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Police Officer (Canine Handler)

Department of the Army
United States Army Installation Management Command
Directorate of Emergency Services

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for certain personnel to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: The U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) handles the day-to-day operations of Army installations.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 07/24/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 24, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$76,381 - $99,291 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 8
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
MCFT-26-13003191-DHA
Control number
876221300

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Duties

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  • Perform law enforcement work to maintain law and order, preserve the peace, protect life and civil rights, detect and investigate crimes, arrest or apprehend violators, and perform patrols within the jurisdiction of the military installation.
  • Utilizes a working dog in daily performance of law enforcement duties.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations utilizing a working dog to search out illegal narcotics, explosive devices, and apprehend and take into custody suspected violators.
  • Performs advanced on/off leash obedience, controlled aggression, safely utilizes working dog in congested areas.
  • Required to provide care for all working dogs on scheduled weekends.
  • Conducts continual training of assigned working dog to maintain a high level of proficiency in all areas of utilization, adheres strictly to safe working dog handling practices ensuring the safety of all persons and property.
  • Establishes and maintains an ongoing preventive medicine program for the overall health and care of assigned working dog.
  • Exercises search and arrest authority, detains witnesses, apprehends suspects, interviews witnesses and other persons involved.
  • Operates the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) terminal in accordance with federal and state laws to transcribe data.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
  • This position requires the incumbent to successfully graduate from USAMPS Civilian Police Academy program of instruction within one year.
  • This position requires the successful graduation from the Department of Defense, Military Working Dog Handler Course or complete within one year of hire date.
  • This position requires certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid training.
  • Incumbent must be proficient in the use of assigned firearms/weapons, pass an initial qualification, and must qualify semi-annually thereafter in the use of assigned firearms/weapons.
  • Incumbent must be able to successfully pass the National Incident Management System (NIMS) training requirements.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
  • The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs. This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter.
  • Incumbent is required to maintain physical conditioning and pass an annual Physical Agility Test (PAT) as outlined in AR 190-56 within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.
  • This position is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment. This act bans individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence and certain others from possession or access to firearms or ammunition.
  • This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.
  • The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
  • Hours of work is subject to irregular and/or rotating shifts, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Incumbent is required to work overtime as directed and is subject to recall for emergency overtime.
  • This position requires certification in the Individual Reliability Program (IRP) in accordance with AR 190-56.
  • This position requires the incumbent to obtain or maintain a government motor vehicle operators license.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 10% of the time.
  • This position is subject to possible civil action due to improper exercises of authority or injudicious use of force in the apprehension or detention of individuals.
  • This position has a requirement to lift up to 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes working on a police force through service as a military/civilian police officer or security operations as a canine team, utilizing your assigned canine as a working dog team and safely utilize a working dog in congested areas. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).

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 requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) Security & Intelligence Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
The following special programs/incentives MAY be offered if it is appropriate to the position being filled and in the best interest of the government:
  • Recruitment Incentives
  • Relocation Incentives
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service may be authorized.
  • Credit for prior non-federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate may be authorized.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

United States Army Installation Management Command

Civilian employees serve a vital role in supporting the Army mission. They provide the skills that are not readily available in the military, but crucial to support military operations. The Army integrates the talents and skills of its military and civilian members to form a Total Army.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
FT-W4QVAA US ARMY IMCOM-USAG APG
DO NOT MAIL
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005
US

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