Conservation K9 Handler

1w1 week ago

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Kennett Square, US · Part-time · $7 – $40/hr

About this role

The Wildlife Futures Program at Penn Vet is hiring temporary part-time K9 handlers for threatened species detection, research, and surveillance supporting Pennsylvania's wildlife health programs. Handlers must personally own, care for, and maintain their detection dog. Both handler and dog require previous experience in conservation detection work.

Handlers will conduct surveillance for Allegheny woodrats using a personally owned detection dog across Pennsylvania sites. They develop, present, and utilize protocols for rapid assessment with detection dogs. Data collection and analysis compare dog performance to traditional methods.

Work involves coordination with state agency partners on protocols, performance analysis, sample collection, and surveillance deployment. The role is based at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Contribute to wildlife conservation efforts in a research-focused environment.

Penn Vet offers a unique setting within a world-renowned Ivy League institution ranked among top universities. Employees access Philadelphia's urban campus with cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. Join a leader in veterinary innovation and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Requirements

High School diploma and 0-1 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Dog handling experience required
Previous experience in conservation detection work for both handler and dog
Valid driver's license required
Experience with scent detection dogs for wildlife
Ability to work in outdoor field conditions
Physically capable of traversing rugged terrain

Responsibilities

Conduct surveillance for Allegheny woodrats in Pennsylvania utilizing a personally owned detection dog
Develop, present, and utilize protocols for rapid assessment of Allegheny woodrat utilizing detection dogs
Collect data for and perform analysis of dog detection performance compared to traditional surveillance methods
Coordinate with state agency partners for development of protocols, performance analysis, sample collection, and surveillance deployment
Maintain and care for personally owned conservation detection dog
Deploy dog in field conditions for threatened species detection
Ensure accurate scent detection in wildlife habitats

Benefits

Work for University of Pennsylvania, ranked as one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes
Unique working environment on beautiful urban campus near Philadelphia
Access to educational, cultural, and recreational activities in Philadelphia