K9 Training Director & Lead Risk Evaluator

We are an elite private security firm specializing in high-consequence canine detection services. We are seeking an experienced, highly disciplined K9 Training Director & Lead Risk Evaluator to oversee our canine operations, run our internal training division, and manage our strict monthly compliance protocols.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in military or federal canine applications, a deep working knowledge of aviation security standards, and the capability to administer monthly maintenance logs compliant with the TSA Certified Cargo Screening Program-Canine (CCSP-K9 / 3PK9) framework. This role reports directly to executive leadership and involves operational, training, and risk management responsibilities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Monthly Compliance & Odor Management: Design, execute, and document monthly blind-odor recognition tests for all working canine teams. Ensure all training logs, scent-aging parameters, and alert metrics strictly align with TSA 3PK9 Operational Implementation Plans (OIP) and rigorous third-party compliance auditing standards.

• Handler & Canine Instruction: Conduct daily/weekly maintenance training, correct behavioral or drift issues in working dogs, and advance the handlers' field proficiency.

• Odor Sourcing & Accountability: Manage the safe transport, strict chain of custody, and decontamination of real explosive/narcotic target materials or TSA-approved polymer training aids in compliance with ATF and DEA regulations.

• Operational Security Oversight: Conduct risk assessments at deployment sites, audit team field performance unexpectedly, and ensure handlers adhere to corporate standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Additional Duties: Assist leadership with client onboarding assessments, canine selection/procurement, and specialized security operations management as tasked.

Required Qualifications & Criteria

• TSA 3PK9 / CCSP-K9 Familiarity: Verifiable experience working within or managing teams under the TSA Third-Party Canine-Cargo framework. Must be capable of immediately interfacing with independent certifiers and compliance auditors.

• Background: Minimum of 5–10 years of dedicated experience as a K9 Handler, Trainer, or Instructor within the U.S. Military (MWD/MPC), a Federal Agency (DHS, CBP, TSA), or a major State/Local Law Enforcement agency.

• Certifications: Preference given to candidates who are certified Evaluators, Judges, or Master Trainers with a recognized national body (USPCA, NPCA, NCPDA, IPWDA) or hold former TSA Transportation Security Inspector-Canine (TSI-C) status.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of ATF explosives storage protocols and DEA controlled substance handling rules.

• Vetting: Must be a U.S. Citizen, pass a comprehensive criminal background check, fingerprinting, and be eligible for a TSA Security Threat Assessment (STA) and Secret Clearance if required by client contracts.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience / military or federal law enforcement retirement status.

• Company vehicle allowance/mileage reimbursement for regional site audits.