tsa canine handler interview

For someone who loves animals as much as I do, especially dogs, working as a dog handler was just a natural course of action. Being a canine handler is one of the few careers that offers both the benefits of working and taking care of animals and protecting the countrys borders. I like to think I interview pretty well for jobs. The TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Program trains and deploys both TSA-led and state and local law enforcement-led canine teams in support of day-to-day activities that protect the transportation domain. The company expects to have 220 canine teams in place by midyear about double the number since late 2020 as it rapidly adds . You first need hands-on training. The estimated base pay is $46,372 per year. Security roles fall into four main categories: Screening, Training, Inspection and Security Specializations. So its vital that you prepare yourself with the best preparation kit on the market. They know best. If my dog is distracted by something else, like another person or animal, I would call off the training session until later when there are no distractions., Example: I would first do some research on the new equipment to learn more about what it does and how it works. Full-time. Example: If my dog was not cooperating for a training exercise, I would first try to determine why he wasnt complying with commands. This question can help the interviewer determine how you use your judgment and problem-solving skills to make decisions that affect the outcome of a search. This includes the Office of Workforce Performance Training and the Headquarters Aviation Programs Office. So far it's been a good experience. This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your comfort level with working with dogs. To learn more about how to grow within Security, see below for career path options. During this training, they undergo many additional training scenarios, and desensitize the canine to regular noises at the facility. I applied for five years, recalled Smith. But this one has got me thinking how I should be prepping and what kind of questions I will be answering for this line of work. It helps to know someone that already works for the company, it also helps to have K9 experience, but you can still get the job without either. Your score on the TSA CBT Computer-Based Test. Which K9 handler do you admire the most and why? Canine teams are a highly mobile and extremely efficient explosives detection tool to deter, detect and respond to threats throughout the nations transportation environments. Breed: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. 2. Participate in CCSP related training to search cargo and identify explosive threats If we ever need to separate from each other, I can quickly grab the leash and attach it to my dogs collar. Such a unique career is in high demand, as well as being highly paid. 1. TSA accepts candidates of all different backgrounds and experience levels. . TSA Administrator David Pekoske speaks about firearms, Diversity and Inclusion Boston Logan International Airport, TSA on the Job: Explosives Detection Canine Handler. Ensure you pass the TSA Test with a high score and avoid waiting for 6 months to retake the test. In addition to ensuring my dog receives treatment, I would also want to know what happened so I could learn from the experience.. In high school, I volunteered at my local shelter where I cleaned kennels and fed the dogs. Nico and Shaine talk about the final 2020 presidential debate, the word Coyotes causing a storm on Twitter, Chelsea Handler reminding 50 Cent he's a black man and is not allowed to say nice things about Donald Trump, a student being threatened with jail time for missing Zoom classes in CA and a pumpkin related weird news story. In this guide, well provide some sample K9 handler interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview. Im not exactly sure how many vacancies there are, but I like to go in on these believing theres only one. We entered the building and searched it floor by floor until we found the missing person hiding in a closet. Possible Range. We do have some blind residents, but strive to adopt . They develop, plan, coordinate, and implement policies that support screening operations, customer service and stakeholder programs. Canine is the property of the medical center and will assume custody of animal if the canine. Check out our featured horses The horses below are just some of the horses looking for rehoming as soon as possible. Expert TSOs work at the same professional level as Training Specialists. (Photo courtesy of Denise Smith), Listen to the trainers and dont ever argue, said Rotaru. For more information, please see our Ensure all relevant dates and work experiences are listed on your resume. Charles "Tex" Watson, 32, convicted in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders, is interviewed in his office behind the chapel at the California Men's Colony. I was ambitious and stayed persistent and committed to learn more about the agency.. I'm looking forward to the opportunity and the HR department has been in constant contact with me over the last week getting everything they needed in order to move to the interview. You will be asked five questions that will revisit various scenarios related to your past. There is a yearly recertification program for TSA detection teams. How often do you and your K9 partner train? I love working with dogs because of their unconditional loyalty to their handlers. Beyond the checkpoint, we are an additional, Canine Officer Xena Warrior Princess, and LaGuardia Airport Lead Explosives Canine Handler Tatiana Rotaru. Global K9 Protection Group Seattle, WA. For Rotaru and her canine partner, Xena Warrior Princess, the day starts at 2 a.m. with Xenas first feeding and a walk. For a TSO officer to gain acceptance to the the TSA canine program they must have experience in the field of inspection as a customs officers or inspector. Located at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas, the $12 million Canine Training Center includes 25,000 square feet of space with seven classrooms, office space that