National Resilience USAR Search Canine Technical Lead Advisor

Merseyfire; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional emergency service is seeking a National Resilience USAR Search Canine Technical Lead Advisor. This part-time role involves guiding and training Urban Search and Rescue dog handlers, ensuring compliance with national standards. Responsibilities include designing training programs and managing administrative tasks. The position offers a flexible working schedule, extensive holiday entitlement, and various employee benefits, including access to a gym and a pension plan.

Benefits

Full flexible working arrangements

23 days’ holiday, increasing after 5 years

Access to free on-site gym

Free, secure parking

On-site canteen

Contributory pension

Excellent Occupational Health services

Qualifications

• Experience in training and assessing search dog handlers.
• Knowledge of national resilience standards.
• Ability to lead and develop training programs.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and plan dog training for USAR search teams.
• Lead and assess USAR Search dog teams during training.
• Manage training administration and coordinate activities.

Job description

About The Role

National Resilience USAR Search Canine Technical Lead Advisor

Fixed Term contract until the 31st of March 2026

Hours: 22 hours per week

The Search and Canine Technical Lead Advisor will be responsible for providing expert guidance and training for the selection, development, and assessment of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) search dog handlers and their dogs in compliance with national resilience standards. It includes planning and delivering training, managing administrative tasks, ensuring health and safety, advising the national resilience assurance team on working dog matters and promoting effective collaboration with partner agencies.

Responsibilities

• To research, design and plan a wide spectrum of quarterly dog training for USAR search dog teams, including bespoke individual development plans, to ensure compliance with national standards, health & safety requirements.
• To Lead, instruct, develop and assess USAR Search dog teams in initial courses, Modular Training Pathway, annual maintenance of competence assessments and CPD in the USAR environment.
• Undertakes training administration in relation to attendance and performance of participants, co-ordination of venues and training programming to ensure smooth running of planned activities.

What can we offer you?

• Full flexible working arrangements with a 22 hour working week
• 23 days’ holiday, (rising to 28 days after 5 years’ service) plus Bank holidays and 2 additional Extra Statutory days added to the holiday entitlement
• Access to free on-site gym
• Free, secure parking
• On-site canteen
• Contributory pension by both the employee and by MFRS
• Excellent Occupational Health services and Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 12th October 2025

Interview: W/C 20th October 2025

About Us

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) is at the forefront of public safety and emergency response, serving the vibrant communities of Merseyside with dedication and professionalism. Our mission is to protect, prevent, and respond—ensuring the safety and well-being of the public, both in times of crisis and through proactive community engagement.

With a proud history and a strong sense of purpose, we operate across a diverse region that includes bustling urban centers, industrial hubs, and serene rural areas. Our highly skilled and committed teams work tirelessly to provide fire and rescue services, enforce fire safety regulations, and deliver critical prevention and education programs.

Pension considerations

Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge. Further information on Annual Allowance can be obtained from the Pensions team, or the Pension Administrator website (Local Pensions Partnership Administration Ltd – website).

Lifetime Allowance

Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Lifetime Allowance implications. A breach in the Lifetime Allowance threshold will result in a Tax charge. Further information on Lifetime Allowance can be obtained from our Pensions team, or the Pension Administrator website (Local Pensions Partnership Administration Ltd – website).

Safeguarding

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.