Canine Trainer - Opelika, AL
On-site · Opelika, Alabama, United States
Job Summary
Canine Trainer responsible for designing and delivering canine detection training programs, including imprint, sustainment, and advancement training. Develop K9 core competencies and prepare canines for handler pairing certification and deployment. Apply operant and classical conditioning techniques to explosives detection, odor/narcotics detection, tracking, scent detection, and obedience. Organize and conduct training exercises aligned with department curricula, assist with development of training procedures and handler course material, and ensure K9 readiness prior to deployment. Conduct onsite and remote training, evaluations, and audits; maintain training records; create individualized development plans for underperforming canines; provide safe, professional team training environments; and participate in travel to support operational needs (travel 10-30%). Qualifications include US citizenship, ability to pass background checks, high school diploma or GED, at least two years of canine training experience (preferably in explosives detection), and certifications from a reputable canine training agency (preferred); ability to obtain TSA security clearances and ATF-related credentials.
Required 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
- Two (2) 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 TSA Security Threat Assessment within 90 days
- Must be able to obtain Known Traveler Number (TSA Pre-Check)
- Ability to obtain Employee Possessor license through ATF
- ATF Employee Possessor clearance approval to possess explosive training aids
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