Animal Caretaker (Field Canine Handler)

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team!

You will serve as an Animal Caretaker (ACT) - Field Canine Handler. The Field Canine Handler travels with canines to field locations, assisting Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Officers with inspections and patrols. The National Detector Dog Training Center (NDDTC) plays a crucial role in safeguarding America's agricultural and natural resources from harmful pests and diseases by training specially selected dogs and their human handlers. 

• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Applies prescribed canine training theory and practices to establish or modify canine behaviors.
• Assists with inspections of commodities and conveyances in traditional and non-traditional settings and environments using canine partner. Refers findings to PPQ officials.
• Participates in patrol duties (searches) in assigned area alongside canine partner/units.
• Ensures canines are kenneled, maintained, and cared for according to standards outlined in the Animal Welfare Act.
• Assists the supervisor with monitoring and allocation of canine diets considering such factors as age, species, current diet, special needs, sex, breeding, and training status.
• Restrains dogs during processing of blood samples, identification verification, temporary marking, temperatures procurement, while preparing for travel and general veterinary examination.

To qualify, you must show you have had training and experience of sufficient scope and quality to provide you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Your answers to the vacancy specific questions must be supported by the work experience in your resume. For example, if you respond in the affirmative when questioned whether you have experience caring for horses, your resume must include this experience, mindful that experience may not be inferred by job title.

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.

Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. Those determined to be in the best qualified category will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.