Canine Trainer

Full Job Description

The National Canine Division (NCD) trains accelerant and explosives detection canines and handlers for ATF and State, local, Federal, and foreign law enforcement agencies.

These teams support investigations related to violent crime and terrorism.

The ATF Detection Canine Program places canines with State and local agencies to assist fire investigations, with the unique ability to detect both large quantities and trace amounts of explosives and accelerants.

To qualify for the Canine Handler position at the GS-12-13, you must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Minimum Qualifications To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized experience must include all of: Leading the instruction of canines and students in the performance phases of accelerant and explosives detection programs to include both classroom and hands-on Teaching students how to effectively train and deploy detection canines in the examination of articles, vehicles, transportation facilities, and other operational searches.

Conducting and overseeing initial testing of canines in order to validate proper olfactory capabilities, behavioral suitability, and physical traits sufficient for entry into the program.

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized experience must include all of: Instructing canines and students in the performance phases of accelerant and explosives detection programs.

Complying with all ATF and Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and procedures with regard to security, safe-handling, transportation, accountability, and storage of a variety of explosives.

Having experience in the use of detection canines (explosives or accelerant) in a law enforcement environment in order to provide instruction and technical advice.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you.

You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (04/22/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application. Major Duties:

This position is located in the Office of Field Operations, National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR), National Canine Division (NCD) located in Front Royal, VA.

The major duties of the Canine Trainer, GS-1801-12/13 position include, but are not limited to, the following: Develops and follows standard operating procedures directed at guiding Federal, State and local canine handlers in the proper care and use of explosive and accelerant detection canine teams.

Implements the canine program's operational plans, policies, and procedures, ensuring that they meet the canine programs objectives.

Provides instruction and technical advice to various agencies and foreign governments to evaluate and advise the initial or future development of explosives detector dog training programs according to determined needs.

Ensures that all ATF and Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and procedures are adhered to in regard to security, handling, transportation, accountability, and storage of a variety of explosives.

Provides sworn testimony in Federal or State court as a recognized subject matter expert in the field of training detector dogs.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.