K9 Detection Trainer - Single Purpose VW Job Opening

Job Title: Canine Detection Trainer – Single Purpose
Summary: The Canine Trainer will utilize operant and classical training techniques to train canines in detection of explosives, narcotics and other materials as necessary. The trainer will prepare canines for operational missions to include acclimation into new and various environments. Develop and follow established training protocols in accordance with (IAW) Statements of Work (SOW) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The Trainer must know how to properly secure, handle, transport and accounting for canine training aids. The Trainer will use various systems to evaluate and document canine behavior to determine training needs of canines IAW company procurement testing. Effectively document canine training IAW company standards. Assist when needed in instruction of new handlers and trainers. Perform operational searches as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide Canine Welfare for all canines IAW company standards, federal laws and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees;
• Follow established training protocols and company directives in the training of canines;
• Properly utilize canine training equipment to include safety equipment for canines and trainers;
• Train and manage multiple canines through the training process, from initial training through certification;
• Secure and account for canine training aids, equipment, company vehicles, canine trailers, company assets and resources;
• Maintain the cleanliness of training areas, company vehicles, canine trailers, resources and facilities;
• Arranges operational exercises in locations such as entry control points, mock-up villages, farmland, airports, and sports arenas to replicate real life scenarios
• Follow standard operating procedures when conducting and performing operational searches.

Competencies:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data;
• Design - Demonstrates attention to detail;
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully;
• Interpersonal Skills – Able to foster cooperation with the client and VWK9 staff; focus on resolving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality. Gets along well with others;
• Oral Communication - Listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions;
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; able to read and interpret written information;
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; contributes to building a positive team spirit;
• Professionalism - Accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments;
• Quality - demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality;
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals;
• Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work on time; and
• Initiative - Takes independent actions and calculated risks; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Be able to create, maintain and prepare records and reports;
• Perform tasks with minimal oversight
• Identify problems, suggest solutions and respond to change with a high degree of attention to detail and foresight

Qualifications & Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience training canines in various types of detection;
• Demonstrated experience in solving training problems with detection dogs;
• 1-2 years of canine handler experience (detection);
• Strong administrative and analytical skills;
• Ability to focus on several projects at once;
• Intermediate user level of computer systems; Microsoft office software (word, power point, excel, projects, outlook) and database systems, and ;
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Essential Physical/Mental Functions:

• Dynamically lift (start at floor in static position and lift through task) an actual dog, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, weighing approximately 90 lbs. to a height up to 60”.
• Dynamically lift an actual crate, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, with or without an actual dog or a reasonable facsimile, to a height up to 60”.
• Dynamically lift an actual 40 lbs. dog food bag up to 30” and dump into a container.
• Dynamically push an actual crate or a reasonable facsimile, with or without an actual dog or a reasonable facsimile, on a table, desk, or other flat surface.
• Pull on a handheld dynamometer (equipped with pull tools) to measure the maximum pull force capabilities.
• Carry an actual dog or a reasonable facsimile weighing up to 90 lbs. for a distance of 25'.
• Kneel (on one or both knees) and squat for a sustained period up to at least one - two minutes.
• Ability to stand, walk, reach, talk, hear, handle objects with hands, safely handle canines that pull at 200 lbs. impact with lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Job occasionally requires sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 80 pounds.

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.