Canine Investigator - Office of Special Investigations Canine Division

ABOUT THE ROLE The NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations (OSI) is seeking qualified candidates to serve as a Canine Investigator and handler in the OSI Canine Division. The division uses highly trained Canines and proficient Handlers to lawfully deter, detect, and interdict narcotic smuggling and electronic devices, enhancing the safety of employees, inmates, parolees, volunteers, visitors, and others within the DOCCS system. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Respond to situations requiring the specialized skills of Canine Teams - Conduct illegal drug searches and sniff vehicles in DOCCS parking lots - Sniff people, packages, and patrol entry points or other areas of correctional facilities or Community Supervision offices - Search for people and assist in OSI investigations as warranted - Prepare comprehensive and well-written reports - Provide a home environment for the proper care and supervision of the assigned Canine - Attend basic canine school and complete certification programs and ongoing in-service training MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Two years of investigative, law enforcement, or public safety experience; OR a two-year associate degree or 60 college-level credits - Demonstrated leadership qualities - Knowledge of applicable laws, personal integrity, ethics, fairness, character, judgment, attitude, and respect for others - Appropriate licensure and certifications, including being or becoming a peace officer qualified to carry a firearm - Ability to travel SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must pass the handler/canine physical performance test - Must agree to serve as a canine handler for a minimum of five years - Must be available for callouts during off-duty hours - Must agree to provide a home environment for the proper care and supervision of the assigned Canine - Must be available to attend a basic canine school (approximately six weeks), which may require extended time away from home - Must successfully complete the certification program and any additional required training - Must complete a minimum of 192 hours of canine in-service training every year - Must successfully complete a certification every three years by a certified DCJS canine examiner and an OSI K9 certification program every two years - Travel requirement is approximately 80% - Must pass comprehensive background checks SELECTION PROCESS - Evaluation of application materials and minimum qualifications - Handler/canine physical performance test - Comprehensive background checks HOW TO APPLY - Submit a resume and cover letter by email to specialinvestigations@doccs.ny.gov - Alternatively, submit by US Mail to: New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Special Investigations (Attn: Recruitment & Hiring), 1220 Washington Ave., Building 4, Albany, NY 12226-2050 EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Type: Full-Time - Appointment Type: Permanent - Jurisdictional Class: Exempt Class - Bargaining Unit: M/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented) - Agency: Corrections and Community Supervision, Department of - Location: Multiple Locations (Albany, Long Island City, Wallkill, Fishkill, Groveland, Dannemora, Utica, Rochester, Ogdensburg, or Buffalo, NY) - Schedule: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week, 8 AM to 4 PM - Travel Percentage: 80% - Date Posted: 04/29/26 - Applications Due: 08/31/26 - Vacancy ID: 215041