Workforce Support Specialist (Critical Incident Response - Canine Handler)

Customs and Border Protection•Minneapolis, MN

2d•$116,038 - $150,852•Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immediate Office of the Executive Assistant Commissioner, Enterprise Services, Workforce Care Directorate, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Workforce Care Directorate supports employee and family wellness, resilience, and work-life programs across CBP. The specialist serves as a canine handler and as an expert analyst and advisor, using qualitative and quantitative methods to assess and improve employee-support programs and related systems. The directorate develops, implements, and maintains resources promoting CBP employees’ mental, physical, social, and spiritual well-being, and works with CBP leadership, program offices, and federal partners to manage programs, develop policy, use workforce feedback and data to address emerging needs, and strengthen employee health, morale, retention, and mission readiness. The position is a temporary/rotational assignment, not to exceed two years, with possible extensions for an additional three years. The applicant must successfully complete the CBP K9 Academy within one year of entering on duty. The work is primarily sedentary but also involves substantial physical effort to care for the canine. The salary range is $116,038 to $150,852 (GS-13, Steps 1–10).

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, including developing, preparing, and presenting formal briefings and speeches to senior officials; organizing and conducting meetings and seminars; tracking data and developing narrative reports to identify trends, problem areas, and program-enhancement opportunities; and establishing collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Resume must explicitly describe how the applicant meets the specialized-experience requirement.
Successfully complete the CBP K9 Academy within one year of entry on duty.
U.S. citizenship.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
For applicants not currently employed by CBP, physical U.S. or protectorate residency for at least three of the last five years, subject to stated waiver conditions.
Complete all pre-employment processes in English and pass a background investigation; drug testing may be required under the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan.
Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements by November 6, 2026; current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band.
Comply with applicable federal and CBP ethics requirements, including obtaining approval for outside employment or business activities where required.

Responsibilities

Provide 24/7 care, grooming, feeding, and physical conditioning for the ES CIR-K9, ensure the canine’s welfare and safety, and maintain accurate health, immunization, and medical records.
Participate in public-speaking engagements, training conferences, and workshops to stay current on Employee and Family Support, Wellness, and Work-Life programs.
Use information developed throughout CBP and federal agencies to enhance education objectives.
Manage plans, develop program policy, and evaluate operations for an Employee and Family Support, Wellness, or Work-Life program, including providing overall program direction for the agency.
Develop, prepare, and present formal briefings and speeches to senior officials; organize and conduct meetings and seminars for large and small workgroups.
Track data and develop narrative reports identifying trends, problem areas, and opportunities for program enhancement.
Establish collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including leadership, outside partners, federal agencies, vendors, audit liaisons, and members of the public.