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Special Operations Division: Canine Explosives Detection Team (K9)

The Canine Explosives Detection Team (K9) is a specialized unit within the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division that provides full-time explosive detection support to the Presidential Protective Division. On order, K9 will also provide support to designated protectees, protected venues, and National Special Security Events (NSSEs).

Career Track to K9:

  • Successful completion of 29 weeks of Uniformed Division Training. 
  • Successful completion of a 17 week canine explosives detection training course. 
  • Reassignment to the Special Operations Division Canine Unit.

Candidates will provide U.S. military/law enforcement organization documentation for ONE of the SEVEN categories:

Military (current/former): 

  • Military working dog handler attached to a Garrison or deployed unit. 
  • Experience with explosive detection canines. 
  • Successfully completed the requisite training course for a military K9 handler.

Law Enforcement (current/former):

  • Certified K9 handler/trainer for state, local, or federal agency. 
  • Served as a member of a federal, state, or local law enforcement K9 team.  
  • Successfully worked a law enforcement detection canine.
  • Experience with explosive/narcotics detection canines.

 

Qualifications:

To be considered for the position of Uniformed Division Officer (LE 01), applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Current U.S. Citizen. 
  • Be at least 20 years of age at the time of application. 
  • 21 years of age and younger than 37 at the time of conditional offer (Veterans - 40 years of age at the time of conditional offer). 
  • Current/Former Military Members - DD-214 or Statement of Service (dates of service and campaigns) Specialized Experience: Weapons and Tactics Training or Statement of Service, depicting the same. 
  • Possess a current valid driver's license. 
  • Qualify for a Top-Secret Clearance. 
  • Possess, at a minimum, a high school diploma or certificate of equivalency (LE 01 Qualification). 
  • Possess uncorrected visual acuity of no worse than 20/100 binocular and possess corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye. (NOTE: Lasik, ALK, RK, and PRK corrective eye surgeries are acceptable eye surgeries for Uniformed Division Officer applicants. The following are the waiting periods before visual test are conducted after surgery: Lasik surgery-two months; PRK-six months; and ALK/RK-one year.) Applicants must meet the vision requirement at the time of application. 
  • Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 25 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.0.) in either ear in the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz ranges. 
  • Be in excellent health and physical condition. 
  • Pass an Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT). 
  • Complete interviews and pass a written examination. 
  • Qualify for a Top-Secret clearance and undergo a complete background investigation. to include driving record check, drug screening, medical and polygraph examinations. 
  • Certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so (if you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959).
  • The U.S. Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, andbranding) on the head, face, neck, hands, and fingers (any area below the wrist bone-exception is a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring).

     

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LEARN MORE at SecretService.gov/careers or CALL US at 888-813-USSS (8777)
Deaf and Hard of Hearing | EOE 202-406-5370


Canine Explosives Detection Team | INTERESTED IN JOINING K9? Email SOD.K9Recruiting@usss.dhs.gov