Job Title

Lieutenant, Canine Unit Job ID: 13686 Business Unit: MTA Headquarters Location: New York, NY, United States 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 u2013 Lieutenant, Canine Unit Dept/Div: MTA Police Department u2013 Canine Unit Supervisor: Commanding Officer, Special Operations Division Location: Various 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: u00b7 Maintain and monitor readiness of department issued canine specialized equipment. u00b7 Assign K9 teams to optimize coverage and response capabilities. u00b7 Ensure compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and legal standards regarding K9 deployment. u00b7 Coordinate initial and ongoing training for K9 handlers and their dogs. u00b7 Monitor K9 performance and readiness through regular evaluations. u00b7 Oversee procurement of K9u2019s, vehicles, equipment, medical care, and supplies. u00b7 Ensure training standards meet certification requirements at state, national, or departmental levels. u00b7 Be willing to travel throughout the MTA system in the course of their duties within the established guidelines of the collective bargaining agreement. u00b7 Participate in public K-9 demonstrations when assigned. u00b7 Prepare reports and presentations for command staff regarding K9 activities and effectiveness. u00b7 Patrol MTA-managed bridges, tunnels, including adjacent highways, ramps, toll zones, and local roads within MTA jurisdiction. u00b7 Provide on-scene command for major incidents involving the K9 unit. u00b7 Oversees the implementation of safety protocols for handlers, dogs, and the public. u00b7 Handles scheduling, leave requests, overtime management, and duty assignments. u00b7 Additional duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Interested members must, at a minimum, possess the following qualifications to be considered for this position: u00b7 Must be a Lieutenant or a Sergeant on the Lieutenant promotional list at the time of the interview. u00b7 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. u00b7 Two (2) years or more experience as a Canine Supervisor is required for this position. u00b7 Five (5) years or more experience as a Canine handler is required for this position. u00b7 Must have experience in the procurement of new Canines into the department. u00b7 Certified NYDCJS General Topics Instructor preferred. u00b7 Deep understanding of K9 handling and training techniques, canine behavior and welfare, and legal issues related to K9 deployment. u00b7 Strong communication skills to communicate with Command Staff and other units within the department. u00b7 Proven ability to lead teams and manage personnel. u00b7 Completion or partial completion of FBI-LEEDA Trilogy u00b7 Possess a sincere interest in animals and animal behavior. u00b7 Ability to function in a stressful environment. u00b7 Ability to work cooperatively with multiple law enforcement agencies and participate in all required training and operations. u00b7 Possess a general understanding of the Unified Incident Command System. u00b7 Should be highly motivated and a self-starter - must be able to provide examples of proactive, self-initiated police activity. u00b7 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.