VOLUNTEER-PCSO SEARCH AND RESCUE K-9

DESCRIPTION

SEARCH AND RESCUE K-9 VOLUNTEER
POSITION SUMMARY

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Posse is a volunteer unit
developed to support the Search and Rescue Division. The Posse responds to search
and rescue missions throughout Pinal County and, when requested, in surrounding
counties.

The Posse utilizes specialized resources to support missions, including Ground Search,
K-9 Search and Rescue, Technical Rescue, and Helicopter Operations.
This recruitment is specifically for individuals interested in serving as a Search and
Rescue K-9 Team Member.

K-9 Team Members work as part of a trained handler/K-9 team and may be called upon
to assist with locating missing, lost, endangered, or otherwise at-risk persons. K-9
teams may operate in a variety of environments and conditions, including mountainous
terrain, desert, wilderness, urban, rural, and disaster environments.

Applicants should understand that becoming a K-9 handler is a significant commitment.
Selected volunteers will be required to complete Search and Rescue training, K-9-
specific training, ongoing proficiency training, and mission-readiness requirements.

OBJECTIVE
Applicants should state their interest as:
Search and Rescue K-9 Team

NOTES TO APPLICANTS
Upon review and approval of your application, you will be contacted regarding the next steps in the selection process.
Applicants interested in the K-9 team should identify "K-9 Search and Rescue" as their area of interest on the application.

Selection for the Search and Rescue Posse does not guarantee selection as a K-9 handler. Applicants must successfully complete all required SAR, K-9, physical,
background, and training requirements established by the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office reserves the right to modify K-9 training, testing,  certification, and proficiency requirements based on operational needs and applicable standards.

TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION ESSENTIAL DUTIES

K-9 SELECTION AND HANDLER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Posse does not provide K-9s to
prospective handlers. Applicants are responsible for providing a suitable K-9 for
participation in the program. However, the Search and Rescue K-9 team may assist
selected applicants with identifying and sourcing a suitable dog that meets the needs
and requirements of Search and Rescue operations.

Applicants who already own or have a K-9 intended for Search and Rescue work must
provide documentation of the dog's previous training, including available training logs,
records of training hours, certifications, and any previous working or operational
experience.

All prospective K-9s, regardless of previous training or certification, must successfully
complete an evaluation conducted by the Search and Rescue K-9 team to determine
their suitability, drive, temperament, working ability, and potential for Search and Rescue
operations.
Previous training or certifications do not automatically qualify a K-9 for acceptance into
the program. All dogs must meet the applicable standards established by the Pinal
County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue K-9 team before participating in operational
missions.
The handler is responsible for the ongoing care, health, maintenance, transportation,
and training expenses associated with their K-9.
                                                
PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT WAIVER
All prospective applicants must complete the required Search and Rescue Volunteer Physical Assessment Waiver prior to participating in the physical assessment.
Search and Rescue Volunteer Physical Assessment Waiver:                                                
https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/28404/SAR-Liability-Waiver-PDF

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

•  High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.
• United States citizen or legal resident. 
•  Valid driver's license; Arizona driver's license preferred.
• Reliable transportation.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• Successfully pass a comprehensive background examination.
• Successfully complete the oral board interview and selection process.
• Successfully complete required Search and Rescue training during the probationary period.
• Successfully complete required K-9 Search and Rescue training.
• Maintain required training and proficiency throughout the year.
• Demonstrate the physical ability to safely perform Search and Rescue operations  in challenging terrain and environmental conditions.
• Be capable of carrying required equipment and working for extended periods in the field.
• Be willing and able to respond to SAR missions when requested.

