Canine Sergeant

Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 51,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, is seeking a skilled Canine Sergeant to supervise the Security Department's K-9 unit and ensure a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff. The role demands prior law enforcement and K-9 experience, supervisory training, and strong communication.

This position supports Mercy's mission of compassionate care and teamwork. Ideal candidates will have extensive security and K9 training experience, the ability to train officers, and a commitment to maintaining

Qualifications

• Proficiency with MS Office and healthcare software.
• Ability to read, write and speak English clearly.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions when needed.
• Ability to lead and train Canine Officers.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise daily operation of the Security Department Canine Unit.
• Provide a secure environment for patient care, visitors, staff and property.

Skills

MS Word

MS PowerPoint

MS Excel

MS Outlook

Meditech

Epic

Performance Manager/NetLearning

English language

Independent decision making

Communication skills

Teamwork

Follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or GED

4 years in law enforcement or public contract security

4 years of K9 service

IAHSS Supervisory Training

IAHSS Certification Program

Tools

CCTV systems

Access control systems

Investigative Report System

Job description

Join Our Team at Mercy Medical Center – Now Hiring a Canine Sergeant !

Mercy Medical Center is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for three consecutive years (2023–2025) and as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2025. Additionally, we are proud to be a multi‑time recipient of Forbes' America's Best Midsize Employers award, most recently in 2025.

As a hospital founded by the Sisters of Mercy, we offer a supportive and empowering environment where dedicated medical professionals thrive. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact through your work and contributing to a mission of compassionate care, we invite you to apply today and join our Mercy family.

Responsibilities

• Will directly supervise and manage the daily operation of the Security Department Canine (K-9) Unit. Will provide a secure environment for patient care functions and provide for the protection of patients, visitors, staff, buildings, property and grounds of Mercy Medical Center.

Requirements

Education and Work Experience

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED
• Four years in law enforcement or public contract security, with healthcare security being preferred.
• Four years of K9 service in a law enforcement or security position with progressive responsibilities related to training of K9 and handlers.
• Must complete the IAHSS Supervisory Training course when selected to participate.
• Must attend training when given by the Medical Center, by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) as a Healthcare Security Officer when given the opportunity.
• Must complete the IAHSS Supervisory Training and Certification Program when sent by the Medical Center. In order to become certified, the officer must pass an examination administered by the IAHSS. Officer(s) who fail the initial certification examination will be able to retest at their own expense.
• Staff who is unable to successfully complete the certification process at the subsequent testing will be evaluated for competency by the Director of Security and Human Resources.
• Staff who has been referred to Human Resources for inadequately meeting role‑specific competency standards will be evaluated by HR for counseling regarding vacant positions for which they may be qualified. The officer would then have one month to transfer to another position for which they are qualified. Since the Medical Center cannot maintain staff in unbudgeted positions, staff that has not transferred after one month will be terminated from employment.

Specific Requirements

License Requirements

• Must have a valid Maryland Driver’s License, or a valid driver’s license from a neighboring state jurisdiction (PA, DC), if this is their permanent primary residence. Note: Employee is not permitted to have a suspended or revoked Maryland License on file even if their home state license for their primary residence is valid, i.e. valid in Pennsylvania while revoked in Maryland.

Certification Requirements

• Must be able to obtain a Special Police Commission through the Maryland State Police.

Age Specific Care Provided For

N/A

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to utilize one or more of the following:
• Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Meditech (if applicable to position)
• Epic (if applicable to position)
• Performance Manager/NetLearning
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to work independently and possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to effectively communicate and deal tactfully with other personnel, visitors, patients, physicians, customers, and the general public.
• Must be flexible, have personal integrity, and the ability to function effectively as a team with other employees.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.

Other Requirements

• Must possess skills in handling a working patrol K9 including but not limited to: obedience, protection, tracking and explosive scent detection.
• Prepare written documentation regarding criminal investigations, administrative investigations and other reports as required.
• Must be able to safely and effectively operate a large SUV type vehicle used to transport the canine during routine patrols of the campus.
• Review and approval of reports prepared by subordinate officers assigned to his/her Unit.
• Operating computers including proofreading and approval of subordinate officer’s incident reports entered into the computerized Investigative Report System.
• Must be capable developing shift schedules for assigned officers.
• Training new officers in their duties and responsibilities as Canine Officers.
• Basic principles of personnel management including the planning, directing, motivation, staffing, scheduling, training and disciplining of employees.
• Must be able to provide support to the Administrative Lieutenant on Investigative matters where K9 has been involved.
• Must be able to accurately type 20 words per minute.
• Must know how to conduct an investigation into criminal and non‑criminal matters.
• Must have knowledge of the legal requirements while conducting an investigation and interviewing of witnesses and or suspects.
• Must be knowledgeable of the Joint Commission Standards applicable to Safety, Security and the Environment of Care.
• Must be knowledgeable of access control system, CCTV, and other equipment utilized by the Security Department in the performance of the assigned mission.
• Must be able to manage, evaluate and motivate employees.
• Must be able to work in a constantly changing environment.
• Must be knowledgeable in security duties, use of security equipment, laws governing arrest, handcuffing, trespassing and other laws applicable to security and special police commissions.
• Must be knowledgeable of the most current K9 industry standards for training and utilization, and all regulatory requirements.
• Must have experience as a K9 trainer by a recognized security agency or law enforcement agency.

Min

USD $24.47/Hr.

Max

USD $40.38/Hr.

Benefits

Benefits Eligibility is based on your scheduled FTE status and Job Category

• Competitive health, prescription, vision and dental benefits & wellness credit for eligible employees
• 403(b) retirement plan with generous company match and “catch up” provision
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & company paid holidays
• Reimbursement for tuition, books and fees
• Mental Health resources and other employee related wellness opportunities through our Employee Assistance Program
• Employer paid Short & Long Term Disability benefits for eligible employees
• Voluntary Benefits
• Discounts on auto & home insurance and Verizon plans
• Mercy’s Rewards & Recognition Program rewarding employees for going above and beyond in living Mercy’s Mission and Values

EEO Statement

Mercy Health Services is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) recruiting talent for Mercy Health Services, which serves the greater Baltimore Metro and surrounding Maryland areas.