Transportation Security Specialist- Explosives Detection Canine Handler

Transportation Security Administration•Denver, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives Detection Canine Handler (TSS-EDCH) at Denver International Airport conducts Passenger Screening Canine (PSC) and other Explosives Detection Canine (EDC) threat-assessment and mitigation activities in coordination with Airport Screening Operations. The role supports the safety of the traveling public by using canines to assess potential threats, applying risk-based security techniques and intelligence information, and responding appropriately to canine alerts. The handler applies knowledge from formal canine-handler training to evaluate and reward canine behavior, guide canines during threat-mitigation activities, and ensure effective canine utilization. The position also includes the daily care of the canine, including health maintenance, feeding, watering, exercise, and grooming, and maintaining safe and sanitary conditions for TSA-issued equipment and the canine’s home environment. Duties are frequently observed and reviewed for technical accuracy, use of canine-handling methods, and results. The position requires residence within 50 driving miles of the official duty station unless a waiver is approved. Work may involve driving or other travel, including extensive and overnight travel, exposure to moderate risks or discomforts requiring safety precautions, and safely handling hazardous explosives and chemicals. Handlers must be available for various shifts, including nights and weekends, and maintain required medical eligibility, certifications, and training.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national and at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Meet the SV-G qualification requirement through one of the following: three years of progressively responsible general experience, including one year equivalent to at least SV-F or GS-4; a bachelor's or higher degree in any field from an accredited college or university; or a qualifying combination of post-high-school education and experience.
For experience qualification, demonstrate the ability to analyze problems, gather pertinent data, recognize solutions, plan and organize work, and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Complete a favorable background investigation and maintain eligibility for a Secret-level clearance.
Successfully complete a medical evaluation and the TSA Canine Handler Training Course, and meet and maintain the medical requirements and annual certification standards for EDCH.
Successfully complete all NEDCTP-led training and assessment requirements.
Pass pre-employment drug screening and be subject to post-employment random drug and alcohol testing.
Hold and maintain a valid driver's license and obtain and maintain SIDA driving privileges.
Reside within 50 driving miles of the official duty station unless a waiver is approved before entering on duty.
Maintain housing suitable for the canine.
Be available to work various shifts, including nights and weekends, and be willing to undertake extensive travel, sometimes overnight.
Be able and willing to work safely with hazardous explosives and hazardous chemicals used in canine training.
Meet the physical functions in the TSA Medical Guidelines for Explosives Detection Canine Handlers, including lifting and carrying up to 80 pounds for 100 feet at waist or chest level; pushing and pulling up to 50 pounds; continuous walking and standing for at least 1.5 hours; sitting continuously for up to 2 hours; bending, kneeling, squatting, reaching overhead, running, ascending and descending steep stairs, and walking backwards.
Register with Selective Service if required.

Responsibilities

Use canines to assess passengers in screening queues for potential explosives threats.
Interact with the traveling public, respond to inquiries, establish a calm environment, and maximize the canine’s ability to search.
Coordinate and collaborate with other EDC program members to schedule work and training activities.
Obtain identified explosives from an explosives storage magazine for canine training, vary training aids to maintain canine proficiency, and load and transport explosives in designated containers to airports or other training locations.
Use risk-based security techniques and intelligence information to select areas for random canine sweeps, support ATLAS exercises, provide a visible deterrent, and align training with known threats.
Evaluate potential threats based on canine responses to passengers or objects and determine appropriate actions, such as having the canine respond or contacting appropriate authorities.
Log work activities and time; update canine training and utilization records in tracking systems; document canine behavior, potential training needs, and corrective actions; enter vehicle usage and maintenance data; and enter or validate time and attendance.
Use technology such as an iPhone, iPad, laptop, and radio to perform core work functions.
Provide daily canine care, including health maintenance, feeding, watering, exercise, and grooming.
Maintain safe and sanitary conditions for TSA-issued equipment, including the kennel, vehicle, office space, and home environment.
Complete required canine-handler training, annual certifications, and NEDCTP-led training and assessment requirements.