accommodates 140 employees, and a 100-seat auditorium. I know they do a hiring pool twice a year, and then other airports will hire on top of that. Select Filter. Use examples from your experience to explain how you would respond to this situation, what steps you would take to resolve the issue and what actions you took that led to success. The demand for detection dog handlers continues to increase annually. TSA K-9 sniffing dog at Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood Int'l Airport. Considered the "center for excellence" for explosives detection canine training, the program is the largest explosives detection canine program in the Department of Homeland Security and the second largest in the federal government after the Department of Defense. Canine teams work at more than 100 of the nations airports, mass-transit and maritime systems. and our If everything matches up, then I let them go. No matter what experience an EDCH has going into the position, theyre well prepared after an extensive four-month training at Lackland Air Force Base outside of San Antonio, Texas, and another four or five-months of on-the-job training at the airport. Supervisory Canine Handlers manage TSA's canine program at a specific airport. Wow, you have come a long way and gone through many steps to get to this stage! So I got scheduled for an interview next week as Canine Handler at DTW. Canine teams work in many types of public places, including airports, public transportation, and marine systems. It also shows the interviewer how you interact with others, including your K9 partner. After training them together, I was able to see firsthand how much joy both of them got from being around each other. Hey guys! However, acceptance into the contingent job pool might be a more accurate phraseology. Becoming one Secret Service Feature Agent is does simple task. Read the qualification section of the JOA [Job Opportunity Announcement thoroughly. Not so fast! Image by TSA. TSA's 2022 Cutest Canine Contest winner, Eebbers, is featured on the cover of the 2023 TSA Canine Calendar. Training Specialists work at the same professional level as Expert TSOs. Example: I think its important to have a strong online presence as a police department. If you have any questions along the way, you can reach out to human resources or the point of contact listed on each Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA). While the TSA welcomes applicants from all walks of life, there are a few hard and fast rules that everyone must play by: The time frame for the becoming a TSA agent can range from 6 months to 2 years. You will then be able to follow your progress via the Candidate Dashboard. Its so much more fun working with a dog.. Congratulations, you are now invited to your official orientation to begin working as a TSA officer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With an eye on spurring career growth, each panel explores a different job and offers a Q&A session for tips on getting ahead in a specific field. Additionally, you will also be examined for diabetes, sleep disorders, neurological disorders, and psychiatric.The goal of the medical test is to assess your ability to perform job-related functions based on any medical/physical conditions you present. In return, the law enforcement agencies agree to use the canines in their assigned transportation environment for at least 80 percent of the handlers duty time. The Jr. Handler is responsible with screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The TSA canine training course includes two different training programs: Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) are responsible for identifying, preventing, and stopping hostile activity during air flights. Even with all that experience, Smith, who onboarded as a part-time TSO at Tampa International Airport in 2007, didnt walk into the job on her first try. Late last week, the United States' Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published new technical, medical, and behavioral standards recommendations for explosive detection canines. He always makes sure that he takes care of his dog both physically and emotionally. Updated: 7:04 AM EDT August 24, 2021. They act as team leads and oversee certified TSOs in addition to some trainee and apprentice-level TSOs. Security Officer K9 Handler. These highly trained explosives detection canine teams are a reliable resource at detecting explosives and provide a visible deterrent to terrorism directed towards transportation systems. For example, if Im working on a particular skill one week, but then dont practice it for a month, I might forget some of the steps or techniques. Approximately 83 percent of students graduate from the training program. But this one has got me thinking how I should be prepping and what kind of questions I will be answering for this line of work. Great, now that you passed on competency and integrity, the agency now wants to check your medical state. The Federal Air Marshal Training Program (FAMTP). Please note that the E86 is a long form demanding a wide range of information from previous addresses to names of old friends. Each team consists of one canine handler and one assigned canine that must pass an annual TSA certification. You can answer this question by describing how you ensure your dog stays healthy, including regular vet visits, proper nutrition and exercise. Training will take place at a Joint Base in San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, and a variety of locations around San Antonio, such as the San Antonio International Airport, nearby malls, the ATT Center, and the VIA Transit Terminal. Handling a variety of breeds gave her career direction and led to work in veterinary hospitals as a vet tech. Once we had secured the area, I would assess why my partner was acting this way. They may train dogs to be more obedient, perform rescue missions, detect contraband substances, or protect property. As a result, humans and dogs sometimes have misunderstandings and thats where expertise and experience play a big role. When searching for a suspect, how do you determine if your dog found the right person? The TSA Explosives