About this role
Job SummaryThe United States Capitol Police (USCP) safeguards the Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism. We protect and secure Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure and open environment.
QualificationsIn order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Qualifying experience for the CP-04 level (GS-06 equivalent) includes one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CP-03 level (GS-05 equivalent). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrating experience to show you possess sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to perform as a Kennel and Canine Care Technician including skills using basic hand tools, power equipment, and cage washer equipment, basic sanitation, feeding, grooming, bathing and exercising canines according to established guidelines, performing health checks on canines, assisting in loading and transporting canines to and from different locations All eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. (Information on Qualification & Education is located at the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/)
Major DutiesThis position is location within the Canine Training Section, Special Operations Division, Operational Services Bureau, Office of the Assistant Chief of Police for Uniformed Operations. The purpose of this position is to perform duties associated with the care and feeding of working canines; perform work associated with kennel and canine administrative accountability; update and maintain canine medical records; and monitor kennel facilities and grounds maintenance requirements. Makes appropriate provisions for the health, safety, and care of assigned canines. Serves as liaison between handlers and veterinary personnel. Feeds, waters and medicates canines in accordance with approved procedures as to diet and treatment. Distributes and places prepared diets in the canine kennels in a timely manner. Determines amount and type of food and water to be given. Observes special dietary requirements, such as adding vitamins and providing food supplements to induce/improve appetites. Observes canines for obvious signs of illness, disease, discontent, and general physical condition. Conducts routine and limited emergency care and treatment of assigned canines. Determines pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate. Collects specimens for laboratory exams. Irrigates wounds, removes foreign material and applies bandages. As directed, administers medications and annotates in canines medical records. Cleans ears, cleans teeth, bathes and grooms canines, as appropriate. Monitors the daily maintenance and upkeep of kennel facilities. Cleans and sanitizes animal facilities, as appropriate. Flushes crates, cages and pens, hauls refuse, sweeps and scrubs floors with hose using a germicidal cleanser. Observes area for proper temperature, function of light timers and changes air and water filters, as necessary. Maintains room temperature charts which records observation of the daily condition of the animals. Maintains and inspects kennel facilities, equipment, and outdoor areas on a daily basis to ensure no hazards exist to threaten the health, safety, and well-being of canines and assigned personnel.RequirementsYou must be a U.S. citizen. Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Must complete a one-year probationary period. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid REAL ID U.S. drivers license. May be required to work overtime to include weekends and federal holidays based on activities associated with canine training and receiving working canines. Will be required to operate motor vehicles to transport canines to medical appointments, emergency medical care, and to transfer them between kennel facilities. Must be physically and mentally able to handle adverse conditions, to include adverse weather conditions and adverse conditions in the maintenance and cleaning of kennels. You will be exposed to dirt, dust, and height. Subject to cuts, bruises, kicks, bites, scratches and ticks from canines. Must be able to work inside in often poorly lighted or insulated areas, and outside exposed to extreme weather conditions. Inside work often exposes animal caretakers to unpleasant odors and noises. Duties involve considerable physical effort including lifting various items such as canines, feed, supplies, occasionally weighing up to seventy-five (75) pounds. Duties also involve bending, climbing and working in tiring and awkward positions. May use greater strength or agility to capture and restrain stronger canines.