Canine Assistant Trainer - Opelika, AL

About the Role

Global K9 Protection Group LLC is looking for a dedicated and passionate Assistant Trainer to serve as an integral part of the GK9PG Team for a 6-month temporary assignment.

Responsibilities

• Apply provided guidance for canine detection training, including imprint, sustainment, and advancement training from assigned subject matter expert staff members.
• Develop K9’s core competency and prepare canines for handler pairing certification and deployment.
• Demonstrate a clear basic understanding of both operant and classical conditioning.
• Implement appropriate techniques for explosives detection, vapor wake, narcotics detection, and tracking K9 training, including positive reinforcement, marker training, hand signals, voice commands, and reward systems.
• Utilize basic knowledge and experience to organize and conduct training exercises consistent with department curriculum and standards.
• Assist with the basic development of training procedures and handler course curriculum.
• Ensure canines meet company standards prior to deployment and team pairing.
• Maintain a safe work environment and conditions at all times.
• Contribute to a cooperative and professional work environment to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Conduct effective and efficient training and instruction independently.
• Follow the training plan for additional K9 capabilities: agility, group session training, basic and advanced obedience, behavior modification, and scent detection.
• Follow training processes for explosive detection (EDCT, VW, NDCT, Tracking) from inception through advanced levels of detection training for multiple teams of varying skill levels.
• Conduct remedial training to address canine deficiencies to meet certification and operational standards.
• Facilitate operational training scenarios that allow canines to work independently within assigned operational environments.
• Provide proper application of various search patterns conducive to specific operational scenarios.
• Evaluate a canine’s level of proficiency in all applicable certification areas for explosives detection, vapor wake, and narcotics detection.
• Conduct searches and canine demonstrations on and off site.
• Perform assigned Kennel Attendant duties as required for the operation.
• Train, maintain, certify, and forward deploy with assigned canine as required for operational support.
• Complete other duties assigned by management.
• Maintain accurate records, including training and utilization, evaluation, course work, and class attendance.
• Utilize proper process and chain of command to address any training deficiencies or extensions.

Requirements

• Citizen or national of the United States.
• Able to pass a background check and drug screen.
• Minimum education of high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English well enough to carry out written and oral instructions.
• Two years minimum experience preferred in the training of various canine breeds; experience in training and instruction of explosives detection is required.
• Trainer/Instructor Certification(s) from a reputable canine training agency is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain the following within 90 days of employment:
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Threat Assessment.
  • Known Traveler Number (TSA Pre-Check) through TSA.
  • Other background checks as required for assigned projects.
  • Employee Possessor license through ATF, including ATF Employee Possessor clearance approval to possess explosive training aids.

Skills

• Mentors, inspires, and champions employees for continued growth and development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Effectively communicate customer-related issues and devise ways of improving customer experience, including resolving problems and complaints.
• Able to lead others with tact, respect, and professionalism.
• Ability to reach across organizational lines to integrate and streamline essential functions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong confidentiality and organizational record-keeping skills.
• Proficiency with technology, including email, student information systems, and learning management systems.
• Knowledge of subject area, educational theory and application, and organizational structure.
• Learning and self-motivation skills.
• Willingness to extend self to help students succeed.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain a positive attitude.
• Flexibility in dealing with others and ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to prioritize work and behave in accordance with Global K9 Solutions mission, goals, and values.
• Knowledge and implementation of safe working conditions.

Work Conditions

• Required to lift and carry various items weighing 100 lbs. or more.
• Prolonged standing required, with intermittent sitting, walking, running, climbing, squatting, stretching, bending, and kneeling.
• Requires constant use of hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate canines, objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Training and operational environments vary and are subject to frequent interruptions.
• Frequent work inside and outside, including during inclement weather conditions such as heat, cold, and humidity.
• May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration.
• Work hours dictated by management, including nights, weekends, and holidays; schedule will vary.

Travel

10%-30% travel required.