Constable - Police Dog Unit

The Region

The City of Grande Prairie is a vibrant, growing community located in the beautiful Peace Country region of Alberta. We are committed to providing exceptional public service and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Grande Prairie is a great place to live, work, and play.

The Police Service

In March 2023, the City of Grande Prairie made history by establishing the Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS), the first new municipal police service in Alberta since 1956. GPPS is dedicated to creating a modern, professional, ethical, equitable, and locally accountable police service that enhances public safety within our community. With a team of over 225 professionals, including police officers, peace officers, outreach workers, social workers, nurses, and civilian staff, GPPS is positioned to deliver comprehensive public safety services.

The Opportunity

The Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) Canine Unit is seeking highly motivated and dedicated police officers to serve as Canine Handlers. Canine Handlers play a crucial role in law enforcement operations, providing specialized support in criminal apprehension, evidence searches, tracking, controlled substance and explosives detection, and search-and-rescue operations.

Successful applicants will work closely with a specially trained police service dog (PSD) to enhance public safety and assist frontline policing. This role requires exceptional discipline, physical fitness, and a strong commitment to training.

Prior experience as a Canine Handler is an asset but not required. Officers selected for this role who do not have previous Canine Unit experience will be required to complete appropriate training before assignment to the Canine Unit. Officers who do not successfully complete the training will be retained in a Patrol Officer role.

Responsibilities

• Work effectively with a police service dog (PSD) in various operational scenarios.
• Conduct suspect tracking, building searches, evidence recovery, and search-and-rescue operations.
• Assist in the apprehension of fleeing suspects while ensuring officer safety.
• Conduct controlled substance and explosives detection operations.
• Maintain the care, feeding, and overall welfare of the assigned police service dog.
• Engage with the public to promote the GPPS Canine Unit and strengthen community relations.
• Participate in rigorous and ongoing training to ensure operational readiness.
• Prepare detailed reports and maintain accurate records of deployments and training.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a sworn police officer or have been a sworn officer with a Canadian law enforcement agency.
• Have been a police officer within one year of application if they have less than five years of previous police experience, OR
• Have been a police officer within two years of application if they have five or more years of previous police experience.
• Have a minimum of 18 months’ continuous police service, inclusive of basic recruit training.
• Previous experience handling police dogs is not required, but is considered an asset.

Training Requirement for Non-Canine Officers

• Officers selected for the Canine Unit without previous Canine Unit experience must complete specialized Canine Handler training.
• Officers who do not successfully complete training will be retained as Patrol Officers.

Benefits Overview

• Years of service credited for wage placement and vacation accrual.
• Participation in the Special Forces Pension Plan (SFPP), with pension transfer options available.
• 4-week experienced officer training program.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision care.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Health and Wellness Account.

Transitional Allowance

Successful candidates will receive a $25,000 transitional allowance for experienced officers, ensuring a smooth and rewarding transition to GPPS.

Wages

Rank Hourly Rate Yearly Salary

Constable 5 $37.69 $78,395.20

Constable 4 $40.48 $84,198.40

Constable 3 $46.06 $95,804.80

Constable 2 $51.64 $107,411.20

Constable 1 $55.83 $116,126.40

Sr. Cst I $59.74 $124,259.20

(7 yrs completed)

Sr. Cst II $60.86 $126,588.80

(11 yrs completed)

Closing Date

This posting will close April 11, 2025, with our experienced officer class starting at the end of Q2 2025.

How To Apply

• Download the application attached to the bottom of this job advertisement.
• Once the documents are fully filled out, click ‘Apply Now’ at the bottom right of this job posting.
• Upload your resume, ensuring you provide at least 10 years of former employment history.
• Complete the application questionnaire as instructed.
• Upload your completed application form before submission.

Other Information

• As an experienced officer, applicants must complete all recruitment steps, including:
• A-PREP (physical fitness test).
• Interview and background investigation.
• Psychological evaluation.
• Potential polygraph test.
• The GPPS does not have a Corporal rank.
• Certain application-related costs (e.g., vision/hearing exams, driver’s abstract) are at the applicant’s expense and are not reimbursed.
• If you have any questions, please contact recruiting@gppolice.com.
  

Join the Grande Prairie Police Service Canine Unit and play a vital role in keeping our community safe through specialized law enforcement operations!