CA-TF5 US&R Canine Search Specialist at Orange County Fire Authority – Lake Forest, California

The US&R Canine Search Specialist recruitment is only open to current OCFA Career Operations Personnel.

The US&R Task Force (CA-TF5) is currently accepting applications for the position of Canine Search Specialist (live find).

The selection process will include interviews with CA-TF5 Task Force Personnel and an interview with staff from the Search Dog Foundation. Individuals will begin the training process immediately after selection, with required attendance to specialized training courses.

The Canine Search Specialist, under the direction of the Search Team Manager, is responsible for supporting the practical search functions of the US&R Task Force. The Canine Search Specialist works as a handler with their canine and is considered a Canine Search Team. A Canine Search Specialist is part of the search section and participates directly with team members who develop written search plans, support field, and base operations, utilize satellite phones, GPS units, and specialized search equipment (night vision goggles, search cameras and seismic/acoustic listening devices). A Canine Search Specialist supports additional team members with both live find and human remains detection canine actives in related off-site training and disaster operations.

The position requires participation in rigorous physical and mentally challenging disciplines of canine search. Canine Search Specialist requires the ability to provide both verbal and written interaction with all sections of the US&R task force including local, state, and federal officials. The position requires working conditions in disaster zones, adverse weather conditions, hazardous atmospheres, and air operations in military or civilian aircraft (fixed and rotary).

As a Member of the US&R Task Force you will be asked to represent the local, state, and the Federal government, under extremely diverse conditions.

Please review the following documents from the Search Dog Foundation:

SDF Handler Service Agreement

Minimum requirements for US&R Canine Search Specialist (pre-appointment):

• Participation in the OCFA "WEFIT" program
• Have a basic knowledge of US&R and GPS operations
• Demonstrate the ability to follow orders and personnel management skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in written form
• Have the ability to be flexible, resolve conflicts, and solve problems
• Possess basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Be willing to work and live in poor conditions for extended periods of time
• Participate in extensive training programs that require an extended time commitment
• Follow the Federal "Code of Conduct" for US&R Task Forces

Position Requirement (post-selection):

• Must maintain a basic knowledge of the use of specialized Task Force equipment and support resources related to your position
• Meet and maintain qualifications for Canine Search Specialist per the FEMA Position descriptions
• Completion of the FEMA Technical Search Specialist Course
• Completion of FEMA classes IS100, IS200, IS700 & IS800, and FEMA Orientation class
• Completion of GPS operational, WMD Enhanced Ops classes (online)
• Participate in Air operations – Helicopter and fixed wing during Deployments or Training
• Attend quarterly training
• Maintain/respond by timely communication with Task Force and Section administration through email and phone
• Maintain the certification requirements of the Canine Search Specialist
• Agree to follow the contract agreement as required by the National Search Dog Foundation

Please submit a memo of interest and a brief resume outlining your qualifications. Please include your supervisor's concurrence. The content and organization of your submitted material will be evaluated during the selection process. Candidates will be selected after an oral interview and written material review.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:
To apply, go to www.ocfa.org. Interested personnel are to submit the following:

• Online application
• Cover memo of interest
• Letter of supervisor's concurrence
• Inclusion of related certificates of training or related professional qualifications are also encouraged

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Last day to submit an online application, memo of interest, letter of concurrence, and applicable certificates: Monday, December 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM (noon).
• Task Force level interviews: Week of January 5, 2025
• Search Dog Foundation interviews: TBD
• Notification of selected candidate(s) for program training: TBD

QUESTIONS:

All questions regarding this position should be directed to Canine Section Coordinator Michael Patterson at MichaelPatterson@ocfa.org.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH NEOGOV:

Please contact Duke Steppe, HR Manager at dukesteppe@ocfa.org or 714-573-6807.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Duke Steppe, HR Manager at dukesteppe@ocfa.org upon opening of a recruitment.

WITHDRAWING FROM RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

If an applicant chooses to withdraw from this recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to the assigned recruiter requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicant's current phone number.

NOTE:
The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.