I applied for five years, recalled Smith. For example, if he is chasing a suspect and I tell him to come, he will stop what he is doing and return to me.. The Federal Air Marshal Training Program (FAMTP). Having a big K-9 with you at work always comes with a heightened sense of security. DUBBED 'K-9 ANGELS' FOR CHIPPING IN TO PAY DOG'S MEDICAL BILLS AFTER FREEWAY ACCIDENT pets.people.com - 06/09/2016 For most, it began like a normal day, just like any other but not for Roxy. 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. Then they jump in a work truck and arrive at the airport for the 3:30 shift, meeting up with other LGA canine teams for training scenarios with rolling bags and decoys. Advice for aspiring handlers be flexible, George Bush Intercontinental Airport Explosives Detection Canine Handler Denise Smith with Will. They want someone who is willing to try out new things that could improve their job performance. Rotarus biggest EDCH challenge to date was at Lackland in 2019. canines per year. Example: I would first do some research on the new equipment to learn more about what it does and how it works. If everything matches up, then I let them go. My partner and I tracked the scent of the missing person to an abandoned warehouse. He always makes sure that he takes care of his dog both physically and emotionally. I feed my dog a high-quality diet with all the nutrients he needs to stay healthy.. In 2019, there were more than 300,000 canine utilization hours throughout the nations transportation system. For someone who loves animals as much as I do, especially dogs, working as a dog handler was just a natural course of action. Transportation Security Officer (TSO) Hiring Process, TSA CBT Practice Test & TSA Test Prep Free, Air Traffic Controller AT-SA Practice Test, PELLET B (POST EntryLevel Law Enforcement Test Battery). How do they impact your work as a K9 handler? The job entails constant high-pressure standing and necessitates the demand for physical exertion if needed. This question is an opportunity to show your empathy and compassion for the well-being of your K9 partner. Due to the current pandemic, the 2020 TSA Honorary Awards celebration will be conducted virtually this year to highlight the distinguished work . We've identified five states where the typical salary for a TSA job is above the national average. So far its been a good experience. Begin by searching the TSA website for the right position for you, and you will see positions as listed below. The TSA's 2020 Canine Handler of the year was selected from the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). 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. Currently called the Electrical Train Alliance Aptitude Test, and formally referred to as this NJATC Aptitude Exam (National Joint Teaching and Training Committee), it is a selection method put out by who Association of Electrical Workers (IBEW) both the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The purpose is to demonstrate your strengths and general competencies to ensure that you can rise to the occasion in the often-intense atmosphere that TSA life will throw at you. This question is a great way to show your passion for the job. U.S. resident or national, 18 years or older. Without my dogs tracking abilities, we may not have been able to find the missing person so quickly.. A Conventional handler undergoes a 10-week training course. There are more than 1,000 TSA canine teams deployed nationwide that are tasked with screening passengers and cargo, and supporting other security missions. What are 3PK9 Teams? She was paired with a very strong dog, and after the first day, her hand was swollen from holding the leash. Over 1,000 canine teams are in action at TSA, and their work is never done. 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.. . As you scroll through the different departments and positions, keep in mind this is . I know they do a hiring pool twice a year, and then other airports will hire on top of that. Because the dogs are cared for and live with their handlers, the job requires a 24/7 commitment most other TSA jobs dont have, which is why the characteristics of a successful EDCH include flexibility, dedication and persistence. Unlike Smith, Rotaru had very little handler experience. Average salaries for TSA Tsa Officer: [salary]. They develop, plan, coordinate, and implement policies that support screening operations, customer service and stakeholder programs. Example: I would say the most challenging part of being a K9 handler is finding the balance between training my dog to be effective in their job, but not so aggressive that theyre too much for the public. Experienced security officers can continue their career in Security by choosing an area of expertise. What is your process for maintaining your dogs health and wellness? TSA Administrator David Pekoske speaks about firearms. One of the first hurdles in of resource process is the Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE). She also dabbled in breeding and showing dogs. In essence, the higher you rank on the qualification ladder, the better your chances of getting hired faster. TSA's 2022 Cutest Canine Contest winner, Eebbers, is featured on the cover of the 2023 TSA Canine Calendar. "Prioritizing and balancing the health and well-being of a dog and the needs of the operations can be very challenging." 