Senior Instructor

Global K9 Protection Group; Hallway (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Global K9 Protection Group seeks a Senior Instructor to lead the Academy, supervise instructors, and ensure training aligns with approved curricula and standards across locations.

You will mentor staff, develop training procedures, and conduct evaluations to ensure graduates meet certification requirements. The role includes onboarding, safety leadership, and coordinating on-site/remote project support.

Qualifications

• Citizen or national of the United States.
• Able to pass background check and drug screen.
• Minimum education of high school diploma, GED.
• Can read, write, and understand English well enough to carry out written and oral instructions.
• Five (5) years minimum experience in canine training; two (2) years in lead instructor role.
• Trainer/Instructor Certification from a reputable canine training agency.
• Able to obtain TSA TSA-STA and related background clearances within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Academy as the primary instructor and supervise all instructors.
• Coordinate with Registrar for administrative tasks.
• Assign courses, canine training, and on-site/remote support.
• Mentor and develop staff; provide performance feedback to Director.
• Ensure training follows curriculum, SOPs and standards across locations.
• Develop and update training procedures, scripts, and curricula for K9 capabilities.
• Final quality check before graduation and certifications for students canines.
• Onboard and qualify new hires; coordinate continuing education.
• Maintain safety and professional team culture; address issues through proper chain of command.
• Plan and conduct training scenarios and search patterns for handler teams.
• Lead onsite and remote oversight, evaluations, and audits; administer certifications.

Skills

Canine training

Curriculum development

Leadership

Instructional delivery

Safety training

Team coordination

Communication

Documentation

Education

High school diploma

General Equivalency Diploma

Tools

Learning management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Descriptions/ Job Summary:Senior InstructorJob Type: Full-Time, SalaryGlobal K9 Protection Group LLC is looking for a dedicated and passionate Senior Instructor to serve as an integral part of the GK9PG Team.Responsibilities:Serve as the lead instructor for the Academy; all Instructors and assigned field Trainers report directly to the Sr. Instructor. Coordinate with the Registrar for administrative.Supervise, schedule, and assign Instructors to courses, canine training, and onsite/remote project support to ensure full coverage and maximize instructor utilization.Mentor, coach, and develop staff; observe and evaluate instruction and provide performance feedback and input to the Director.Ensure all instruction is delivered consistent with approved curriculum, lesson plans, SOPs, and company standards; standardize training methods across all courses and locations.Lead development and updates of training procedures, scripts, handler course curriculum, and training plans for additional K9 capabilities (agility, group sessions, basic and advanced obedience, behavior modification, scent detection).Serve as the final quality check that students and canines meet company standards prior to graduation/certification; review and recommend course extensions and individualized development plans for underachieving students.Onboard & qualify new-hires; identify employee development & coordinate continuing education.Enforce a safe work environment and build a cooperative, professional, and accountable team culture; address instructor performance or conduct issues through the proper chain of command.Develop K9 core competencies and prepare canines for handler pairing, certification, and deployment using operant and classical conditioning, positive reinforcement, marker training, hand signals, voice commands, and reward systems.Direct and implement training (i.e. EDCT, VW, NDCT, Tracking, Controlled Aggression) from inception through advanced levels for multiple teams of varying skill levels.Deliver classroom and practical instruction and testing; evaluate team proficiency in all applicable detection certification areas.Design and facilitate operational training scenarios and search patterns so handler teams can work independently among the traveling public and in the operational environment.Oversee & conduct remedial training to correct deficiencies & meet certification & operational standards.Lead onsite and remote oversight, training, evaluations, and audits, including apprentice-style training and continuing education.Train and certify students on project-required technologies (X-ray, ETD, Physical Search).Conduct searches and canine demonstrations on and off site; plan and coordinate all dignitary protection requirements.Train, maintain, certify, & forward deploy with assigned canine as required for operational support.Other duties as assigned by management.Maintain and audit instructor, student, and canine records, including training and utilization, evaluations, course work, and attendance.Schedule site visits and manage all site visit and trip report records; review Instructor reports for accuracy and timeliness.Use proper process and chain of command to address training deficiencies, course extensions, and instructor issues; provide regular status updates to the Director.Qualifications:• Citizen or national of the United States• Able to pass background check and drug screen.• Minimum education of high school diploma, General Equivalency Diploma.• Can read, write, and understand English well enough to carry out written and oral instructions.• Five (5) years minimum experience preferred in the training of various canine breeds; including at least two (2) years in a lead or supervisory instructor role; experience in training and instruction of explosives detection is required.• Trainer/ Instructor Certification(s) from a reputable canine training agency is required.• Must be able to obtain the following within 90 days of employment.- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Threat Assessment- ATF Employee Possessor clearance approval to possess explosive training aids- Known Traveler Number (TSA Pre-Check) through TSA.- Other background checks as required for assigned projects.Competencies:• Mentors, inspires and champions employees for continued growth and development.• Leads others with tact, respect, and professionalism; builds effective working relationships across organizational lines.• Effectively communicates customer-related issues and improves the customer experience, including resolving problems and complaints.• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; maintains confidentiality.• Strong technology skills including email, information systems, and learning management systems.• Strong organizational, record-keeping, and prioritization skills with attention to detail.• Knowledge of subject area, educational theory and application, and organizational structure.• Self-motivated, flexible team player with a positive attitude; willing to extend self to help students and Instructors succeed.• Behaves in accordance with Global K9 Solutions mission, goals, and values.Work Conditions:• Required to lift and carry various items weighing 100 lbs. or more. Prolonged standing required.• Requires intermittent sitting, walking, running, climbing, squatting, stretching, bending, and kneeling. Requires constant use of hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate canine, objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms• Training and operational environments work conditions vary, both subject to frequent interruptions.• Frequent work indoors and outside and during inclement weather conditions required, to include heat, cold, and humidity.• May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. Work hours will be dictated by the operational tempo & management. Nights, weekends, and holiday hours will be required, and the work schedule will vary.Travel Required:• 10%-30%Disclaimer:Applicant should be prepared to provide references upon request. Applicant should be prepared a virtual interview and if selected to a second phase, be able to travel to AL to conduct a working interview. The applicant will be responsible for all costs associated with travel.