CORRECTIONAL CANINE HANDLER TRAINEE - 60617

About the role

This is the entry-level work in the care, training, and handling of canines while performing detection and tracking duties for the Alabama Department of Corrections. Trainees also complete required courses of training approved by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Act for Law Enforcement Officers.

Employees in this class learn to care for, train, and handle canines utilized for detection (e.g., narcotics, contraband) and tracking purposes. Incumbents also assist in conducting searches of buildings, vehicles, individuals, packages, and other areas in and around correctional facilities. Work is performed under close supervision by higher-level canine handlers following established standards and guidelines.

This class differs from the higher-level class (Correctional Canine Assistant Handler) in that incumbents function in a trainee capacity, performing less responsible assignments and may not work independently in the performance of certain duties until law enforcement certification is received.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Applicants must be 19 years of age or older.
• Applicants must provide one of the following with their applications: (1) valid certification of having passed the Basic Ability Test (BAT) for Law Enforcement Officers (also called ACT WorkKeys) as required by APOSTC OR (2) proof of possession of an Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university (copy of diploma or transcript) OR (3) APOSTC certification number and issue date in the Professional License or Certificate section on their applications. (APOSTC Correctional Officers are not eligible for this exemption from the BAT). Applications without the required documentation will not be accepted. For additional information, see the back of this announcement.

Special Requirements

• Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen at the time of appointment.
• Applicants must possess a valid Alabama driver license at the time of appointment.
• Applicants must meet APOSTC requirements for a law enforcement officer, designated agency training, and other specialized training during the probationary period.
• Applicants must successfully complete a background investigation which includes a fingerprint-based criminal history background check and drug screening. Applicants with a felony and/or domestic violence conviction are not eligible for employment.
• If an applicant is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, their discharge must be under honorable conditions.

Notes

• Applicants previously certified by APOSTC are not required to take the BAT, provided they have been active within the last ten (10) years.
• APOSTC certified candidates will be required to complete the Physical Ability/Agility Test (PAAT) consisting of the following components:
• An obstacle course in 90 seconds where applicants push a vehicle 15 feet, climb a 6-foot wall or chain link fence, crawl through a small window, walk a balance beam, and drag a 165-pound dummy 15 feet;
• At least 22 push-ups in 60 seconds;
• At least 25 sit-ups in 60 seconds; and
• A 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes and 28 seconds.
• This position is open to all applicants.
• An evaluation of Training and Experience as shown on the application will comprise 100% of the final score.

Click the “Apply” link above and complete the online application.

Complete Your Application Carefully

Your application must include detailed information about your education and work experience so we can determine your eligibility for the position.

Before submitting your application

• Make sure your application is updated to include your current or most recent employment.
• Do not combine multiple jobs into one Work Experience entry. List each employer, job, promotion, or change in job title separately, with accurate beginning and ending dates and a complete, detailed description of the duties performed for each separate job.
• Incomplete applications will be rejected and cannot be supplemented or revised after submission.

Additional information

Please note: A resume, if attached, will not be considered in the evaluation process for placement on the eligible list. Only education and work experience documented in the appropriate sections of the completed application will be reviewed for qualification and evaluation purposes.

This is a continuous announcement and may be closed at any time without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.

After You Apply

Check your application status regularly for updates on your progress in the recruitment process. Additional information about application status messages is available in the FAQs section of our website under Applying for a Job.

*For complete information on State Personnel’s degree acceptance, accreditation, and foreign education credential policies,