Law Enforcement K9 Instructor

State of Vermont; Pittsford (VT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical premium

Dental plan

Flexible spending

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Flexible schedule

Life insurance

Tuition assistance

Wellness program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Vermont Criminal Justice Council is seeking a seasoned Law Enforcement K9 Instructor to lead certified training programs across Vermont. You will oversee delivery, evaluation, and safety of canine training for patrol, tracking, detection, and search-and-rescue teams.

The role requires proven K9 training leadership, strong recordkeeping, and a passion for dog behavior. Outdoor/indoor environments, background check, and state employment benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience as a police canine handler.
• Instructor Development Course eligibility for VCJC Canine Instructor certification.
• Supervisory experience with law enforcement or military K9 units.
• Degree or training in animal behavior with knowledge of dog behavior and training techniques.
• Familiarity with Vermont law and mandated policy standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage certified law enforcement K9 training programs across Vermont.
• Deliver, oversee, and evaluate comprehensive canine training for patrol, tracking, trailing, detection, and search and rescue.
• Maintain rigorous recordkeeping and ensure compliance with VCJC standards.
• Collaborate with law enforcement partners and trainers to improve K9 program effectiveness.

Skills

Dog handling

Leadership

Recordkeeping

Communication

Education

Animal behavior degree or equivalent

Instructor Development Course eligibility

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. 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.