Detection Canine Team Program is a partnership with industry in which airports and mass transit systems voluntarily participate and are supported by federal funds. When George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Explosives Detection Canine Handler (EDCH) Denise Smith joined fellow panelist LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Lead EDCH Tatiana Rotaru to talk about their dream jobs, they were quick to say what the job isnt handlers dont play with dogs all day. A free inside look at company reviews and salaries posted anonymously by employees. The K-9 security industry can ultimately meet air cargo screening demand, but there will be short-term shortages, warned Eric Hare, chief executive and president of Global K9 Protection Group in Opelika, Alabama. Having a canine coworker does kick the joy factor up a notch, though. I would post photos and videos of our K9s in action to show people how much they are helping us keep the community safe.. Training Facilities. During these appointments, the vet checks his weight, blood pressure and overall health. What are some of your past experiences with animals? Describe your personal and professional values. An official website of the United States government. Additionally, candidates are selected according to their TSA CBT scores when spots open, so its crucial to score as high as possible, or you might wait even longer. It also allows you to talk about what you admire in another handler and how it relates to your own work ethic. Rehome a rescued horse. On the TSA Orientation day, you will receive a lowdown on every aspect of the job, including wages, benefits, work hours, and more. Your answer should show that you have experience working with dogs, but if you dont, you can explain how you would learn to do so. Being a TSA canine handler is an occupation that offers the benefits of caring for animals as well as securing the borders of the country. endstream endobj 176 0 obj <. TSA Interview: Questions: 5. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. Its an additional skill that no other private sector entity has most dogs in.. There are more than 1,000 TSA canine teams deployed nationwide that are tasked with screening passengers and cargo, and supporting other security missions. The programs are designed to protect the nation's public from terrorism, piracy, or other acts of sabotage. However, if there are discrepancies, like if the person is the wrong gender or has different hair color than our suspect, then I detain them until I can confirm with another K9 unit.. I also helped train some of the dogs that were new to the shelter. U.S. resident or national, 18 years or older. Think you found the right match? You will dissect each situation and provide in-depth detail as to what occurred, how you handled it, and the outcome. If youre interested in becoming a K9 handler, youll need to be able to answer some tough questions during your interview. Major U.S. airports pay detection dog handlers anywhere from $47,000 to $98,500. After training, theyre responsible for conducting passenger screening and other threat assessment/mitigation activities to ensure the safety of the traveling public and mitigate potential threats. What is your process for maintaining your dogs health and wellness? Dogs communicate a lot with barks, whines, and growls, which is why its vital to know what these sounds mean. I grew up with two dogs of my own, and Ive volunteered at a local shelter where I helped train some of the dogs who were looking for homes. This ensures they dont get lost or run away.. Detection dog handlers are teamed up with a detection dog specifically trained to identify a target substance. In your answer, explain how you would create an online presence for your K9 unit and what types of content you would share. Be flexible and open-minded. Demonstrates the candidates industry knowledge, observation skills, and experience. I have trained him to follow many different commands, including sit, stay and come. He understands these commands even when there are distractions around him. TSAs explosives detection canines are trained on a variety of explosives based on intelligence data and emerging threats. This question is a test of your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions. This category is focused on keeping the traveling public safe by successfully screening passengers and cargo, detecting threats and organizing personnel at airport checkpoints. Supervisory Explosives Specialists serve as technical consultants for the assigned Federal Security Director (FSD) and subordinate managers on all issues involving explosives, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. The vet also gives him any vaccinations he needs and performs other tests as needed. The point on the assessment is test your aptitude for being one successful Atmosphere Traffic Panel. But before you get ahead of yourself, you should do three things: Now you are ready to make your USAJOBS account and submit your application. You can use this question as an opportunity to share a story about how you helped an animal in need or how you interacted with one of your own pets. It's the rapport the handler has with the dog that lets the handler know what's going on and what the dog is reacting to, added Smith. Example: I am very comfortable working with dogs. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. . In addition to performing and supervising daily tasks, STSOs need to be able to make independent, security-based decisions using their experience, critical thinking, observation and passenger engagement. So far its been a good experience. 