PURPOSE: Lead and oversee the development and evaluation of the MOA K9 program. Oversee and support the K9 Training Team Lead, provide demonstrations of MOA K9 program, pursue and secure external training contracts, develop new partnerships with external agencies, as well as maintain existing partnerships.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess a permit to concealed carry a firearm, or able to obtain a permit to carry.
• Post-secondary education, law enforcement/criminal justice emphasis, preferred.
• 5-7 years security, military, or law enforcement experience
• At least two years of previous K9 handling and/or K9 training experience.
• 1-3 years in a leadership role
• Excellent time management, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Able to remain calm and effective in stressful situations, utilizing rational thinking and decision making.
• Must withstand a full five-second exposure to a CEW, unless previously exposed.
• Pass an ATF background check and obtain clearance to access explosive materials through the ATF.
• Pass and recertify annually USPCA or similar certification course with the Mall of America K9 partner.
• Excellent listening and written and verbal communication skills.
• Maintain an adequate level of physical fitness to perform duties of position effectively.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes and law enforcement procedures.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the officer will frequently be required to speak and listen to guests to understand their needs and communicate a solution. Officers must possess a level of hearing that will allow them to continuously be aware of their surroundings and recognize when a guest or other team member needs their attention. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Officers are required to be able to tolerate multiple sensory stimuli at once while performing their duties. These stimuli may include: loud auditory/noise, smells/olfactory, bright lights, colors, motion, and other visual stimuli, as well as hot/cold temperatures and other tactile stimuli.

• Walk: Frequently, about 75% of the time
• Stand: Frequently, about 75% of the time
• Sit: Infrequently, about 25% of the time
• Bend/Stoop: Rarely, about 10% of the time
• Kneel/Squat: Rarely, about 10% of the time
• Climb: Rarely, about 5% of the time
• Lift/Carry
• Less than 10lb: Occasionally, about 35% of the time
• 11-25lb: Continuously, about 100% of the time
• 26-50lb: Rarely, about 5% of the time
• 50-100lb: Rarely, about 5% of the time
• Push/Pull: Rarely, about 5% of the time
• Twist: Infrequently, about 30% of the time
• Reach above shoulders: Rarely, about 5% of the time
• Reach at or below shoulders: Infrequently, about 15% of the time
• Reach at/below waist: Rarely, about 10% of the time
• Dexterity: Continuously, about 90% of the time
• Use of both hands is required to perform duties and maintain safety standards

Mall of America is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy, national origin, citizenship, physical/mental disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership to the K9 unit emphasizing safety and compliance with MOA policies and standards.
• Pursue and secure external training contracts, develop new partnerships with public and private external agencies, as well as maintain existing partnerships.
• Partner with K9 Training Team Lead to select K9 handlers, and research and purchasing of canines.
• Oversee and support the K9 Training Team Lead in coordinating and conducting all explosive and firearm detection training for the MOA K9 department.
• Ensure compliance with all ATF legislation and safeguard training aid explosives on a day-to-day basis.
• Assist in the development of policy regarding deployment of explosive and firearm detection canines.
• Review and provide guidance on the purchase of explosives for training aids and oversee training methods by analyzing training data and results
• Assist with being a Field Training Officer (FTO) to new handlers and canines, as needed
• Act as kennel master ensuring good health of canines, general safety, and cleanliness of the facility.
• Support handlers with dog maintenance and grooming.
• Participate in various public relations activities, including handling and presenting the canine during meet and greets, social media events, and special events.
• Oversee accurate records of the field training program and officer training documentation
• Conduct roll call before each shift, sharing relevant information and facilitate roll call training to officers.
• Monitor radio traffic and delegate tasks to officers as needed.
• Maintain timesheets including approvals each pay period.
• Adhere to set forth budget including managing overtime, supplies, inventory, and the staffing and labor budget.
• Write and deliver team member performance reviews on each team member’s service anniversary.
• Address performance concerns, including writing and delivering corrective action plans and coaching officers as needed.
• Provide timely positive feedback and praise when positive behaviors are observed.
• Partner with HR on employee relations, payroll, and matters of policy and employment law compliance.
• Ensure Officers’ reports are submitted, corrected and completed in a timely manner.
• Work alongside and supervise the Behavior Detection Unit when needed.
• Work with all Mall of America Departments to teach and train operational policies and procedures and threat awareness.
• Regularly carry equipment including handcuffs, pepper spray, tactical baton, and a conducted electrical weapon (CEW).
• Work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, high-volume days, and short notice events.
• Additional duties as assigned.

While performing the duties of this job, the officer will frequently be required to speak and listen to guests to understand their needs and communicate a solution. Officers must possess a level of hearing that will allow them to continuously be aware of their surroundings and recognize when a guest or other team member needs their attention. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Officers are required to be able to tolerate multiple sensory stimuli at once while performing their duties. These stimuli may include: loud auditory/noise, smells/olfactory, bright lights, colors, motion, and other visual stimuli, as well as hot/cold temperatures and other tactile stimuli.

• Walk: Frequently, about 75% of the time
• Stand: Frequently, about 75% of the time
• Sit: Infrequently, about 25% of the time
• Bend/Stoop: Rarely, about 10% of the time
• Kneel/Squat: Rarely, about 10% of the time
• Climb: Rarely, about 5% of the time
• Lift/Carry
• Less than 10lb: Occasionally, about 35% of the time
• 11-25lb: Continuously, about 100% of the time
• 26-50lb: Rarely, about 5% of the time
• 50-100lb: Rarely, about 5% of the time
• Push/Pull: Rarely, about 5% of the time
• Twist: Infrequently, about 30% of the time
• Reach above shoulders: Rarely, about 5% of the time
• Reach at or below shoulders: Infrequently, about 15% of the time
• Reach at/below waist: Rarely, about 10% of the time
• Dexterity: Continuously, about 90% of the time
• Use of both hands is required to perform duties and maintain safety standard