National Resilience USAR Search Canine Technical Lead Advisor – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional fire authority is seeking a National Resilience USAR Search Canine Technical Lead Advisor for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. This fixed-term role offers flexible working hours and comprehensive benefits, including holiday entitlements and access to on-site facilities. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in training and assessing search dog handlers to ensure compliance with national resilience standards.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

23-28 days holiday

Access to free on-site gym

On-site canteen

Contributory pension

Occupational Health services

Qualifications

• Experience in training Urban Search and Rescue search dog handlers.
• Ability to promote collaboration with partner agencies.
• Strong organizational skills for training administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance and training for USAR search dog handlers.
• Plan and deliver training while ensuring health and safety compliance.
• Lead and assess USAR search dog teams in various training programs.

Skills

Expert guidance in search dog training

Health and safety compliance

Training administration

Job description

Overview

National Resilience USAR Search Canine Technical Lead Advisor – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

Fixed Term contract until the 31st of March 2026

Hours: 22 hours per week

Responsibilities

• Provide 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.
• Plan and deliver training, manage administrative tasks, ensure health and safety, and advise the national resilience assurance team on working dog matters.
• Promote effective collaboration with partner agencies.
• 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 and health & safety requirements.
• 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.
• Undertake training administration related to attendance and performance of participants, coordination of venues and training programming to ensure the smooth running of planned activities.

What we can 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
• Access to free on-site gym
• On-site canteen
• Contributory pension by both the employee and by MFRS
• Excellent Occupational Health services and Employee Assistance Programme