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​ ​Conservation​ ​Biology​ ​&​ ​Conservation​ ​Canines​ ​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 ​ conservationbiology.edu​, conservationcanines.org​​ ​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 citizens or possess a US work VISA. Dog training or handling experience is not required. Send your resume with 3 completed reference letters to c...@uw.edu. Optional: Introduce yourself to us via video! Take a ~2 minute video in which you explain why you think you would make a good handler. Please do not read your resume in the video. We admire creativity as a sign of a good handler. We are looking for someone that can think on their feet. We have websites, social media platforms, research papers, and numerous articles written about our work that can help you research whether or not this is the position for you. If possible, in this video, include playing with a dog. You can visit a shelter, or maybe play with a friend or neighbor’s dog. Get creative! If the dog is not engaging- that is great! We’d love to see what you do to encourage the dog to work with you, play with you, and have fun with you. We understand that some of you may be out on field jobs at the moment and videos are not possible. So, applicants are also welcome to submit a personal statement in lieu of a video, however we still encourage creativity in your letter. Please help us get to know you and why you’d be a good member of our team. Selection for the course will begin as soon as applications arrive. Interviews will be conducted via SKYPE. The class may fill prior to the closing date.
