Position Number: 22182232
County: Miller; Hot Spring
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.00
There are two of these positions open. One is located in Texarkana (Miller County) and the second position is located in Malvern (Hot Spring and Grant Counties) Please indicate which county position you are interested in when you apply for a position.
Position Information
Job Series: Internal Affairs – Career Path
Classification: Certified Dog Handler
Class Code: SIA02P
Pay Grade: SGS06
Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163
Job Summary
The Certified Dog Handler is responsible for training, handling, and deploying state-certified working dogs in support of law enforcement, search and rescue, wildlife control, or public safety operations. This position requires strong communication, problem-solving, and observational skills to ensure the safety and effectiveness of canine teams in various operational settings.
Primary Responsibilities
Handle and train state-certified working dogs to perform duties such as tracking, detection, search and rescue, or wildlife control.
Maintain a high level of readiness in both the dog and handler for various field operations.
Conduct ongoing training exercises to reinforce canine skills and behavioral conditioning.
Respond to law enforcement, emergency response, and public safety incidents requiring canine support.
Deploy canine teams for investigations, patrols, and search missions in coordination with state and local agencies.
Ensure effective canine performance in diverse environments, including urban, rural, and hazardous conditions.
Monitor and maintain canine health, behavior, and overall well-being.
Maintain accurate training logs, deployment records, and canine performance reports.
Adhere to Arkansas state laws, agency policies, and national canine handling standards.
Participate in certification and recertification programs for assigned working dogs.
Act as a liaison between canine teams and external organizations to coordinate operational needs.
Knowledge and Skills
Strong verbal and written communication for reporting and interagency coordination.
Ability to work effectively in a team setting with law enforcement and emergency response units.
Professional demeanor in handling public interactions and sensitive situations.
Ability to assess situations quickly and deploy canine teams effectively.
Strong observational skills to detect behavioral changes in dogs and operational risks.
Attention to detail in record-keeping and compliance with state regulations.
Understanding of canine behavior, training methods, and operational deployment.
Familiarity with Arkansas state policies on working dogs and law enforcement canine procedures.
Ability to handle canines in high-stress environments while ensuring proper control and safety.
Knowledge of biohazard safety measures, protective equipment, and canine handling tools.
Minimum Qualifications
At least one year of experience in a canine handling, law enforcement, search and rescue, or a related field.
Licensure/Certifications
N/A
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Contact Information:
Name:
Phone:
Email:
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
