Detection Dog Handler

Davita Inc.; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading environmental consulting firm as a Detection Dog Handler. You'll work with trained dogs in conducting wildlife surveys, ensuring rigorous data collection and dog care standards, while enjoying competitive compensation and benefits. Ideal candidates possess relevant experience and a suitable dog for the tasks.

Benefits

Housing or rent reimbursement

Vehicle mileage reimbursement

Field safety equipment provided

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in olfactory-based wildlife surveys.
• Ownership of a suitable dog and completion of scent training prior to hiring.
• Knowledge of scent theory and learning theory preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wildlife surveys for target species.
• Provide care and management of the detection dog.
• Collect and report data accurately.

Skills

Dog behavior knowledge

Rewards-based training

Survey data collection

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources

Job description

Job Title

Detection Dog Handler

Salary

24.00 - 30.00

Job Classification

Hourly

Location

Farmer City, IL 61842 US
Lafayette, IN 47901 US
Stratford, IA 50249 US (Primary)

Job Type

Temporary

# of Hires Needed

5

Job Description

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for temporary, full-time Detection Dog Handlers to train and work with their own suitable dog(s) for wildlife surveys. Handlers and their dog(s) must have at least two years of experience conducting olfactory-based surveys for multiple wildlife target odors.

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped the foundation of what we do, and what we believe in through our core values and key principles. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Compensation: $24 - $30.00/hour, depending on experience


• Dog Compensation: $35/day of field work (to offset routine care/maintenance costs)


• Housing: Housing or rent reimbursement provided for qualifying applicants


• Start Date: Approximately 08/01/25


• End Date: 10/15/25


• Location(s): Stratford, IA; Farmer City IL; Lafayette IN


• Number of positions available: 5


• Additional Details: Vehicle mileage will be reimbursed at federal rate (for use of personal vehicle) or a rental may be provided. Field safety equipment for both the handler and dog will be provided by WEST; handlers must be equipped with their own suitable footwear (rugged, safety toe hiking boots) and field-appropriate clothing. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies.

Job Summary:

The successful candidate for this position will:

• Survey designated areas for target species as assigned.


• Survey areas beneath wind turbines for bat and bird fatalities with your dog(s) that have been trained and evaluated per WEST standards prior to employment.


• Provide routine care and sound risk management for your dog while working, such as following recommended vaccination protocols, properly using safety equipment, and administering basic first aid under field conditions (the WEST provided dog compensation of $35/day of field work will offset the cost of pet insurance and routine care/maintenance for handlers using their personal dogs).


• Collect data per established protocols.


• Participate in trials to measure sources of bias in surveys.


• Enter data into a tablet or spreadsheet, routinely check for accuracy, and submit to project staff in a timely manner.


• Conduct ongoing training with your dog(s) to ensure effective detection of target odors.


• Be willing to work a flexible schedule that may vary in hours each week, depending on season and project needs.


• Communicate regularly with project coordinators on environmental conditions, safety concerns, data collection, and detection dog training. Complete administrative tasks on a weekly basis, including timesheets and expense reports.


• Be open to opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys in the general area, depending on experience and project needs.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with this position.

Job Requirements

Job Requirements

• Ownership of a suitable candidate dog (see Minimum Dog Suitability Requirements below) and successful completion of WEST's Scent Training Program for Wildlife Detection Dogs prior to the extension of a formal offer of employment (WEST provides a scent training protocol and virtual training guidance).


• Successful completion of odor recognition testing and in-person, double-blind scent detection evaluation trials; preference for dog and handler teams with experience conducting surveys for live target species.


• Demonstrable knowledge of dog behavior and rewards-based training; knowledge of both learning theory and scent theory is preferred.


• Ability to work independently as well as communicate and coordinateeffectively and professionally with crew members, site management, WEST project coordinators, and landowners.


• Must demonstrate safe handling, control, and transportation of your dog(s) at all times


• Flexibility, a high degree of self-motivation, a tolerance for doing repetitive tasks, and an ability to thrive under challenging field conditions.


• Willingness and ability to complete occasional overnight work trips as needed.


• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, or an equivalent degree is preferred; however, candidates without a degree that have suitable dog(s) and experience training, handling, or participating in applicable detection dog work are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk 5-7+ miles a day over uneven terrain in variable weather conditions.


• Ability to maintain a positive attitude during long work days (8-12+ hours) in the outdoors.


• Must be comfortable with exposure to hazards typical of the environment (e.g., insects, dense, tall and prickly vegetation, mud, wildlife, unrestrained dogs, livestock, extreme heat and cold, high wind speeds, farming/agricultural activities, and poorly maintained roads).

Minimum Dog Suitability Requirements:

• Physically healthy and of an appropriate age and size to be able to walk/run 10 miles a day over uneven terrain in variable weather and environmental conditions.


• Up-to-date on all locally required vaccines, including rabies.


• Non-brachycephalic


• No bite history


• Demonstrates high level of trainability.


• Must have at least two years of experience conducting olfactory-based wildlife surveys for >3 target species.

After an offer of employment is made, thecandidatemust successfully pass a pre-employmentbackground check,drug screening,and DMV records check that meets WEST's minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. A valid driver's license will be required. Candidates must adhere to all health and safety requirements.

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, and any protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.Further, WEST takes affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment.

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Salary Grade

Exemption Type

Non-Exempt

Application Deadline