Police Officer K9 Trainer (Lateral)

Information Sessions Learn More!

Get to know our department and hiring process by attending one of our upcoming information sessions.

• Monday September 16 at 6:00 PM
• Tuesday October 7 at 5:00 PM
• Thursday October 16 at 6:00 PM
• Saturday October 25 at 9:00 AM
• To receive an invite email:

Oral Boards:

Selected candidates will be invited to an interview on any of the following dates:

• September 16
• October 1
• October 10

Some of what youll be doing:

As the lateral Police Officer K9 Trainer you will be under the direction of the Chief of Police the primary function of the Canine Trainer is to train the departments assigned explosive detection canines provide long term strategic planning develop long/short term training plans manage and recruit canine decoys motivate educate and develop handlers to achieve a high level of performance and success as well as maintaining relationships with stakeholders and local federal and state agencies

• You will provide coaching and mentorships to K9 members identify and address performance issues document training deficiencies and formulate training plans.
• You will be responsible for monitoring canines for proper care.
• You will conduct relevant training and assign training tasks to other handlers as needed.
• You will manage decoy activities including recruitment and preparation.
• You will locate and procure training aids props and training areas.
• You will be responsible for the disposal of canine training supplies (clothes luggage barrier materials etc.).
• You will liaison with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
• You will assist with coordination of support for Canine Explosive Training Aid (CETA) accountability escorting/watching decoys and maintaining observation of CETA.
• You will assist with Short Notice Assessments.
• You will attend certifications Operational Training Assessments training missions operational developments and recurring evaluations.
• You will fill regular patrol positions when needed.
• Prior to appointment to the position you must complete the Port of Seattle Police Department Lateral Field Training Program and probationary period. #

• Background Investigation - The successful candidate(s) must pass a background investigation that includes a complete criminal records check a polygraph examination a medical examination and a psychological examination. Background investigations will be conducted as openings occur and include the following: driving history credit history arrest records military records educational records and other sources where information can be obtained to measure ones suitability for police work. Successful applicants must successfully complete the state law enforcement training program (Basic Law Enforcement Academy or BLEA) and a Patrol Training Officer (PTO) process.
• Automatic Disqualifiers You will need to review our list of Automatic Disqualifiers related to Criminal Activity Driving Record Drug Use Employment and Financials before submittal of your application.
• If you are a Federal law enforcement officer/agent correction officers or military police officer you do not qualify for lateral positions.
• You may be an applicant who currently holds a Law Enforcement Certification and has less than 24 consecutive months experience as a full-time paid commissioned officer who may qualify for exceptional consideration upon review and authorization from our Chief of Police.
• Work Schedule Your normal work schedule will consist of a 4 day a week 10hour work schedule.
• Take home vehicle: Upon time of appointment to position.
• 4% pay incentive: Upon time of appointment.
• Work Environment You will work in both indoor and outdoor environments in a variety of weather conditions. The employee sometimes works in or near moving traffic and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles consistent with working near aircraft and maritime vessels. May be exposed to aircraft noise. Will be required to walk and stand for extended periods of time throughout each shift.
• Overtime Eligible You are eligible for overtime pay in this role.
• Security Requirements As the successful candidate you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. You will also be required to obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Customs Seal within 30 days of hire.
• Union Representation This position is represented by the Teamsters union Local 117.

The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Ports addition to the summary below benefit details for non-represented positions can be foundon the Port of Seattles website. If the position is represented by a union please refer to the Collective Bargaining Agreement or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

• Healthcare Medical Dental and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
• Paid Vacation Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
• Paid Sick Leave At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
• Holidays More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
• Pension/Retirement Plans A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
• Getting to Work From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.
• Parental Leave Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
• Development From tuition reimbursement training stretch assignments and internal internships we support a learning culture.
• Equity Diversity and Inclusion The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees regardless of race gender and other identities succeed and reach their fullest potential.
• Work-Life Balance We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
• Mission Driven We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade travel commerce and job creation in an equitable accountable and environmentally responsible manner.

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here.

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership the diversity of our communities instill principles of equity into its culture and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic develop and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity.

Minimum Qualifications:

All the following requirements must be met at the time of application:

Experience:

• Prior or current canine detection experience.
• Must have or ability to obtain Washington State Explosive Handlers License per L&I rules and regulations.

Desired:

• Air Scent Vapor Wake or People Screening Canine experience.

WA State applicants

• You are at least 21 years of age.
• Be a U.S. Citizen lawful Permanent Resident or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.
• Ability to speak read and write the English language.
• You possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
• Valid Washington State Drivers License or the ability to obtain one.
• You must have a minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties and no more than a 24-month break in service.
• You can be a special agent from the Washington State Gambling Commission Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Boardand Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and be eligible to apply as a lateral.

Out-of-State Applicants

• You are at least 21 years of age.
• Be a U.S. Citizen lawful Permanent Resident or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.
• Ability to speak read and write the English language.
• You possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
• Valid Washington State Drivers License or the ability to obtain one.
• You must have a minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties and no more than a 24-month break in service.
• You must have successfully completed a state-certified police academy granting you a full authority certificate and must hold a current and active full authority law enforcement certification.
  • A full authority certification refers to a fully commissioned state peace officer with full powers of arrest and unrestricted enforcement powers of criminal and traffic statutes within the state of issuance while acting in an individual capacity.
  • As a holder of a full authority certificate you must have completed a state authorized and sanctioned law enforcement training academy for its full duration.
• All out-of-state lateral applicants must also meet the requirements outlined in the Washington Administrative codeBasic Law Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency and be qualified to attend the Washington State Equivalency Academy and successfully complete. If deemed necessary by the department Command you may be required to successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

What Sets you Apart:

• Leader You understand the gravity and weight of the position of Police Officer and provide guidance to teammates and citizens whenever possible in an accountable and honest manner.
• Effective Communicator You possess the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with a diverse population. You also have a strong ability to document instances through professional report writing standards.
• Analytical Problem Solver You are able to independently and rapidly assess and solve problems in stressful situations applying policies rules and regulations to take appropriate action.