Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives Detection Canine Handler

TSA (Transportation Security Administration); San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Transportation Security Administration in San Francisco seeks a canine handler for the SV-G pay band. Applicants must have three years of general experience, including at least one year at SV-F/GS-4 level, capable of analyzing problems, gathering data, and communicating clearly.

A bachelor’s degree in any field is required; combinations of education and experience are allowed. National service and volunteer work count toward experience.

Qualifications

• Three years of progressively responsible general experience; one year at SV-F/GS-4 level or equivalent.
• Bachelor's or higher-level degree in any field from an accredited college or university.
• Combinations of education and experience may satisfy total requirements; education and experience are combined by percentages to reach 100%.
• Volunteer/National Service experience counts toward qualifying experience.

Skills

Analyze problems

Data gathering

Solution recognition

Planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in any field

Job description

To qualify for the SV-G Pay Band

A. Experience: For those qualifying using experience, your application must clearly outline three (3) years of progressively responsible general experience, one (1) year of which was equivalent to at least the SV-F or GS-4 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent in the private sector. Such experience will demonstrate the ability to: analyze problems, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; plan and organize work; and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

B. Education: Bachelor's or higher-level degree in any field from an accredited college or university.

C. Combining of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements, and may be computed by first determining the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the position; then determining the education as a percentage of the education required for the position; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for the position.

Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Physical Demands

You must be able to perform the essential job functions described in the TSA Medical Guidelines for Explosives Detection Canine Handlers. Other physical demands include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds for a continuous distance of 100 feet at waist or chest level.
• Ability to push and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk continuously for a minimum of 1.5 hours without a break.
• Ability to stand continuously for a minimum of 1.5 hours without a break.
• Ability to sit continuously for up to 2 hours.
• Maintain physical ability to bend, kneel, squat, reach overhead, and run.
• Maintain ability to ascend and descend steep stairs and walk backwards.

Conditions of Employment

TSA canine handlers are generally granted the use of a Government vehicle, typically referred to as Home-to-Work authority, for the efficient care and transportation of canines. The Department of Homeland Security prohibits authorization of Home-To Work Transportation to employees who live more than 50 miles from their duty station of record. Therefore, as a condition of employment, all persons hired to canine handler positions must reside within 50 miles (driving miles) of the official duty station for the position (unless waiver request is approved prior to entering on duty).

• Work may require driving or traveling by motor vehicle and occasionally involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risk or discomforts that require special safety precautions.
• You must meet and maintain medical requirements for EDCH as stated in the TSA Medical Guidelines for Explosives Detection Canine Handlers (for more information, click here).
• You must pass a Background Investigation (BI) and maintain eligibility for a clearance at the Secret level.
• You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
• You must pass pre-employment drug screening AND you will be subject to post-employment random drug and alcohol testing.
• You must hold and maintain a valid driver's license.
• You must obtain and maintain SIDA (Security Identification Display Area) driving privileges.
• You must maintain, at all times, housing suitable for the canine.
• You must successfully complete the TSA Canine Handler Training Course.
• You must successfully meet and maintain annual certification standards.
• You must successfully complete all NEDCTP-lead (National Explosives Detective Canine Team Program) training and assessment requirements.
• You must be available to work various shifts to include nights and weekends.
• You must be willing to undertake extensive travel, at times overnight, as required.
• You must be able and willing to safely work with various hazardous explosives and hazardous chemicals used in the regular and reoccurring training of canines.

**Candidates who accept a Tentative Job Offer will be required to successfully complete a medical evaluation, drug test, and pre-hire background investigation before they are eligible for a Final Job Offer. Moreover, current TSS-EDCH employees who are seeking a reassignment via the competitive hiring process must successfully complete each step in the hiring process, including undergoing the medical evaluation.**

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.