Lateral Police Officer - K9 Trainer

Port of Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic police department as a Lateral Police Officer – K9 Trainer, where you'll play a vital role in training explosive detection canines. This position offers an exciting opportunity to develop strategic training plans, mentor K9 handlers, and collaborate with various stakeholders. The role requires a passion for canine training and a commitment to excellence in law enforcement. With a supportive work environment and a focus on equity and diversity, this position at a leading organization ensures that your contributions significantly impact public safety and community well-being. Take the next step in your career and make a difference in the community!

Benefits

Healthcare Benefits

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Pension/Retirement Plans

Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Work Arrangements

Union Representation

Work-Life Balance Resources

Qualifications

• Must have experience as an Explosive Detection Canine Trainer.
• High School Diploma or GED required for all candidates.

Responsibilities

• Train assigned explosive detection canines and develop training plans.
• Provide mentorship and address performance issues among K9 members.
• Manage decoy activities and coordinate training resources.

Skills

Explosive Detection Canine Training

Performance Coaching

Stakeholder Management

Training Plan Development

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Canine Training Equipment

Job description

Job Description - Lateral Police Officer - K9 Trainer (003155)

Location

Seattle Tacoma International Airport

Organization

Police Department

Employee Status

Regular

Schedule

Full-time

Posting Expires

Ongoing

MidPoint Salary: Based on Experience

Some of what you'll be doing:

As the lateral Police Officer – K9 Trainer, you will be under the direction of the Chief of Police. The primary function of the Canine Trainer is to train the department’s assigned explosive detection canines, provide long-term strategic planning, develop long/short-term training plans, manage and recruit canine decoys, motivate, educate and develop handlers to achieve a high level of performance and success, as well as maintain relationships with stakeholders and local federal and state agencies.

• Provide coaching and mentorship to K9 members, identify and address performance issues, document training deficiencies, and formulate training plans.
• Responsible for monitoring canines for proper care.
• Conduct relevant training and assign training tasks to other handlers as needed.
• Manage decoy activities, including recruitment and preparation.
• Locate and procure training aids, props, and training areas.
• Responsible for the disposal of canine training supplies (clothes, luggage, barrier materials, etc.).
• Liaison with Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
• Assist with coordination of support for Canine Explosive Training Aid (CETA) accountability, escorting/watching decoys, and maintaining observation of CETA.
• Assist with Short Notice Assessments.
• Attend certifications, Operational Training Assessments, training missions, operational developments, and recurring evaluations.
• Fill regular patrol positions when needed.
• Prior to appointment to the position, you must complete the Port of Seattle Police Department Lateral Field Training Program and probationary period.

Who you are:

All Lateral standards must be met at the time of application.

Experience:

• Prior or current Explosive Detection Canine Trainer experience is required.
• Air Scent, Vapor Wake, or People Screening Canine experience is preferred.

Washington State applicants - You meet the following requirements:

• At least 21 years of age.
• Be a U.S. Citizen, lawful Permanent Resident, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient with the ability to speak, read, and write the English language.
• Possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
• Minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, with no more than a 24-month break in service.
• Can be a special agent from the Washington State Gambling Commission, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and be eligible to apply as a lateral.
• If a Federal law enforcement officer/agent, correction officer, or military police officer, you do not qualify for lateral positions; however, you may be an applicant who currently holds a Law Enforcement Certification and has less than 24 consecutive months experience as a full-time, paid commissioned officer who may qualify for exceptional consideration upon review and authorization from our Chief of Police.
• Must have or obtain Washington State Explosive Handlers License, per L&I rules and regulations.

Out-of-State Applicants - You meet the following requirements:

• At least 21 years of age.
• Be a U.S. Citizen, lawful Permanent Resident, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient with the ability to speak, read, and write the English language.
• Possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
• Must have successfully completed a state-certified police academy granting them a full authority certificate and must hold a current and active full authority law enforcement certification.
• Minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, with no more than a 24-month break in service.
• If a Federal law enforcement officer/agent, correction officer, or military police officer, you do not qualify for lateral positions.
• A full authority certification refers to a fully commissioned state peace officer, with full powers of arrest and unrestricted enforcement powers of criminal and traffic statutes within the state of issuance while acting in an individual capacity.
• As a holder of a full authority certificate, you must have completed a state authorized and sanctioned law enforcement training academy for its full duration. All out-of-state lateral applicants must also meet the requirements outlined in Washington Administrative code 139-05-210 "Basic Law Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency" and be qualified to attend the Washington State Equivalency Academy.
• As an out-of-state candidate, you must successfully complete the Washington State Equivalency course or must successfully complete the WSCJTC Basic Law Enforcement Academy as deemed necessary by Police Department Command.
• Must have or obtain Washington State Explosive Handlers License, per L&I rules and regulations.

What else you need to know:

• Background Investigation: You must pass a background investigation that includes a complete criminal records check, a polygraph examination, a medical examination, and a psychological examination. Background investigations will be conducted as openings occur and include the following: driving history, credit history, arrest records, military records, educational records, and other sources where information can be obtained to measure one's suitability for police work. You must successfully complete a Patrol Training Officer (PTO) process once hired.
• Automatic Disqualifiers: You will need to review our list of Automatic Disqualifiers related to Criminal Activity, Driving Record, Drug Use, Employment, and Financials before submission of your application.
• Work Schedule: Your normal work schedule will consist of a 4-day a week 10-hour work schedule.
• Take home vehicle: Upon time of appointment to position.
• 4% pay incentive: Upon time of appointment.
• Work Environment: You will work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. You will sometimes work in or near moving traffic and will be occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles consistent with working near aircraft and maritime vessels. You may be exposed to aircraft noise. You will be required to walk and stand for extended periods of time throughout each shift.
• Overtime Eligible: You are eligible for overtime pay in this role. Union Representation – This position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union, Local 117.

Why you'll love it here:

The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port‘s mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found on the Port of Seattle‘s website. If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the “Collective Bargaining Agreement” or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

• Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
• Paid Vacation: Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
• Paid Sick Leave: At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
• Holidays: More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
• Pension/Retirement Plans: A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
• Getting to Work: From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.
• Parental Leave: Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
• Development: From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments, and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.
• Work-Life Balance: We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
• Mission Driven: We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Why the Port of Seattle:

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here.

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic development and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity.

The Port of Seattle is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, knowing decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, the presence of any physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, regulations, and ordinances.