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. Candidates with police or transportation security experience are given priority. Training Managers serve as primary advisors to the Federal Security Director (FSD) regarding the full scope of training programs, issues and requirements. Example: I make sure my dog gets plenty of rest and exercise every day. There are a few additional steps before you can enter the job pool (we will talk about that further below). They work with Training Specialists to act as liaisons between the FSD and TSA Headquarters, but are also responsible for the overall management of the airport's training function. If you can find somebody who is really open to teaching you everything they know, someone who loves to share their knowledge, then thats the type of person you want to be around.. For example, if you appled to DFW and they get an opening, they will only interview the top scoring people who indicated DFW was a location . Security roles fall into four main categories: Screening, Training, Inspection and Security Specializations. We are responsible for a certain amount of time on leash (screening), said Rotaru. Hey guys! Ive learned from him that its important to take time with my dog every day to make sure theyre happy and healthy. The CTC presents the award at the end of each 16-week basic . I like to think I interview pretty well for jobs. It took some time.. I started as an officer, and right away, within the first two months, I started looking at how I could do more, said Rotaru. If you thought the examinations and tests were behind you, then you have another thing coming; you have a long way to go. Im 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. Use examples from past experiences where you had to make important decisions about whether or not to continue searching for a suspect based on your dogs findings. 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. I would start by creating a Facebook page for our K9 unit. This question helps employers understand your values and how they relate to the work you do. AFSDs serve as the principal advisors for the Federal Security Directors (FSDs) on all operational matters. RESPONSIBILITIES. There is no doubt that the TSA Hiring Process is a long and complicated process that can take up to a full year to finish. We test every year, and then were also tested at our own airport. Rehome a rescued horse. The TSA has more than 1,000 working dog teams across the country and, every year, training center staff visits the teams for an annual evaluation. TSA canines are single purpose dogs trained to detect explosives. Canine teams graduate from the TSA canine course after demonstrating proficiency in various venues inclusive of all transportation environments including airport, terminal, freight, cargo, baggage, vehicle, bus, ferry and rail. I learned how to train them and care for them while also keeping myself safe. Demonstrates the candidate's knowledge of animal behavior, ability to handle difficult situations, problem-solving skills, and experience. We've outlined the hiring process to show what you can expect. When answering this question, try to pick someone who has qualities that you have or would like to develop as a K9 handler. Congratulations, you are now invited to your official orientation to begin working as a TSA officer. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific commands that your dog knows and how they respond to each one. So far it's been a good experience. Interviewers may ask this question to see how much you value training and development. 3.7.11 Overreliance on presentations or encouragement from the evaluator/handler to maintain productive search behavior. Although this task may seem daunting, we will walk you through the entire process so that you know what to expect and get hired. Its an additional skill that no other private sector entity has most dogs in.. All rights reserved. Demonstrates the candidates industry knowledge, observation skills, and experience. 3PK9 Teams conduct cargo screening under 49 CFR part 1549 and in accordance with the Certified Cargo Screening Program - Canine (CCSP-K9) . Compatibility Mechanical: 64 Bit (x64). TSA Canine Handler Interview. I would then compare it to the current K9 equipment we use at my current job. I always make sure to train my dogs using positive reinforcement methods so that theyre comfortable working with me and know that Im there to support them. He recently won first place in the TSA's cutest K9 contest. I applied through an employee referral. CONTACT: Tonya Hope, O: 210-207-1515 tonya.hope@sanantonio.gov San Antonio (June 28, 2021) - San Antonio International Airport (SAT) in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the TSA Canine Training Program signed a Memorandum of Agreement to introduce the new Passenger Screening Canines (PSCs) program.