K-9 TEAM REQUIREMENTS
Applicants interested in the K-9 team should understand that K-9 Search and Rescue requires a substantial commitment beyond basic SAR training. 
K-9 Team Members are expected to:

• Work effectively as part of a handler/K-9 team.
• Participate in regular K-9 training and maintenance training.
• Maintain the physical fitness necessary to work with and care for a working K-9 in the field.
• Demonstrate the ability to navigate and operate safely in wilderness and urban environments.
• Learn and apply Search and Rescue procedures, K-9 search techniques, communications, navigation, and field safety.
• Maintain control and care of their K-9 during training, deployments, transportation, and other activities.
• Participate in ongoing K-9 training and evaluations.
• Maintain required K-9 and SAR certifications and qualifications.
• Be available for call-outs and extended-duration missions when required.
• Understand that K-9 training and deployment may occur in adverse weather, difficult terrain, at night, and under physically demanding conditions.
• Prior professional or volunteer K-9 experience is beneficial but is not required unless otherwise specified.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
All prospective K-9 applicants must demonstrate the physical ability necessary to safely
perform Search and Rescue duties.
Applicants must be capable of:

• Completing a seven (7) mile endurance hike in mountainous terrain while carrying a 30 lb. pack.
• Hiking approximately 1.5 miles uphill while carrying a 30 lb. backpack.
• Completing a timed physical capability assessment.
• Performing functional Search and Rescue tasks.
• Participating in K-9-related field activities while carrying required equipment.
• ?Assisting with the movement and transport of equipment and personnel.
• Performing safely in rugged, mountainous, desert, and other challenging environments.

Additional physical tasks may include stokes basket carries and other functional SAR
activities.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Individuals selected for the Search and Rescue K-9 team will serve a one-year
probationary period.
During probation, volunteers will be evaluated on:

• Attendance and reliability.
• Physical capability.
• SAR knowledge and skills.
• K-9 handling ability.
• K-9 care and responsibility.
• Teamwork and communication.
• Professional conduct.
• Ability to follow direction and established procedures.
• Ability to safely operate in a SAR environment.
• Progress toward required K-9 proficiency standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

PRE-INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS
All prospective K-9 applicants must complete the following requirements before an
interview/background interview is scheduled:
1. Response Time Requirement
Applicants must be able to respond to the designated SAR staging location at the
Helicopter Pad at Lost Dutchman State Park within one (1) hour when required.
2. Physical Capability Assessment

Applicants must successfully complete the required physical capability assessment, including:

• Approximately 1.5-mile uphill hike.
• 30 lb. backpack.
• Timed physical assessment.

3. Required FEMA Training
Applicants must successfully complete the four required FEMA online courses prior to the interview.
Courses will be provided to applicants during the application process.
4. CPR/AED Certification
Applicants must possess current CPR/AED certification prior to the interview.
5. SAR Skills Evaluation
Additional K-9-specific skills evaluations may be conducted as part of the selection and
training process.
K-9 TRAINING
Selected applicants will first complete the required Search and Rescue probationary
training and other requirements established by the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.
K-9 team members will be required to successfully complete applicable K-9 training,
evaluations, and proficiency requirements before being considered mission-ready.
K-9 teams must maintain ongoing proficiency through regularly scheduled training and
evaluations.
Training may include, but is not limited to:
 K-9 search techniques.

• Area search.
• Wilderness search.
• Urban search.
• Trailing/tracking.
• Human scent detection.
• Night operations.
• Navigation and land navigation.
• Radio communications.
• Search tactics and procedures.
• Evidence and scene preservation.
• K-9 first aid and emergency care.
• Handler safety.
• K-9 safety and emergency procedures.
• Mission planning and documentation.

Specific K-9 disciplines and training requirements will be determined by the Pinal
County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Division and K-9 program.

TIME COMMITMENT
Volunteers selected for the Search and Rescue K-9 team must understand the
significant time commitment associated with maintaining a qualified K-9 team.
Requirements include:

• Commitment to a minimum of one year of volunteer service.
• Minimum average of sixteen (16) volunteer hours per month.
• Attendance at required Posse meetings.
• Attendance at required SAR training.
• Attendance at required K-9 training.
• Participation in ongoing K-9 proficiency and maintenance training.
• Participation in required education workshops and in-service training.
• Participation in Search and Rescue missions when requested and available.

K-9 training hours may be in addition to regular Posse meetings, SAR training, and
mission assignments.