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Title: Law Enforcement K9 Instructor Application Deadline Date: 04/08/2026 Req ID: 54629 Department: Vermont Criminal Justice Council Location: Pittsford, VT, US Position Type: Permanent Schedule Type: Full Time Minimum Salary: $32.87 Maximum Salary: $51.52
Overview The Vermont Criminal Justice Council (VCJC) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Law Enforcement Canine Instructor to lead and manage certified law enforcement K9 training programs across Vermont. This critical role is responsible for the delivery, oversight, and evaluation of comprehensive canine training for law enforcement K9 teams, including patrol, tracking and trailing, detection, and search and rescue disciplines.
The ideal candidate will have proven experience in law enforcement K9 training or a similar field, strong leadership and communication skills, detail-oriented with excellent recordkeeping abilities, comfortable working in diverse environmental conditions, and passionate about K9 behavior and training methodologies.
Who May Apply This position, Law Enforcement K9 Instructor (Job Requisition #54629), is open to all State employees and external applicants. If you would like more information about this position, please contact Lindsay Thivierge at lindsay.thivierge@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Environmental Factors Work consists of indoor and outdoor environmental factors, exposure to potential canine bites in training with protective gear. Working in environments with inclement weather. May involve physical exertion and potentially hazardous situations.
Minimum Qualifications Three (3) or more years of experience as a police canine handler.
Preferred Qualifications Completion of an Instructor Development Course and eligibility for VCJC Canine Instructor certification. Supervisory experience and background working with law enforcement or military K9 units. Degree, training, or equivalent experience in animal behavior, with strong knowledge of dog behavior and training techniques. Familiarity with Vermont law and mandated policy standards.
Special Requirements Must be able to pass a background investigation applicable to the position.
Total Compensation As a State employee, you are offered a great career opportunity, but its more than a paycheck. The States total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The States employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.
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