Summary
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) safeguards the Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism. We protect and secure Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure and open environment.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
Navigate to the following URL to apply to this job: <a href="https://uscp.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=uscp&source=USA">USCP Careers</a>
Duties
This position is located within the Operational Services Bureau, Special
Operations Division, K9 Section. Develops
and implements the canine training program's operations and procedures,
ensuring that they are implemented to meet the Canine Training Facility's
program objectives, including long-range planning for substantive explosive
detection training programs. This requires extensive fact-finding and the
development of courses where available training materials and guidance are
lacking.
Develops or coordinates training curriculum and logistics schedules, lesson
plans, handout materials, and operational exercises. Recommends modifications
to update or improve various aspects of existing courses, as well as new or
modified instructional materials to accommodate training requirements and/or
changes in the field of canine training. Resolves curriculum related problems
that are often complicated and require considerable research to incorporate new
concepts and innovation.
Serves as an authority in planning and developing experimental programs,
evaluating results, and using the findings in planning, developing, and
installing new or modified explosive detection programs. Handles, maintains
accountability of and provides security for various materials and weapons used
for detector dog training. Designs and produces aides such as videos, explosive
samples, graphic reproductions and documentation.
Gathers statistics and intelligence on explosive threats to tailor applicable
training, ensures training materials, practical exercises and training aids are
comprehensive, current, and support Departmental priorities.
Produces highly trained and reliable canines and canine technicians. Exposes the canines to an
infinite amount of external environmental stimuli to get the canines accustomed to
as many unique situations as possible. This position requires the daily handling of explosive training aids. Incumbent will also assist with kennel care
and cleaning as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
You must be a U.S. citizen.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Certification as a Canine Explosive Ordinance Detection instructor/trainer from the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA), North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA), National Police Canine Association (NPCA), or International Police working Dog Association (IPWDA) is preferred. Submission of your certification from one of these organizations is required for consideration of the credential.
Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below.
Must
possess certification as a Canine Explosive Ordinance Detection
instructor/trainer from an accredited agency or nationally recognized law
enforcement canine organization. Must submit copies of your Canine
Explosive Ordinance Detection instructor/trainer certification with your
application.
Must
possess at least one year of specialized experience administering Canine
Explosive Ordnance Detection training programs equivalent to the CP-9 (GS-11)
level. Experience includes (1) teaching and instructing; (2) developing
or modifying training programs and/or training aids and materials; (3)
expertise in animal psychology and behavior; and (4) expertise in explosives
detector training. This experience must be as an instructor/trainer at a
Federal, state, county or local law enforcement agency or military mission.
This position receives 8% hazardous duty pay.
All eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
(Information on Qualification & Education is located at the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/)
Education
There is no education substitution for experience in this series and/or grade.
Additional information
Additional Conditions of Employment with the USCP:
As per the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) and the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019, criminal history information will only be collected following a qualifications review and after a tentative offer of employment has been made. A criminal history does not automatically exclude an applicant from employment with the USCP.
Criminal History Check -- Must successfully pass a comprehensive criminal history check of the past 10 years if offered employment. A criminal history check will be performed on applicants who accept an offer of employment.
Credit Check -- Must successfully pass a credit check. Applicants must not be in default or delinquent on any Federal guaranteed student loans. Applicants must demonstrate a competent financial history. Financial delinquency including collection accounts, liens, repossessions, or garnishments may be a basis for disqualification.
Selective Service Registration -- Male applicants must provide verification of registration with the Selective Service System or must verify exemption from the Selective Service System registration because of age or military status. Female applicants are exempt from Selective Service System registration. https://www.sss.gov/verify/
Fingerprint Check -- Applicants' fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a check of their criminal history record.
Background Investigation -- Must successfully complete all components of the USCP full field background investigation. There are few automatic grounds for rejection in the USCP background investigation process. Issues of misconduct, such as illegal drug use, arrests, or convictions, may not be automatically disqualifying. However, deliberate misstatements, omissions, or intentionally withholding required information at any phase of the hiring process will result in a candidate's disqualification regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatement or omission. The primary reason candidates fail a background investigation is due to deliberately withholding or omitting material facts. Providing false and/or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection process.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Evaluation Factors:
Please address all Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) within the narrative responses so that your experience can be evaluated properly.
We will review your resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for this job. If you meet the minimum requirements for this job, we will evaluate your application materials to assess the quality, depth, and complexity of your qualifications, accomplishments, experience, and education as they relate to the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement.
Failure to successfully pass a full field background investigation and all segments of the pre-employment evaluation process will result in disqualification from further consideration under this vacancy announcement.
Required Documents
The following documents are required and must be received by the closing date of this announcement: 1. Your resume: Page limit is two (2) pages and should include a description of related job duties as well as dates of employment (mm/yy). Margins cannot be smaller than .5 all around and the font no smaller than 11-point. 2. Other supporting documents: - Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. - College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education, or other documentation to prove possession of the basic requirements for this position.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Navigate to the following URL to apply to this job: USCP Careers
1. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit Application button to submit your application package.
3. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
4. To verify that your application is complete, log into your account and select the job posting for this position. The page will display the status of your application, the documentation received, and any correspondence the Department has sent related to this application.
5. Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application not being considered.
The complete application package must be submitted by 7:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration.
Next steps
After a review of your application materials is made, you will be notified of your eligibility status. If you are referred to the hiring official, you will receive further notification. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
Please note that if you are not selected for this position, the USCP may not be able to provide specific feedback or disclose the reasons for your disqualification, due to confidentiality and legal considerations related to the hiring process.