Police Officer, Canine Trainer (Trainee)

INTERNAL JOB POSTING- ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE MTA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Job Title:Request for Consideration: Police Officer - Canine Trainer (Trainee)                

Dept/DIV: MTA Police Department, Canine Unit

Supervisor: Sergeant(s)/Lieutenant, Canine Unit

Location: Various Locations

Hours of Work: Three (3) tours of twelve hours, twenty (20) minutes with four (4) consecutive rest days, four (4) tours of twelve (12) hours, twenty (20) minutes every third week (Patrol Chart).

Summary

The department is seeking qualified members from the rank of Police Officer currently assigned to the Canine Unit who are interested in being assigned as a Canine Trainer (Trainee). The Canine Trainer (Trainee) will be responsible for learning every aspect of canine Training that deals with the MTA Police Canine Transit environment. He/she will be required to apprentice under the direction of current Canine Training Staff to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to properly train both new and current canine teams. The Canine Trainer (Trainee) will also be responsible to attend numerous training classes, included but not limited to, NYS DCJS Instructor Development Course and certify in such.  

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain all relative records dealing with the Canine Training Process.
• Instruct, in the classroom setting, all relevant material dealing with canine training.
• Instruct, in the field, all relevant material dealing with canine training.
• Be familiar with MTA Police Department Police and Procedures and be able to instruct new recruits to the Canine Unit on important policy and procedures which concerns a Canine Handler.
• Maintain proper care and inventory control over various hazardous materials.
• Be familiar with the NYS DCJS Canine Training Standards.
• Be familiar with the ATF&E Certifications.
• Be familiar with the USPCA, NAPWDA, CPWDA certification standards.
• Maintain all relevant records dealing with any equipment issued to an MTA Police Canine Handler.
• Maintain all relevant records dealing with canine and veterinary care.
• Be willing to decoy for canines in a controlled atmosphere, be willing to advance skills in such, and be willing to learn how to use all canine equipment properly.
• Be willing to attend and participate in advanced decoy school.
• Be willing to attend and participate in an advanced canine behavioral school.
• Be flexible on job scheduling, including but not limited to, overnight training courses outside of geographical area of employment.

Qualifications

Qualified Police Officers must, at a minimum, have the following qualifications/requirements to be considered for appointment.

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a canine handler with the MTA Police Department by the time of appointment to this position.
• Have completed an explosives awareness course and are certified by NYS DCJS.
• Must be flexible in work scheduling and be able to perform other duties as directed by Canine Unit Supervision.
• Ability to direct training techniques and equipment required to provide guidance and direction to other canine officers as needed.
• Must be able to develop and maintain positive relationships with other officers, supervisors, and other law enforcement agencies and representatives.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.

Other Information

Interested employees who meet the above-listed qualifications will be invited to participate in a panel interview.

Candidates should understand that they are not guaranteed an assignment in the Canine Unit, even if they meet each of the above qualifications.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.