Park Police Officer and K9 Handler (Narcotics and Tracking)

Town of Wytheville Job Opening Job Title: Park Police Officer and K9 Handler ANTICIPATED STARTING SALARY: $46,051 to $69,071 DEPARTMENT: Police FLSA DESIGNATION: Non-Exempt Actual compensation will be DOE/DOQ. POSTED: 11/17/2025 POSITION SUMMARY: The Park Police Officer and K9 Handler for the Town of Wytheville is a specialized position dedicated to enhancing public safety, providing visible law enforcement, and executing specialized search and rescue and narcotics detection operations exclusively within the Towns parks, recreation areas, and extensive trail systems. This role serves as a key asset in supporting the Towns growing community and protecting its public spaces. Works under the general supervision of the Police Patrol Captain. Job Description is attached. Please review the full list of Duties and Responsibilities. ENTRY LEVEL REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must possess all required training and certifications as a Wytheville Police Officer. Valid, current certification as a Law Enforcement Officer required. Minimum of 1 (one) year of law enforcement experience. Must successfully complete the required K9 Handler training and certification programs and Law Enforcement Bike Patrol course. Valid Virginia Drivers license required. Preferred to live in Wytheville, at minimum, must live in Wythe County. Must have the below basic knowledge, skills, and abilities: Thorough knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures applicable to diverse public environments, including urban parks and wilderness areas. Specialized skill in handling, deploying, and maintaining a K9 partner certified in narcotics detection and tacking/trailing. Physical ability to perform duties in rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions, including extended foot patrol and operation of specialized patrol vehicles (ATV/bicycle). Strong commitment to the philosophy of Community Policing and effective public interaction. Ability to maintain detailed records related to K9 deployment, training, and maintenance. Ability to assist the Accreditation Manager with all mandated accreditation requirements. Maintain records and provide reports as to the daily routine of Park Police Officer. Quarterly Home Kennel Inspection by the Patrol Captain. Please refer to the attached Job Description for additional Required Minimum Qualifications HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must complete a Town of Wytheville Employment Application to be considered for this position. Applications can be found online at https://www.wytheville.org/employment. Applications are to be submitted to the Department of Human Resources by email at human.resources@wytheville.org or in person at the Town Municipal Building. Please submit a completed application including a resume and any certifications or special licensures that relate to the advertised position. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with any questions at 276-223-3321. CLOSING DATE: Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The Town of Wytheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. POSITION DESCRIPTION Class Title: PARK POLICE OFFICER and K9 HANDLER (Narcotics and Tracking) Department: Police FLSA - Non-Exempt Effective date: December 2025 GENERAL PURPOSE The Law Enforcement Park Police Officer and K9 Handler is a specialized position dedicated to enhancing public safety, providing visible law enforcement, and executing specialized search and rescue and narcotics detection operations exclusively within the Town's parks, recreation areas, and extensive trail systems. This role serves as a key asset in supporting the Town's growing community and protecting its public spaces. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general supervision of the Police Patrol Captain. SUPERVISION EXERCISED None ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES I. Law Enforcement and Community Policing Dedicated Patrol: Conduct proactive, high-visibility law enforcement patrols, serving as a powerful c ime deterrent across all assigned recreational areas. Primary Patrol Areas: Maintain a focus on, but not limited to: Downtown Wytheville, Wytheville Recreation Center(s), Wytheville Visitors Center, Withers Park, Elizabeth Brown Park, Tressel Bridge Park, T-Ball Park, Homestead Historical Park, Ager Park, and the 1,800-acre Crystal Springs Recreation Area. Patrol Methods: Utilize diverse modes of patrol, including foot, marked patrol vehicle, police bicycle, and ATV/4 Wheeler, to effectively access and secure all areas, particularly the deepest trails of Crystal Springs. Community Liaison: Serve as a key departmental liaison, actively fostering positive relationships with the Recreation Department, citizens, and visitors to promote park safety and address quality of life concerns. Enforcement: Enforce all applicable local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and park regulations. II. Specialized K9 Operations and Asset Management Narcotics Detection: Deploy the specialized K9 partner to conduct searches for the detection of illegal narcotics and execute narcotics interdiction efforts in public spaces to safeguard the community and to assist the Patrol and Detective Divisions. 1 Fugitive and Search and Rescue (Tracking): Utilize the K9 partner for Human Tracking to quickly and efficiently locate fugitives, missing or endangered persons (e.g., lost hikers, elderly, and children). Response Capability: Maintain a 24/7 specialized response capability with the K9 team, providing support that is not covered by general patrol resources. K9 Care and Training: Be fully responsible for the daily care, feeding, housing (movable kennel provided}, health (veterinary care), and mandatory ongoing training and certification of the assigned K9 partner to ensure operational readiness. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Must possess all required training and certifications as a Wytheville Police Officer Must possess current, valid certification as a Law Enforcement Officer Minimum one year of law enforcement experience Must successfully complete the required K9 Handler training and certification programs. Must complete Law Enforcement Bike Patrol course Possession of a valid Virginia Driver's License Preferred to live in Wytheville, minimum must live in Wythe County Necessary Knowledge, Skills. and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures applicable to diverse public environments, including urban parks and wilderness areas. Specialized skill in handling, deploying, and maintaining a K9 partner certified in narcotics detection and tracking/trailing. Physical ability to perform duties in rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions, including extended foot patrol and operation of specialized patrol vehicles (ATV/bicycle). Strong commitment to the philosophy of Community Policing and effective public interaction. Ability to maintain detailed records related to K9 deployment, training, and maintenance. Ability to assist the Accreditation Manager with all mandated accreditation requirements. Maintain records and provide reports as to the daily routine of Park Police Officer. Quarterly Home Kennel Inspection by the Patrol Captain. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED Personal computer, computer tablet, various software programs designed with investigations in mind, typewriter, various types of video and digital camera systems, various types of video and digital recording equipment, vehicle equipment with law enforcement equipment, police radio, cell phone, handgun, shotgun, rifle, less lethal weapons include, but not limited to: ASP baton, handcuffs, taser, and OC pepper spray, first aid equipment and includes any and all equipment issued to the individual in the performance of their duties as investigators. 2 PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reason