LEXIPOL

Lateral Police Officer - K9 Trainer

Port of Seattle | SeaTac, WA

Posted Date 3/13/2025
Description

Posting Expires: Ongoing
MidPoint Salary: Based on Experience  

    
Some of what you'll 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 department’s 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 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.
Who you are:

All Lateral standards must be met at the time of application. 

Experience:

  • Prior or current Explosive Detection Canine Trainer experience is required.
  • Air Scent, Vapor Wake, or People Screening Canine experience is preferred.  

Washington State applicants - You meet the following requirements:

  • 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 with the ability to speak, read, and write the English language.
  • You possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
  • 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 Board, and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and be eligible to apply as a lateral.
  • 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.
  • Must have or obtain Washington State Explosive Handlers License, per L&I rules and regulations. 

Out-of-State Applicants - You meet the following requirements: 

  • 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 with the ability to speak, read and write the English language.
  • You possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
  • You must have successfully completed a state-certified police academy granting them a full authority certificate and must hold a current and active full authority law enforcement certification.
  • 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.
  • If you are a Federal law enforcement officer/agent, correction officer, or military police officer, you do not qualify for lateral positions;
  • 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 Washington Administrative code 139-05-210 "Basic Law
  • Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency" and be qualified to attend the Washington State Equivalency Academy.
  • As an out-of-state candidate, you must successfully complete the Washington State Equivalency course or must successfully complete the WSCJTC Basic Law Enforcement Academy as deemed necessary by Police Department Command. 
  • Must have or obtain Washington State Explosive Handlers License, per L&I rules and regulations. 
What else you need to know: 
  • Background Investigation – You 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 one's suitability for police work. You must successfully complete a Patrol Training Officer (PTO) process once hired.
  • 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.
  • 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 both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. You will sometimes work in or near moving traffic and will be occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles consistent with working near aircraft and maritime vessels. You may be exposed to aircraft noise. You 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.
    Union Representation – This position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union, Local 117.
Field
Police
Police1
Police
Highest Educational Degree Required
High school diploma or equivalent

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