Canine Training Specialist

Allied Universal - Winchester, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Winchester, VA

5,001-10,000 employees

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Canine Training Specialist (CTS) at Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services is responsible for training and managing Explosive Detection Canines (EDC) and their handlers. This role focuses on operational goals, daily training, and ensuring that EDC Teams meet U.S. Government standards for deployment to diplomatic facilities. The CTS applies their expertise in canine behavior and training methodologies to produce highly capable teams, while also maintaining records and assessing performance.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for canine training through all phases from procurement, imprint, operational and sustainment training.
• Evaluate untrained canines for procurement through in-person evaluation of physical and behavioral traits.
• Lead canines through training scenarios to identify behaviors, drives, and performance; prepare detailed notes for training records.
• Record individual canine training sessions in the Program training database to ensure detection capabilities.
• Assess performance of EDC Teams and provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Pass or fail EDC Teams on validation tests based on performance evaluations.
• Apply U.S. Government GCSC-approved training methods and report any violations.
• Conduct training evaluations on canines returning from deployment and recommend necessary training or medical evaluations.
• Maintain canine first aid skills and situational awareness to safeguard canines.
• Serve as primary instructor for student EDC Handlers and prepare them for validation and deployment.
• Set up training scenarios for student EDC Teams and evaluate their performance.
• Monitor and report equipment and supply consumption, and perform maintenance as needed.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and possess a valid U.S. Passport.
• Possess or be able to obtain a Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) level clearance.
• Minimum of three years of military or law enforcement experience with explosive detection canines.
• Experience training and validating EDCs of various breeds using multiple reward systems.
• Experience recognizing canine diseases and monitoring their physical condition.
• Experience maintaining canine training and operational records.
• Experience conducting inspections of equipment and reporting deficiencies.
• Experience conducting searches utilizing canine assets.

Nice-to-haves

• Service in Military Occupational Specialty related to law enforcement or security.
• Completion of a full military handler course.
• Bachelor's degree in law enforcement or criminal justice related studies.
• A minimum of 8 or more years of service in any military branch.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee discounts through perks program.