Supervisory Transportation Security Specialist - Canine

Transportation Security Administration•Denver, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at Denver International Airport (DEN) with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The incumbent manages TSA’s canine program at the airport, supervising canine handlers and ensuring the program operates effectively and efficiently in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. The role applies expertise in explosives-detection canine operations and team training, transportation security requirements, and explosives safety rules to guide handlers and maintain capable canine teams. It also oversees canine health and safety, equipment and kennel facilities, training and evaluation, and risk-based deployment of canine resources. This is a first-line supervisory position. The supervisor assigns and reviews work, sets priorities, evaluates performance, approves leave, coaches and develops employees, recommends corrective or disciplinary actions, supports budget planning, manages projects within available resources, resolves routine organizational problems, and coordinates with external customers when necessary. The position is designated Emergency Essential, requiring the employee to remain in duty status if an emergency arises. The employee must be available for various shifts and overtime as needed.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and random drug/alcohol testing.
Selective Service registration, if applicable.
Valid driver's license that can be maintained.
Availability to work various shifts and overtime as needed.
Unless previously completed, satisfactory completion of a one-year supervisory trial period.
At least one year of specialized experience at the SV-H or GS-11/12 level in Federal service, or equivalent private-sector experience.
Specialized experience identifying, guiding, training, and directing canines for explosives detection during passenger screening, cargo screening, or other explosives-detection activities.
Specialized experience managing oversight, cost management, and accountability of assets supporting a canine program.
Specialized experience identifying, developing, and implementing canine behavior training activities to maximize canine asset capability.
Meet qualification requirements no later than the vacancy announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

Manage the TSA canine program at the airport and supervise canine handlers.
Apply knowledge of explosives-detection canine operations, canine team training, transportation security policies and regulations, and explosives safety requirements to guide and direct handlers.
Conduct technical reviews of canine teams and recommend whether teams remain proficient in detecting trained explosives odors and how training should address emerging threats.
Develop and implement canine training plans based on objectives and identified team deficiencies.
Supervise subordinates and participate regularly in the safe handling, transportation, and accountability of explosives training aids in accordance with SOPs.
Oversee the health, safety, and well-being of canine assets, including routine veterinary visits and accurate health documentation.
Manage the issuance and inspection of TSA equipment, including vehicles and explosive storage magazines, and kennel facilities, including home and commercial kennels.
Ensure compliance with canine program requirements and applicable new initiatives.
Ensure canine teams are available for formal evaluations and assessments, provide logistics support as needed, and conduct progress reviews to ensure deficiencies are addressed.
Conduct risk-based analysis when deploying canine assets.
Assign work, set priorities, review and evaluate subordinate work and performance, and approve leave.
Coach and develop employees and recommend corrective or disciplinary actions.
Assist with budget planning and projecting short-term needs; manage projects within assigned resources.
Resolve routine problems affecting the organizational unit and coordinate with customers outside the immediate organization when required.
Remain in duty status if an emergency arises, as required for an Emergency Essential position.