3PK9 teams perform cargo screening . WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released its annual calendar today, which honors the agency's more than 1,000 explosives detection canines working in the United States. Working during who Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an unique opportunity for jobs for an quality state means with rough 50,000 employees and more than 450 locations above the U.S. AN Transportation Security Officer (TSO) select comes with great benefits including, one 401k, medizinische and dental social, paid overtime on dates and rest date. 3PK9 Teams conduct cargo screening under 49 CFR part 1549 and in accordance with the Certified Cargo Screening Program - Canine (CCSP-K9) . I think that taking care of our dogs is just as important as taking care of ourselves.. Example: I make sure my dog gets plenty of rest and exercise every day. With the widest selection of health plans in the country, you can choose the coverage thats right for you. Privacy Policy. PHXkpt 1 yr. ago. I feed my dog a high-quality diet with all the nutrients he needs to stay healthy.. The test was formerly known as the Air Traffic Auswahl and Training (AT-SAT) Exam, which was an lengthier exam. Each team consists of one canine handler and one assigned canine that must pass an annual TSA certification. Our basic requirements include: Learn how Donavahn trains officers on cutting-edge, advanced technology to detect threatening items and protect the nation's transportation systems. Eebbers and Carney's retirement came a few days after the TSA named Eebbers the "Cutest Canine" of 2022, which he earned through a nationwide social media contest. This question is a good way to test your handlers ability to control their dog without the use of a leash. I also take him to the vet for a checkup twice a year. A dog owner for 25 years, its not surprising one of her first jobs was pet sitting. Create an account on USAJOBSUSAJOBS and submit your application. Average Salaries, Job Duties And Education Requirements. Passenger screening canine handlers undergo a 16-week training course. There are over 900 explosive detection dog teams working across national airports today. Take a look at these free TSA CBT assessment sample questions. She was paired with a very strong dog, and after the first day, her hand was swollen from holding the leash. I would say if you want to be a handler, you need to kind of be flexible. They must also be able to maintain their composure in high-pressure situations. Having a big K-9 with you at work always comes with a heightened sense of security. Great! The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Example: My personal value of loyalty is something that has always inspired me to become a K9 handler. Now I know there's a lot of waiting with this job, but has anyone noticed what the timeline was once the interview was completed? Employers may ask this question to see if you are open to new technology and equipment. Example: Yes, I always carry a leash when on patrol with my K9 partner. TSO knowledge helps inform decisions made at all other levels of the agency. All rights reserved, Canine Handler Duties and Responsibilities, Prerequisites to Becoming a TSA Canine Handler. Candidates with police or transportation security experience are given priority. A canine handler is responsible for understanding their canine's signals and then initiating a contraband search, then turning over an prohibited substances. After you apply if you're moved on you will have to take the Canine Handlers Assessment Battery (CHAB) test. endstream endobj startxref How would you handle aggressive dogs? (Photo courtesy of Denise Smith). The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Additional responsibilities include assigning work, setting priorities, reviewing and evaluating work and performance of subordinates; approving leave; coaching and developing employees. When answering this question, try to pick someone who has qualities that you have or would like to develop as a K9 handler. After 10 years as an explosive detection dog for the TSA, Eebbers is retiring Why did you opt to work as a dog handler? There are 17 indoor venues on the premises that mimic a variety of transportation sites . Birthdate: April 12, 2019. The job entails constant high-pressure standing and necessitates the demand for physical exertion if needed. Learn more about the TSA CBT assessment test. Example: "I make sure my dog gets plenty of rest and exercise every day. TSA Canine Handler Interview. However, I would only do so after testing it with my dog to ensure theyre comfortable with it., Example: I admire my friends handler because of his dedication to his dog. Example: I would first do some research on the new equipment to learn more about what it does and how it works. Those individuals accepted into the program often have a solid working knowledge of canine behavior. Canine teams may consist of transportation security inspectors or local or state law enforcement officers who are paired with explosives detection canines and work in airports, maritime, mass transit and cargo facilitiesacross the nation. We test every year, and then were also tested at our own airport. Also, its important to have previous experience in enforcement roles such as customs officers and inspection. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that relate to this role. Below, we will outline the process and answer the most popular questions so that you can get down to business. Most employees start as TSOs to continue on to more advancedpositions, but it depends on their experience and the role they're pursuing. Supervisory Training Specialists are responsible for some of the same tasks as Training Specialists but take a more senior role in day-to-day operations. Be wary of candidates who have low energy as well as poor problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills. What do you think is the most challenging part of being a K9 handler? Swipe to learn more about the positions that go beyond TSOs. We want to increase community engagement. They want to know that youre committed to your own professional growth as a K9 handler, so they can be sure youll take care of your K9 partners needs too. They want someone who is willing to try out new things that could improve their job performance. Prioritizing and balancing the health and well-being of a dog and the needs of the operations can be very challenging. The 24/7 responsibilities of work and caring for her canine partner is her biggest challenge. These highly trained explosives detection canine teams are, accounts reconciliation interview questions.

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