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Certified Dog Handler Coordinator
The Certified Dog Handler Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the training, deployment, and performance of state agency working dogs and their handlers. This role ensures that canine teams meet operational and compliance standards while providing support in areas such as law enforcement, search and rescue, wildlife control, and public safety.
Class Code:
SIA03P
Job Grade:
SGS07
Special Job Requirements:
Typical Functions:
Oversee statewide canine operations, ensuring adherence to Arkansas state regulations and national standards. Develop and implement training programs for canine teams, focusing on detection, tracking, and behavioral control. Coordinate with state and local agencies to deploy certified canine teams for operations such as search and rescue, law enforcement, or wildlife management. Monitor canine health, training progress, and handler performance to ensure operational readiness. Maintain detailed training, certification, and deployment records for all dogs and handlers. Ensure compliance with Arkansas animal welfare laws and state agency policies. Document all canine-related incidents, performance reports, and operational outcomes. Serve as a liaison between state agencies, law enforcement, and external canine training organizations. Oversee procurement, maintenance, and distribution of canine equipment such as leashes, protective gear, and training aids. Monitor and manage canine kennels, transportation logistics, and veterinary care requirements. Ensure all handlers are equipped with appropriate safety and operational gear.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Strong verbal and written communication for reporting, training, and interagency coordination. Ability to lead, train, and mentor canine handlers to ensure high performance and compliance. Professionalism in handling sensitive or high-pressure situations with government officials and the public. Strong organizational skills to manage canine training schedules, deployments, and certifications. Ability to assess situations quickly and make sound operational decisions regarding canine team deployment. Detail-oriented approach to record-keeping and compliance documentation. Understanding of canine behavior, training techniques, and conditioning methods. Familiarity with state laws regarding working dogs, search and rescue operations, and law enforcement canine procedures. Proficiency in dog handling under various operational conditions, including high-stress scenarios. Knowledge of biohazard safety measures when dealing with canine units in field conditions. Proficiency in using personal protective equipment (PPE) and canine training tools.
Minimum Qualifications:
At least two years of experience in a canine handling, law enforcement, search and rescue, wildlife control, or a related field. Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Required Certificates:
N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Exempt:
N