Canine Trainer - Opelika, AL

Global K9 Group; Opelika (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Global K9 Protection Group LLC is seeking a dedicated Canine Trainer to join the GK9PG Team in a full-time capacity. The trainer will conduct comprehensive canine training including deployment skills, detection, tracking, and obedience, and will contribute to curriculum development and safety protocols.

The role requires experience with operant and classical conditioning, and the ability to prepare canines for handler pairing and deployment under varying conditions.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years experience in training various canine breeds; explosives detection experience preferred.
• Must be able to read, write and understand English well enough for instructions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct imprint, sustainment, and advancement training for canine deployment requirements (training, detection, tracking, obedience).
• Develop K9 core competency and prepare for handler pairing certification and deployment.
• Apply operant and classical conditioning with explosives/vapor/narcotics detection, tracking, and scent work.
• Organize and conduct training exercises aligned with curriculum and standards.
• Develop training procedures and handler course curricula; ensure canine meets standards prior to deployment.

Skills

Canine training

Obedience training

Operant conditioning

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Training equipment handling

Job description

Descriptions/ Job Summary

Canine Trainer

Job Type: Full-Time

Global K9 Protection Group LLC is looking for a dedicated and passionate Canine Trainer to serve as an integral part of the GK9PG Team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct canine imprint, sustainment, and advancement training for all canine deployment requirements to include (training, detection, tracking, controlled aggression, and obedience).
• Develop K9's core competency & prepare canines for handler pairing certification, & deployment.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of both operant & classical conditioning. Successfully implement the appropriate techniques for explosives detection, vapor waken narcotics detection, and tracking K9 training, positive reinforcement, marker training, hand signals, voice commands, and reward systems.
• Utilize knowledge and experience to organize and conduct training exercises consistent with department curriculum and standards.
• Assist with the development of training procedures and handler course curriculum.
• Ensure Canine's/ K9 meet company standards prior to deployment & team pairing.
• Request training extension and individualized development plans for underachieving canines.
• Always maintain a safe work environment and conditions.
• Contribute to a cooperative and professional work environment to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Conduct effective and efficient training and instruction independently.
• Develop training plan for additional K9 capabilities; agility; group session training; basic and advanced obedience; behavior modification; scent detection.
• Follow training process for detection (EDCT, VW, NDCT, Tracking) from inception process through advanced levels of detection training for multiple teams of varying skill levels.
• Conduct remedial training to address canine deficiencies to meet certification & operational standards.
• Facilitate operational training scenarios that allow canines to work independently within assigned operational environments.
• Provide proper application of various search patterns conducive to specific operational scenarios.
• Evaluate a canine’s level of proficiency in all applicable certification areas for detection.
• Follow canine detection training processes from inception through advanced levels of detection training for multiple teams of varying skill levels.
• Conduct onsite & remote training, evaluations, and audits to include apprentice style training and continuous education.
• Conduct searches and canine demonstrations on and off site.
• Conduct and assist with assigned Canine Instructor and Kennel Attendant duties as required for the operation.
• Train, maintain, certify, and forward deploy with assigned canine as required for operational support.
• Other duties assigned by management.
• Maintain accurate records to include training and utilization, evaluation, course work, and class attendance.
• Conduct applicable site visits and accurately manage all site visit and trip report records.
• Utilize proper process and chain of command to address any training deficiencies and extension.

Qualifications

• Citizen or national of the United States
• Able to pass background check and drug screen.
• Minimum education of high school diploma, General Equivalency Diploma.
• Can read, write, and understand English well enough to carry out written and oral instructions.
• Two (2) years minimum experience preferred in the training of various canine breeds; experience in training and instruction of explosives detection is required.
• Trainer/ Instructor Certification(s) from a reputable canine training agency is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain the following within 90 days of employment.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Threat Assessment.
• ATF Employee Possessor clearance approval to possess explosive training aids.
• Known Traveler Number (TSA Pre-Check) through TSA.
• Other background checks as required for assigned projects.

Competencies

• Mentors, inspires and champions employees for continued growth and development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Effectively communicate customer related issues and devise ways of improving customer experience, including resolving problems and complaints.
• Able to lead others with tact, respect, and professionalism.
• Reach across organizational lines to integrate and streamline essential functions.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbally
• Confidentiality
• Strong technology skills including usage of email, student information systems, and learning management systems
• Organizational record-keeping, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of subject area, educational theory and application, and organizational structure
• Learning and self-motivation skills
• Willingness to extend self to help students succeed
• Attention to detail and maintain a positive attitude
• Flexibility in dealing with others
• Ability to work as a team member and prioritize work
• Behaves in accordance with Global K9 Solutions mission, goals, and values
• Knowledge and implementation of safe working conditions

Work Conditions

• Required to lift and carry various items weighing 100 lbs. or more. Prolonged standing required.
• Requires intermittent sitting, walking, running, climbing, squatting, stretching, bending, and kneeling. Requires constant use of hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate canine, objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms
• Training and operational environments work conditions vary, both subject to frequent interruptions.
• Frequent work indoors and outside and during inclement weather conditions is required, to include heat, cold, and humidity.
• May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. Work hours will be dictated by management. Nights, weekends, and holiday hours will be required, and the work schedule will vary.

Travel Required

• 10%-30%