Manager, Canine Operations and Training

Job Summary

We’re looking for a Canine Operations & Training Manager to join our SOC team in Austin, TX.

This full-time, staff position is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role on our SOC team, overseeing the performance, training, and deployment of mission-ready Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) Teams, including shift scheduling, team performance, and CONUS mobilizations. The role is directly responsible for delivering approved training curricula, conducting hands-on instruction for deploying handlers, and overseeing odor imprinting and maintenance training to ensure teams meet client and regulatory standards. This position manages canine selection, evaluates performance, develops individual improvement plans, and maintains complete training documentation. The manager also supports and leads deployed handlers, coordinates with the Canine Project Manager and Account Manager, and ensures clear, professional communication with clients and internal stakeholders while representing SOC in a positive and effective manner. Success in this role is defined by the consistent deployment of well-trained, mission-ready EDD teams that meet or exceed client expectations, maintain compliance standards, and contribute to a strong, professional canine program reputation. 

As the Canine Operations & Training Manager, here’s the work you’ll do:

• Oversees client programs to ensure Explosive Detection Canines Handlers consistently deliver the highest quality performance. Responsible for training Canine Handlers in accordance with National Odor Recognition Test (NORT) standards, North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) guidelines, and other applicable client testing requirements. Provides guidance and operational solutions to support Canine Handlers as needed

• Delivers approved explosive detection training curriculum for deploying Canine Handlers and ensures all training documentation meets client and contract requirements as outlined in the Statement of Work. Manages training schedules based on individual and team performance, adjusting as needed to maintain operational readiness. Develops tailored lesson plans and improvement strategies aligned with the capabilities and progress of each Explosive Detection Dog Team

• Monitors the procurement, odor imprinting, and vendor training of new canines, and evaluates the ongoing performance of experienced Explosive Detection Canines to ensure they meet operational and client standard

• Develops and implements proper explosive handling and storage procedures to ensure safety and prevent odor contamination, in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Conducts required explosives safety training for Canine Handlers to maintain operational and regulatory standards

• Maintains regular communication with the Canine Project Manager and Account Manager regarding all operational issues and concerns. Supports the planning, development, and coordination of current and prospective contracts to ensure alignment with program goals and client expectations

• Directly manages a team of four or more employees, with responsibilities including hiring, performance management, staff development, and, when necessary, termination. Ensures team members are trained, motivated, and equipped to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. Fosters a professional work environment that promotes accountability, growth, and operational excellence 

This role is for you if you have these skills:

• In-depth understanding of canine behavior, odor imprinting, maintenance training, and deployment practices aligned with federal, state, and client-specific standards

• In-depth understanding of canine behavior, odor imprinting, maintenance training, and deployment practices aligned with federal, state, and client-specific standards

• Familiarity with Statements of Work (SOWs), client expectations, and operational planning for government or private sector security contracts

• Strong ability to lead, develop, and support a geographically dispersed team of handlers, instructors, and support staff

• Skilled in designing and administering EDD training programs, individual improvement plans, and standardized evaluation procedures

And if you have these qualifications:

• High School Diploma

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Canine Instructor/Trainer or equivalent proficiencies

• Law Enforcement/Military/ContractingTrainers Certification

• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Sharepoint Required

In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the salary range for this role is $80,640 - $120,960. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. (The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements).

We care about our employees, and it shows. Our staff receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical/Rx, dental and vision coverage; life, AD&D and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; 100% paid maternity leave for up to 12 weeks, parental leave, family leave, other paid time off; voluntary benefits and discount programs to meet our employees’ individual needs including pet insurance for our furry family members!

To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job, you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks, with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Visual acuity (e.g., needed to prepare and analyze data, to transcribe documents, to view a computer, to read, to inspect objects, to operate machinery

• Balancing (e.g. Maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching etc.

• Stooping (e.g. Bending the spine at the waist)

• Reaching (e.g., reaching the arms or legs in any direction)

• Walking

• Lifting motion or lifting objects more than 100 pounds

• Repetitive motion of any part of the body

• Kneeling, crouching or crawling

• Pushing or pulling (e.g., using a part of your body to press against something in a downward or outward direction, or in a dragging or hauling motion)

• Fingering (e.g., picking, pinching, typing, or other working that uses the fingers)

• Grasping (e.g., use of hand to apply pressure)

• Feeling (e.g. perceiving an object’s size, shape, texture etc.)

• Climbing (e.g. ascending/descending ladders, stair, scaffolding, ramps, pole, etc. using feet and legs or hands/arms to climb)

• Manual Dexterity (e.g. picking, pinching, typing, or other working that uses fingers)

• Hearing

• Talking

• Ability to handle canines

• Capacity to think, concentrate and focus over long periods of time

• Ability to read/write complex documents in the English language

• Capacity to reason and make sound decisions

• Capacity to express thoughts orally

• Ability to withstand environmental conditions

• Ability to wear a mask, respirator, bullet proof vest or other equipment

• Ability to regularly perform all job functions at the company’s office or work site

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? APPLY NOW! Talent Acquisition Partner: Austin Kintner