We have a fantastic opportunity and are looking for an enthusiastic, self-driven individual.
The search dog team is an essential and funded part of the Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) within West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS).
The position of USAR Canine Handler is an extra responsibility for someone who is already a USAR technician, the competencies and training of your current role will be maintained alongside those for the USAR Canine Handler role.
Successful applications must be willing to provide a flexible approach to work. This may require them to provide extended periods of operational response and/or cover in respect of incidents that may occur both inside and outside the West Yorkshire Fire Service area (appropriate arrangements to mitigate welfare issues will be implemented).
Successful applicants should be prepared to make a commitment to the USAR Canine Handler position for the working lifetime of the Canine. There is a requirement for full commitment to this role On and Off Duty and Handlers should understand that the role requires long term dedication that will potentially impact on their personal circumstances.
The successful candidate should be willing to commit to a minimum of 5 years to the role as Canine handler at Spen Valley Fire Station/ USAR. If the handler leaves Spen Valley Fire Station during the working life of the dog, the dog will remain at Spen Valley Fire Station.
The successful applicant will receive the following:
- Funding for the procurement of the dog and further financial support to ensure all needs of the dog are met in respect of healthcare, operational equipment and welfare during its operational service life.
- A vehicle and fuel to ensure transport needs of the dog are met.
- Communication equipment suitable for the role.
- Payment of 3 hours (maximum) at casual overtime rate across your 4 rota days for canine training (4.5 hours at a time).
For further details and to apply online please visit www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/careers.
Closing date for all applications is Sunday 25 January 2026 (midnight).
Interviews scheduled to take place on Monday 16 & Tuesday 17 February 2026.
Recruitment & Selection
- Application Form.
- Home/ family assessment for canine suitability.
- Attend assessment day where USAR professionals within the sector will assess the individual's suitability for the post.
- Interview.
- Appointment as USAR Canine handler.
Members of staff applying must:
- Have approval of their line manager to apply.
- Be competent in current role (USAR).
- Have no live disciplinary sanctions.
- Have a full driving licence and willing to undertake ERD if required.
- Be able to house a dog at your home with a secure garden.
- Be willing to mobilise out of county to assist other FRS's if required during your duty periods.
Training
- Willing to attend external training and assessment courses.
- Undertake some training with the dog in your own time.
USAR Assessment Elements
The assessment comprises of the following elements:
- Canine Aggression test
- Obedience
- Agility
- Direction and control
- Victim indication alert
- Two collapsed structure searches
- Assessment of underpinning knowledge
- Post search procedure.
For further information please contact:
- SM Sam Blackburn at Blackburn@westyorksfire.gov.uk or on 07813 727061
- WM Mark Milner at Milner@westyorksfire.gov.uk or on 07813 726984
Pension Considerations - Annual Allowance
Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a tax change. Further information on Annual Allowance can be obtained from the Pensions team.
Click here for Additional Guidance on our new E-recruitment System
All correspondence will usually be sent to your email account registered with the online recruitment system rather than by letter. Please check your email account regularly.
If after reading all of this information, you are interested in applying, please read the documents listed above for more details and click on 'Apply' for the application form.
Please note we do not accept CVs. If you are viewing this vacancy on ‘jobsindeed’ or other external platform, please be advised this vacancy is only open to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service employees.
For recruitment queries please contact Applications@westyorksfire.gov.uk