Canine Training Specialist

Canine Training Specialist

Department: Legislative Branch

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $132243 - $166634 Per Year

Job Summary: The United States Capitol Police (USCP) safeguards the Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism. We protect and secure Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure and open environment.

Major Duties:

• This position is located within the Operational Services Bureau, Special Operations Division, K9 Section. Develops and implements the canine training program's operations and procedures, ensuring that they are implemented to meet the Canine Training Facility's program objectives, including long-range planning for substantive explosive detection training programs. This requires extensive fact-finding and the development of courses where available training materials and guidance are lacking. Develops or coordinates training curriculum and logistics schedules, lesson plans, handout materials, and operational exercises. Recommends modifications to update or improve various aspects of existing courses, as well as new or modified instructional materials to accommodate training requirements and/or changes in the field of canine training. Resolves curriculum related problems that are often complicated and require considerable research to incorporate new concepts and innovation. Serves as an authority in planning and developing experimental programs, evaluating results, and using the findings in planning, developing, and installing new or modified explosive detection programs. Handles, maintains accountability of and provides security for various materials and weapons used for detector dog training. Designs and produces aides such as videos, explosive samples, graphic reproductions and documentation. Gathers statistics and intelligence on explosive threats to tailor applicable training, ensures training materials, practical exercises and training aids are comprehensive, current, and support Departmental priorities. Produces highly trained and reliable canines and canine technicians. Exposes the canines to an infinite amount of external environmental stimuli to get the canines accustomed to as many unique situations as possible. This position requires the daily handling of explosive training aids. Incumbent will also assist with kennel care and cleaning as assigned.

Qualifications: In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Must possess certification as a Canine Explosive Ordinance Detection instructor/trainer from an accredited agency or nationally recognized law enforcement canine organization. Must submit copies of your Canine Explosive Ordinance Detection instructor/trainer certification with your application. Must possess at least one year of specialized experience administering Canine Explosive Ordnance Detection training programs equivalent to the CP-9 (GS-11) level. Experience includes (1) teaching and instructing; (2) developing or modifying training programs and/or training aids and materials; (3) expertise in animal psychology and behavior; and (4) expertise in explosives detector training. This experience must be as an instructor/trainer at a Federal, state, county or local law enforcement agency or military mission. This position receives 8% hazardous duty pay. All eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. (Information on Qualification & Education is located at the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/)

How to Apply: Navigate to the following URL to apply to this job: USCP Careers 1. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click the Submit Application button to submit your application package. 3. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date. 4. To verify that your application is complete, log into your account and select the job posting for this position. The page will display the status of your application, the documentation received, and any correspondence the Department has sent related to this application. 5. Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application not being considered. The complete application package must be submitted by 7:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-22