Law Enforcement K9 Instructor

State of Vermont; Pittsford (VT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Vermont is seeking a Law Enforcement Canine Instructor to lead certified training programs for police K9 teams across the state, delivering and evaluating comprehensive training in patrol, tracking, trailing, detection, and search-and-rescue.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years as a police canine handler, strong leadership and communication skills, and a background in animal behavior or related certification; experience with policy standards and background checks is required.

Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of experience as a police canine handler.
• Instructor Development Course completion.
• Eligibility for VCJC Canine Instructor certification.
• Supervisory experience with law enforcement or military K9 units.
• Degree, training, or equivalent experience in animal behavior.
• Familiarity with Vermont law and mandated policy standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage certified law enforcement K9 training programs across Vermont.
• Deliver, oversee, and evaluate canine training for law enforcement K9 teams.
• Specialize in patrol, tracking and trailing, detection, and search and rescue disciplines.

Skills

Leadership

K9 training

Recordkeeping

Communication

Education

Degree in animal behavior

Instructor Development Course

VCJC Canine Instructor certification

Job description

Overview

The Vermont Criminal Justice Council (VCJC) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Law Enforcement Canine Instructor to lead and manage certified law enforcement K9 training programs across Vermont. This critical role is responsible for the delivery, oversight, and evaluation of comprehensive canine training for law enforcement K9 teams, including patrol, tracking and trailing, detection, and search and rescue disciplines.

Overview

The Vermont Criminal Justice Council (VCJC) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Law Enforcement Canine Instructor to lead and manage certified law enforcement K9 training programs across Vermont. This critical role is responsible for the delivery, oversight, and evaluation of comprehensive canine training for law enforcement K9 teams, including patrol, tracking and trailing, detection, and search and rescue disciplines.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in law enforcement K9 training or a similar field, strong leadership and communication skills, detail-oriented with excellent recordkeeping abilities, comfortable working in diverse environmental conditions, and passionate about K9 behavior and training methodologies.

Who May Apply

This position, Law Enforcement K9 Instructor (Job Requisition #54629), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Lindsay Thivierge at [e-mail].

Environmental Factors

Work consists of indoor and outdoor environmental factors, exposure to potential canine bites in training with protective gear. Working in environments with inclement weather. May involve physical exertion and potentially hazardous situations.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) or more years of experience as a police canine handler.

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of an Instructor Development Course and eligibility for VCJC Canine Instructor certification.

Supervisory experience and background working with law enforcement or military K9 units.

Degree, training, or equivalent experience in animal behavior, with strong knowledge of dog behavior and training techniques.

Familiarity with Vermont law and mandated policy standards.

Special Requirements

Must be able to pass a background investigation applicable to the position.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.