National Resilience USAR Search Canine Technical Lead Advisor

Merseyfire; Liverpool City Region; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional emergency service provider is seeking a National Resilience USAR Search Canine Technical Lead Advisor in Liverpool. This role focuses on providing expert guidance and training for Urban Search and Rescue dog handlers. The ideal candidate will lead training programs, ensure compliance with safety standards, and manage administrative tasks. The position offers flexible working hours, generous holiday entitlement, and excellent employee benefits, promoting a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

23 days holiday, increasing to 28 after 5 years

Access to free on-site gym

Free secure parking

On-site canteen

Contributory pension

Excellent Occupational Health services

Qualifications

• Experience in Urban Search and Rescue environments essential.
• Ability to assess and develop training programs for dog handlers.
• Strong organizational skills for managing training logistics.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan training for USAR search dog teams.
• Lead and assess USAR search dog teams during training.
• Manage training administration and ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Expertise in dog training

Project management

Health and safety compliance

Job description

Overview

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: Week commencing 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

Annual Allowance: Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether applying/accepting this position 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 - lppapensions.co.uk, Annual Allowance Information - Annual Allowance).

Lifetime Allowance: Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether applying/accepting this position 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 - lppapensions.co.uk, Lifetime Allowance Information - Lifetime Allowance).

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.

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.