Police Officer - K9 Trainer (Lateral)

Port of Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port of Seattle Police Department is seeking a lateral Police Officer – K9 Trainer to lead explosive detection canine training, develop long and short-term training plans, and mentor handlers for high performance. The role includes recruiting and preparing decoys, coordinating with TSA, and ensuring accountability across training activities.

The position requires prior explosive canine handling/training experience, a WA Explosive Handlers License, and compliance with applicable laws and

Qualifications

• Prior or current explosive detection canine handler or explosive detection canine trainer experience.
• Must have or ability to obtain Washington State Explosive Handlers License, per L&I rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide coaching and mentorship to K9 members, identify and address performance issues, document training deficiencies and formulate training plans.
• Monitor 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.
• Dispose of canine training supplies (clothes, luggage, barrier materials etc.).
• Liaise with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
• Assist with coordination of support for Canine Explosive Training Aid (CETA) accountability, escorting/watch 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.
• Complete Port of Seattle Police Department Lateral Field Training Program and probationary period.

Skills

Explosive detection canine experience

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

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 maintaining relationships with stakeholders and local federal and state agencies

• You will provide coaching and mentorships to K9 members, identify and address performance issues, document training deficiencies and formulate training plans.

• You will be responsible for monitoring canines for proper care.

• You will conduct relevant training and assign training tasks to other handlers as needed.

• You will manage decoy activities, including recruitment and preparation.

• You will locate and procure training aids, props and training areas.

• You will be responsible for the disposal of canine training supplies (clothes, luggage, barrier materials etc.).

• You will liaison with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

• You will assist with coordination of support for Canine Explosive Training Aid (CETA) accountability, escorting/watch decoys and maintaining observation of CETA.

• You will assist with Short Notice Assessments.

• You will attend certifications, Operational Training Assessments, training missions, operational developments and recurring evaluations.

• You will 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:

Minimum Qualifications:

All the following requirements must be met at the time of application:

Experience:

• Prior or current explosive detection canine handler or explosive detection canine trainer experience.

• Must have or ability to obtain Washington State Explosive Handlers License, per L&I rules and regulations.

Desired:

• Air Scent, Vapor Wake, or People Screening Canine experience.

WA State applicants

• You are at least 21 years of age.

• Be a U.S. Citizen, lawful Permanent Resident, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.

• Ability to speak, read, and write the English language.

• You possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one.

• You must have a minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, and no more than a 24-month break in service.

• You 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.

Out-of-State Applicants

• You are at least 21 years of age.

• Be a U.S. Citizen, lawful Permanent Resident, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.

• Ability to speak, read and write the English language.

• You possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one.

• You must have a minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, and no more than a 24-month break in service.

• You must have successfully completed a state-certified police academy granting you a full authority certificate, and must hold a current and active full authority law enforcement certification.

• 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 the Washington Administrative code 139-05-210 "Basic Law Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency" and be qualified to attend the Washington State Equivalency Academy and successfully complete. If deemed necessary by the department Command, you may be required to successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

What Sets you Apart:

• Leader – You understand the gravity and weight of the position of Police Officer and provide guidance to teammates and citizens whenever possible in an accountable and honest manner.
• Effective Communicator – You possess the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with a diverse population. You also have a strong ability to document instances through professional report writing standards.
• Analytical Problem Solver – You are able to independently and rapidly assess and solve problems in stressful situations, applying policies, rules and regulations to take appropriate action.

What else you need to know:

• Background Investigation - The successful candidate(s) 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. Successful applicants must successfully complete the state law enforcement training program (Basic Law Enforcement Academy or BLEA) and a Patrol Training Officer (PTO) process.
• Automatic Disqualifiers – You will need to review our list of Automatic Disqualifiers related to Criminal Activity, Driving Record, Drug Use, Employment and Financials before submittal of your application.
• If you are a Federal law enforcement officer/agent, correction officers, or military police officer, you may not qualify for lateral positions.
• 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.
• Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will consist of a 4 day a week 10hour work schedule.
• Take home vehicle: Upon completion of FTO and at time of appointment to the K-9 Unit.
• 4% pay incentive: Upon time of appointment.
• Work Environment – You will work in both indoor and outdoor environments in a variety of weather conditions. The employee sometimes works in or near moving traffic and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles consistent with working near aircraft and maritime vessels. May be exposed to aircraft noise. 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.
• Security Requirements – As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. You will also be required to obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Customs Seal within 30 days of hire.
• Union Representation – This position is represented by the 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 develop and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity .

Location: Seattle Tacoma International Airport

Organization: Police Department

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time

Minimum Salary: 59.10

Midpoint Salary: 66.88

The Port of Seattle is an equal opportunity 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. To help comply with all state and federal requirements, we appreciate you voluntarily answering the questions below. The information on this form will be kept confidential. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/ethnicity-definitions for definitions and descriptions of the categories referenced below regarding Ethnicity and Race. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/vevraa-information for information and definitions of the categories referenced below regarding Protected Veterans status.