and recruits canine decoys; and motivates, educates, and develops handlers to support high performance. The trainer also maintains relationships with stakeholders and local, federal, and state agencies. The position coaches and mentors K9 members, identifies and addresses performance issues, documents training deficiencies, and develops training plans. It monitors canine care, conducts relevant training, assigns tasks to other handlers as needed, and manages decoy activities, including recruitment and preparation. The trainer locates and procures training aids, props, and training areas, and is responsible for disposing of canine training supplies. The role liaises with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and assists with Canine Explosive Training Aid (CETA) accountability, including escorting or watching decoys and maintaining observation of CETA. Duties also include assisting with Short Notice Assessments; attending certifications, Operational Training Assessments, training missions, operational developments, and recurring evaluations; and filling regular patrol positions when needed. Before appointment, the successful applicant must complete the Port of Seattle Police Department Lateral Field Training Program and probationary period.

Requirements

Prior or current experience as an explosive-detection canine handler or explosive-detection canine trainer.
Must have, or be able to obtain, a Washington State Explosive Handlers License under L&I rules and regulations.
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.
At least 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 current, active full-authority law enforcement certification.
Out-of-state applicants must have completed a state-authorized and sanctioned law enforcement training academy for its full duration.
Out-of-state lateral applicants must meet Washington Administrative Code 139-05-210 requirements for a Basic Law Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency and be qualified to attend and successfully complete the Washington State Equivalency Academy.
Applicants may be required by department Command to successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
Demonstrate accountable, honest leadership and provide guidance to teammates and citizens when possible.
Ability and willingness to communicate effectively with a diverse population and document incidents using professional report-writing standards.
Ability to independently and rapidly assess and solve problems in stressful situations, applying policies, rules, and regulations to take appropriate action.
Washington State special agents from the Gambling Commission, Liquor and Cannabis Board, and Department of Fish and Wildlife may be eligible to apply as laterals.

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 and develop short- and long-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.
Coach and mentor K9 members; identify and address performance issues; document training deficiencies; and formulate training plans.
Monitor 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.
Dispose of canine training supplies, including clothes, luggage, and barrier materials.
Liaise with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Assist with CETA accountability, including escorting or 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 before appointment.