Job Title : Conservation Dog Handler Position and Volunteer Handler Course
Closing Date: February 1, 2017
Start Date : February 15, 2017
Salary : Housing plus food stipend (Weeks 1&2) Housing plus $15/hr (Weeks
3+)
Length : Volunteer to Seasonal
Contact : c...@uw.edu
Company Background
The Center for
#8203;Conservation Biology
Conservation Canines#8203; Program
Since 1997, the Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) has developed
novel,
non-invasive ways to examine DNA, hormones and toxin levels in a variety of
threatened and endangered animals. The Center’s unique Conservation
Canines
(CK9) program is home to the field teams who assist in the Center’s efforts
and that of other researchers. By rescuing and training highly energetic
dogs, the CK9 program assists wildlife researchers in learning about a
diverse range of wildlife species that include insects, amphibians,
carnivores and even whales. The CK9 program and the CCB are driven by the
goal to understand how environmental pressures impact wildlife and human
health worldwide. Find groundbreaking science and canine adventures at
#8203;
conservationbiology.edu, conservationcanines.org#8203;
and
facebook.com/ConservationCanines.
Position Information
The University of Washington Center for Conservation Biology is looking for
experienced, self-motivated, professional field technicians. We are
offering a group of individuals the opportunity to train at our
Conservation Canine facility in Eatonville, WA. This two-week unpaid
internship course will result in the selection of 3-4 full-time detection
dog handler positions for our 2017 field season.
COURSE DETAILS:
This opportunity is designed with a 3-phase structure, aimed to provide us
the opportunity to work with multiple candidates who have the desire and
qualifications necessary in becoming a full-time handler. The class will be
held at our facility outside Eatonville, WA and centered around teaching 6
to 9 individuals how to work with a canine partner in remote field
situations. While the position is initially volunteer, we are providing
housing, travel and food stipends. The amount of the stipend will depend on
the number of students but will be sufficient to cover your living
expenses.
Phase 1: Unpaid internship. February 15th-28th.
Phase 2: Paid internship ($15/hour). March 1st-15th.
Phase 3: Full-hire, paid apprenticeship ($15/hour). Spring 2017 field
season
The course will be a mixture of instruction and observation on topics
including; backcountry comfortability and skills, problem solving,
understanding dog behavior, and computer proficiency in ODK, GIS, and
excel. Attendees will receive the basic training necessary to begin a
career as a dog handler.
This class is not for the faint of heart and is designed to exhibit how
handlers perform in difficult field-like situations. We are looking for
hard-core, dedicated individuals who are willing to demonstrate that they
have the unique blend of poise and tenacity required for this unique
position. Realistically, some trainees will not make the cut for the job.
Thus, the first phase of this program is designed as an entry level course.
The final two weeks (March 1st-15th) will be offered to applicants who have
passed the entry level training. Phase 2 will be offered the most
competitive candidates and be considered a probationary period of
employment/or paid training.
This job takes more than just a 9 to 5 commitment, and as such we do not
anticipate that all applicants will complete the course. Ideally this class
will allow us, and you, to see if this is the lifestyle for you. At the end
of the course 3 or more candidates will be offered a full-time season
position. Your training will then continue in the field through our
apprenticeship program, where you will accompany a veteran CK9 handler in
the field on an actual study. We are looking for handlers that desire a
long-term position (3+ years) within our program.
We realize that many people who are dog lovers will apply. We are also dog
lovers but this job is not just about loving dogs. It’s about understanding
and communicating dogs. You will learn how to work a dog into an odor, how
to read the terrain and research your target species, learn to read the
subtle signs that the dog you are working dog may be tired, discern amongst
a variety of animal scats and much much more.
Further Information
Read an interview from one of our current handlers about what it is like to
work for CK9:
A Career as a Conservation Canine Handler (Part 1) and Do You Have What It
Takes (Part 2).
We’ve also had some pretty cool press that we’d love to brag about for a
moment. Here’s a recent article in the Smithsonian: Meet Dogs Sniffing out
Whale Poop Science. And check out this hot diggity article in Sierra:
Conservation Dogs Sniff Out Endangered Species
Instructions to Apply
The position is currently limited to applicants that are US
