Job Information
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Canine Trainer in Front Royal, Virginia
Summary The National Canine Division (NCD) trains accelerant and explosives detection canines and handlers for ATF and State, local, Federal, and foreign law enforcement agencies. These teams support investigations related to violent crime and terrorism. The ATF Detection Canine Program places canines with State and local agencies to assist fire investigations, with the unique ability to detect both large quantities and trace amounts of explosives and accelerants. Responsibilities This position is located in the Office of Field Operations, National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR), National Canine Division (NCD) located in Front Royal, VA. The major duties of the Canine Trainer, GS-1801-12/13 position include, but are not limited to, the following: Develops and follows standard operating procedures directed at guiding Federal, State and local canine handlers in the proper care and use of explosive and accelerant detection canine teams. Implements the canine program's operational plans, policies, and procedures, ensuring that they meet the canine programs objectives. Provides instruction and technical advice to various agencies and foreign governments to evaluate and advise the initial or future development of explosives detector dog training programs according to determined needs. Ensures that all ATF and Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and procedures are adhered to in regard to security, handling, transportation, accountability, and storage of a variety of explosives. Provides sworn testimony in Federal or State court as a recognized subject matter expert in the field of training detector dogs. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level. Requirements Conditions of Employment The requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Key Requirements: Must be U.S. Citizen or National Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file. May be required to serve a one-year probationary period. Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test. Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation. You must meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements by the closing of this announcement. MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position. Qualifications To qualify for the Canine Handler position at the GS-12-13, you must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Minimum Qualifications To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) by the closing date of this announcement. Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume. Specialized experience must include all of: Leading the instruction of canines and students in the performance phases of accelerant and explosives detection programs to include both classroom and hands-on Teaching students how to effectively train and deploy detection canines in the examination of articles, vehicles, transportation facilities, and other operational searches. Conducting and overseeing initial testing of canines in order to validate proper olfactory capabilities, behavioral suitability, and physical traits sufficient for entry into the program. To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) by the closing date of this announcement. Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume. Specialized experience must include all of: Instructing canines and students in the performance phases of accelerant and explosives detection programs. Complying with all ATF and Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and procedures with regard to security, safe-handling, transportation, accountability, and storage of a variety of explosives. Having experience in the use of detection canines (explosives or accelerant) in a law enforcement environment in order to provide instruction and technical advice. Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (04/22/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application. Education Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirements using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted. Additional Information Additional selections may be made from this announcement. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF's Human Resources Operations Division. Please click on the following link to read important information. DOJ Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. Reasonable Accommodation: ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at (202) 648-8760 or send an email to reasonableaccommodations@atf.gov. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis. Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.