USAR Canine Coordinator (Part Time)

About the role

Works under the general direction of the assigned manager or Chief in the Fire Services Division to plan, develop, and oversee short- and long-term training programs for US&R canine teams.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates canine teams and monitors adherence to established performance standards.
• Coordinates and maintains training documentation, records, and reporting systems.
• Sustains and manages multiple rosters consisting of certified live-find canine teams.
• Maintains operational readiness status and certification compliance for all canine teams.
• Supports deployment decision-making processes and deployment preparation activities.
• Affords support to Mobilization Exercises (MOBEX) and other operational readiness events.
• Ensures compliance with FEMA reporting, documentation, and operational requirements.
• Develops and manages the canine program budget and related expenditures.
• Oversees canine care activities, including veterinary services, feeding schedules, and health monitoring.
• Manages the procurement, inventory, and maintenance of canine equipment and supplies.
• Maintains FEMA-compliant records and documentation for all canine program assets.
• Captures training events, evaluations, and sanctioned instructional courses.
• Supports instructors, evaluators, mentors, and other program personnel during training and operational activities.
• Travels to and attends various meetings, conferences, and work sites across the City.
• Participates in interagency coordination meetings, FEMA conference calls, and collaborative planning efforts.
• Documents program performance metrics, operational activities, and annual accomplishments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, Animal Science, or a related field and five (5) years’ experience in US&R, emergency management, fire service operations, or canine handling with three (3) of the five (5) years in a supervisory capacity;
• Any combination which enables one to perform the essential job functions;
• Must possess the FEMA Canine Search Specialist and FEMA Canine Search Specialist Instructor certifications;
• Must possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license.