Security K9 Training Team Lead - Full Time

American Dream • Bloomington, MN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for leading the training and implementation of explosives and person-borne firearms detection teams, and assisting with the acquisition of canines. The position also involves assisting with leading MOA K9 officers, conducting demonstrations for external agencies, and sustaining the MOA K9 unit. The role requires adherence to Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and Minnesota state regulations when utilizing training aids, and involves participation in public relations activities, including handling the canine during public events and social media engagements. The Team Lead will also conduct roll calls, train on policies and procedures, counter terrorism, and threat awareness, and partner with external agencies on best practices. Additionally, the role involves monitoring and patrolling to minimize risk, detecting and preventing explosives and firearms, and leading detection sweeps. Maintaining the mental and physical health of the canine, including feeding, cleaning, exercising, and housing, is a key responsibility. The position requires carrying specific equipment, ordering supplies, and completing and maintaining all necessary documentation. The Team Lead will work alongside and may assist with supervising the Risk Assessment and Mitigation (RAM) unit, and provide outstanding guest service. A flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, special events, and mandatory overtime is required.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess a permit to concealed carry a firearm, or able to obtain a permit to carry.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous K9 handling experience.
• Experience with counter terrorism-oriented security measures.
• Pass an ATF background check and obtain clearance to access explosive materials through the ATF.
• Pass and recertify annually USPCA or similar certification course with the Mall of America K9 partner.
• Must withstand a full five-second exposure to a CEW, unless previously exposed.
• Strong time management, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent listening and verbal and written communication skills.
• Use of both hands is required to perform duties and maintain safety standards.

Nice To Haves

• Post-secondary education preferred.
• Basic knowledge of federal, state and local law preferred.
• Previous leadership and training experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct all explosive and firearm detection training for the MOA K9 department.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on detection dog programs and ensure compliance with ATF legislation.
• Safeguard training aids on a day-to-day basis.
• Review and provide guidance on the purchase of explosives and firearms for training aids and training methods by analyzing training data and results.
• Maintain accurate records of field training programs and officer training documentation.
• Advise on and procure new canines for the department.
• Research and make recommendations on new opportunities for training and improvement of the K9 Unit.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with outside Law Enforcement Explosives Ordinance Detection Dog (EODD) teams utilizing training aids.
• Maintain the safety and cleanliness of the facility and support handlers with canine care and grooming.
• Follow Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and Minnesota state regulations when utilizing training aids that contain firearms or explosives.
• Participate in various public relations activities, including handling and presenting the canine during meet and greets, social media events, and special events.
• Conduct roll calls for K9 and other Security staff and regularly train on policies and procedures, counter terrorism, and threat awareness.
• Partner with external agencies on best practices, lead, and train canines in USPCA certification.
• Assist with leading K9 handlers by motivating, scheduling, and coaching when necessary.
• Monitor and patrol to minimize risk at MOA as well as detect and prevent explosives and firearms.
• Lead and participate in Mall of America detection sweeps as well as offsite sweeps when contracted.
• Maintain the mental and physical health of the canine while on and off duty, including feeding, cleaning, exercising, housing, and keeping records of all care and feeding.
• Regularly carry equipment including handcuffs, pepper spray, tactical baton, and a conducted electrical weapon (CEW).
• Order supplies as needed and submit to supervisor for approval.
• Complete and maintain documentation of all certifications, training logs, and paperwork.
• Ensure the enforcement of established policies and procedures.
• Work alongside and may assist with supervising of Risk Assessment and Mitigation (RAM) unit when directed.
• Provide outstanding internal and external guest service.
• Work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, special events, high volume days, mandatory overtime and short notice special events.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED