Salary: $61,512.00 - $103,821.00 Annually
Location : Annapolis
Job Type: Employment Agreement
Job Number:Department: Law Enforcement
Division: Police Full Time Civilian
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: 9/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Summary The K-9 Unit Trainer and Instructor for the Annapolis Police Department (APD) and Annapolis Fire Department (AFD) oversees the training of APD and AFD K-9s and handlers in the areas of explosive detection, narcotic detection and patrol work.
Essential Job Functions This position will be responsible for overseeing the training of the Annapolis Police Department and Annapolis Fire Department K-9 teams in the areas of explosive detection, narcotic detection and patrol work. Also, managing and overseeing any future facility dog or comfort dog program started by either department.
EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative only) Training and instructing K-9 teams (1 handler and 1 dog per team) by ensuring the K 9 teams meet the weekly and monthly training requirements: As needed, an incumbent may be responsible for the annual re-certification requirements of the Transportation Security Administration which includes requirements established by outside certifying organizations and the Annapolis Police Department and Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission: Inspecting, evaluating, and administratively maintaining daily schedules to include work hours, training hours, and medical appointments for the canines: Testifying in court and properly storing, handling, and transporting all explosive and narcotic training aids utilized for instruction.
Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Understanding of canine behavior and training techniques, learning theory, conditioning, reward markers and behavior modification techniques.
Expertise in training for odor detection and patrol duties.
Proficiency in training adult learners, developing training curricula, and conducting classroom and field instruction.
Strong focus on safety protocols, including decoy work, bite suit usage, and controlling K-9s in high stress scenarios.
Ability to certify, recertify, and evaluate K-9 teams based on professional standards.
Mentoring handlers on proper handling techniques, animal care, and ethical decision making.
Ability to handle, work with, and train dogs in demanding and potentially dangerous environments.
Minimum Qualifications: Valid driver's license
Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Four years of experience in administrative or professional work.
*Four years of experience must include handling K-9 teams and delivering training to K-9 teams for advanced canine explosive detection and narcotics detection.
**Applicants must possess official documentation of experience as a trainer. This may include a signed document, an official training certification, or letter on letterhead with signature from an accredited source such as a police department, the military, or an accredited K-9 organization. You must submit this documentation with your application. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
Special Qualifications: This position is designated as Safety Sensitive due to the tasks or duties that the employer reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task, other individuals, and or may lead to damage to property.
This position is subject to drug and alcohol testing to include pre-employment testing.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience in a law enforcement K-9 Unit.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Employment Conditions Physical/Mental Demands: The work is sedentary and generally the employee may be required to speak, walk, stand, bend, and/or carry light items to include paper, books or files.
Physical ability: to sit continuously at a computer terminal or receptionist station for extended periods; ability to operate standard office equipment including copier, computer, fax machine, mailing machine, etc.; ability to reach into file drawers in standard four drawer filing cabinets.
Visual ability: sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.;
Hearing ability: sufficient to hold conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; ability to hear recording on transcription device.
Speaking ability: sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
Freedom from health disorders which would interfere with performance of duties as described.
Work Environment: The work environment entails minimal discomforts that may be associated with an office environment.
Benefit Summary for Employee Agreements
City-Subsidized Benefits
- Medical and Prescription Drug Plan (HDHP, EPO, Core, Plus)
- Dental Plan
- Vision Plan
Voluntary Benefits
- 457 Deferred Compensation
- Health Savings Account (only with HDHP)
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- Legal Plan
**Please refer to the Employee Agreement for additional details.**
01
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
02
Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalency?
03
Do you have four years of experience in K-9 training with certifications? If so, attach certifications.
04
Describe your K-9 Unit training over the past five years.
Required Question
