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Lieutenant, Canine Unit

Job ID: 13686

Business Unit: MTA Headquarters

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department:

Date Posted: Nov 7, 2025

Description

INTERNAL JOB POSTING - ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE MTA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Job Title: Request for Consideration – Lieutenant, Canine Unit

Dept/Div: MTA Police Department – Canine Unit

Supervisor: Commanding Officer, Special Operations Division

Hours: Twelve (12) hour twenty (20) minute tours, three (3) days per week, with four (4) consecutive rest days (Patrol Chart)

SUMMARY:

The Department is seeking applications from qualified candidates who are interested in being assigned as K9 Lieutenant.

The Canine Lieutenant will work as a team with his/her canine partner in support of the MTAPD to deter acts of terrorism and criminal incidents. The Lieutenant will oversee the daily operations of the K9 unit, including patrol, detection, training, and specialized assignments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain and monitor readiness of department issued canine specialized equipment.

• Assign K9 teams to optimize coverage and response capabilities.

• Ensure compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and legal standards regarding K9 deployment.

• Coordinate initial and ongoing training for K9 handlers and their dogs.

• Monitor K9 performance and readiness through regular evaluations.

• Oversee procurement of K9’s, vehicles, equipment, medical care, and supplies.

• Ensure training standards meet certification requirements at state, national, or departmental levels.

• Be willing to travel throughout the MTA system in the course of their duties within the established guidelines of the collective bargaining agreement.

• Participate in public K-9 demonstrations when assigned.

• Prepare reports and presentations for command staff regarding K9 activities and effectiveness.

• Patrol MTA-managed bridges, tunnels, including adjacent highways, ramps, toll zones, and local roads within MTA jurisdiction.

• Provide on-scene command for major incidents involving the K9 unit.

• Oversees the implementation of safety protocols for handlers, dogs, and the public.

• Handles scheduling, leave requests, overtime management, and duty assignments.

• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Interested members must, at a minimum, possess the following qualifications to be considered for this position:

• Must be a Lieutenant or a Sergeant on the Lieutenant promotional list at the time of the interview.

• Must be a Lieutenant or Sergeant on the Lieutenant promotional list in good standing, with a clean service record-free from issues related to excessive sick leave, disciplinary actions, or preventable accidents.

• Two (2) years or more experience as a Canine Supervisor is required for this position.

• Five (5) years or more experience as a Canine handler is required for this position.

• Must have experience in the procurement of new Canines into the department.

• Certified NYDCJS General Topics Instructor preferred.

• Deep understanding of K9 handling and training techniques, canine behavior and welfare, and legal issues related to K9 deployment.

• Strong communication skills to communicate with Command Staff and other units within the department.

• Proven ability to lead teams and manage personnel.

• Completion or partial completion of FBI-LEEDA Trilogy

• Possess a sincere interest in animals and animal behavior.

• Ability to function in a stressful environment.

• Ability to work cooperatively with multiple law enforcement agencies and participate in all required training and operations.

• Possess a general understanding of the Unified Incident Command System.

• Should be highly motivated and a self-starter - must be able to provide examples of proactive, self-initiated police activity.

• Successful completion of an Interview Process.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Interested employees who meet the above listed qualifications will be invited to participate in a panel interview.

Candidates who have excessive sick records or disciplinary history may be denied the opportunity to sit for an interview. Candidates should understand that they are not guaranteed an assignment with the Canine Unit, even if they meet each of the above qualifications

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.