The selectee will serve as a Training Specialist at the Professional Development Center (PDC), National Detector Dog Training Center (NDDTC). The selectee designs, develops, delivers and evaluates training programs for Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees, and/or other stakeholders (i.e., federal, states department of agriculture, foreign ministries of agriculture, etc.).

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Design, develop, deliver, and evaluate specific course content(s) or materials related to the education or training programs for detector dogs and program personnel Performs maintenance, cleaning and sanitation of canine training and holding areas Partner with subject matter experts and specialists in the field to conduct task analyses, as well as to analyze the performance, skill, and knowledge levels of the learning audience Procure potential canines from various sources (i.e., public and private shelters, rescue groups, breeders and private owners) Conduct protocol training of detector dogs to recognize items of agricultural concern (target odors) and non target odors Instruct detector dog program personnel to "read" and understand canine's responses to assist them in their detection efforts Review and edit course materials to ensure alignment with learning objectives Develop written materials in a clear, convincing and organized manner that meets established format and style standards, and is appropriate for the intended audience

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• The position requires daily handling and movement of canines across uneven terrain, canines pulling on leash with rapid changes of direction, and lifting and carrying of canines.
• Work is normally performed in an office, classrooms, canine training areas, in the field conducting canine operations, canine kennel areas, and foreign airport arrivals and port areas.
• The incumbent is sometimes exposed to loud noise, dog bites and scratches, changing environmental conditions, and unpleasant odors.
• Physical stamina is needed to be successful in the position. Work is conducted in an environment that contains slippery and or uneven walking surfaces.
• Frequently, the use of equipment and agricultural products require extensive standing, walking, bending and lifting of objects that weigh an average of 75 lbs.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Applying instructional system design and adult learning theory to ensure that canine training is effective, consistent, legally defensible and cost beneficial. Facilitating internal and external meetings to help canine groups work effectively towards solving problems, making group decisions and accomplishing goals. Providing guidance, instructions or alternative techniques and methods in order to achieve designed canine behavior or responses. Delivering canine scent detection training. Performing canine temperament testing in real-world environments to determine if the canine is suitable for the detector dog training program. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]