Temporary K-9 Handler (3 positions)

Full Job Description

Requirements

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

The Canine Search Specialist Extra-hire is a part of our Emergency Management WATF–1 team and is primarily responsible for supporting the Search function with their canine resource.

They are also responsible for the care and welfare of the canine during mission deployment. The Canine Search Specialist reports to the Search Team Manager.

Why It's a Great Department:

At the heart of the Pierce County Department of Emergency Management is a commitment to communication, coordination, and collaboration.

We work closely with our stakeholders and communities to prepare for, respond to, mitigate against, and recover from disasters — always with a focus on saving lives and protecting property.

We’re proud to be one of the first counties in the nation to be accredited through the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), and we’ve maintained that high standard through two successful reaccreditations.

This achievement highlights our role as a leader in emergency management, not just in Pierce County, but throughout the Puget Sound, Washington State, and across the United States.

This success is driven by a team of passionate and dedicated individuals who are committed to sustaining our network infrastructure and providing the best customer service to our stakeholders.

You will be joining a larger team in Emergency Management committed to the full cycle of emergency management: planning, preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery.

We encourage you to learn more about our department by clicking here.

How to be Successful in the Role:

Ability to be activated during an emergency to search disaster environments and locations indicated in the mission assignment, using appropriate canine search equipment and techniques.

You will document the results of the canine search, including locations of alerts, and route them appropriately.

Understand and accurately interpret your canine’s behavior, including knowledge of their capabilities and limitations.

You will also provide care and welfare of your canine, including assisting the Medical Team in the canine’s medical care.

Your Future in this Role:

Throughout the onboarding process, you will meet with the supervisors, teams, and the admin team regularly to discuss expectations, set goals, identify priorities, and gain familiarity with current policies, procedures, and strategic measures.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

Qualifications

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Satisfactory physical condition, as evidenced by a county-approved physical examination, may be required before appointment to the position.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity, please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes, which may include assessments, phone screens, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion mean commitment, not a single step.

We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.

We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.

Employees of the County have a local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?