Belmont - Police K-9 Handler

The Belmont Police Department seeks a certified Police Officer to join our team as a full-time K-9 Handler.  The Belmont Police Department serves the Town of Belmont, New Hampshire, a vibrant community of approximately 7,500 residents. Our department consists of 20 sworn with additional civilian and auxiliary staff. We respond to roughly 12,000 calls for service annually, ranging from routine patrols and traffic enforcement to community outreach and investigative work.

Belmont is a welcoming community with a mix of residential neighborhoods, local businesses, parks, and recreational opportunities. The town values public safety, civic engagement, and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place for officers to build meaningful relationships with residents.

Our department is a progressive, community-focused agency with a culture centered on professional development, proactive policing, and community engagement. Officers have access to specialized assignments including K-9, SWAT, Detective Division, and School Resource Officer roles. We emphasize teamwork, work-life balance, and equipping our officers with modern tools and training to effectively serve and protect our community.

Belmont Police offers a unique opportunity for officers to make a tangible impact, work in a supportive environment, and grow professionally while serving a diverse and dynamic community.

Unique Traits of Belmont PD:

• Community-Focused Policing: We prioritize building strong relationships with the people we serve. Officers aren’t just enforcing the law—they are active, trusted members of the community.
• Progressive, Forward-Thinking Culture: Our department embraces modern policing strategies, technology, and best practices. We continually evolve to meet the needs of our community and the challenges of modern law enforcement.
• Professional Growth Opportunities: Officers have access to specialized units (K-9, SWAT, Detective Division, School Resource Officer) and ongoing training, allowing for meaningful career development.
• Work-Life Balance: With flexible scheduling, a 4/3 rotation, and a supportive leadership team, officers can maintain a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.
• Supportive Leadership: Our leadership team prioritizes officer safety, professional development, and mentorship, fostering a team-oriented environment where every voice is valued.
• Comprehensive Resources: We provide full uniforms, equipment, and access to wellness and support programs, ensuring officers have the tools they need to succeed.
• Strong Community Engagement: From youth programs to outreach initiatives, our officers actively engage with residents to reduce crime, enhance safety, and foster trust.

Minimum Requirements:

• Certified New Hampshire Police Officer or Out of State Equivalent.
• Ability to house and care for working dog.

Benefits:

• ·         Pay Range: $29.72–$40.44 per hour, depending on experience

  ·         Dedicated, take-home police cruiser fully outfitted for K-9 operations.

  ·         Pay is based on an 11-step, union-negotiated wage scale (up to $40.44/hr for certified officers, depending on years of service)

  ·         Eleven (11) paid holidays

  ·         Medical, dental, and life insurance

  ·         Vision insurance

  ·         Paid time off (vacation and sick leave accrual; 80 hours vacation after 6 months)

  ·         Employee assistance program

  ·         Parental leave

  ·         Retirement plan – participation in NH Retirement System Group II

  ·         Full uniform and equipment provided

  ·         Flexible schedule: Officers typically work a 4/3 schedule with rotations every 2 months

  ·         Overtime opportunities available

Candidates must pass PT test

The physical fitness tests in New Hampshire are based on the Cooper Aerobics Institute standards. For the Full-time Police Officer Academy, you must pass at least the 35th percentile on both the entrance and exit tests.

• Age 18-29
  35th percentile
  1.5 mile run (male) 12:53
  1.5 mile run (female) 15:14
  Push-ups (male) 27
  Push-ups (female) 22 (mod) 14 (FB)
  Sit-ups in 1 min. (male) 37
  Sit-ups in 1 min. (female) 31
• Age 30-39
  35th percentile
  1.5 mile run (male) 13:24
  1.5 mile run (female) 15:58
  Push-ups (male) 21
  Push-ups (female) 17 (mod) 10 (FB)
  Sit-ups in 1 min. (male) 33
  Sit-ups in 1 min. (female) 24
• Age 40-49
  35th percentile
  1.5 mile run (male) 14:07
  1.5 mile run (female) 16:46
  Push-ups (male) 16
  Push-ups (female) 11 (mod) 8 (FB)
  Sit-ups in 1 min. (male) 28
  Sit-ups in 1 min. (female) 19

Hiring Process:

Following the PT Test, candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. Assigned to a background investigator, complete a psychological assessment and polygraph examination before appointment.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The Belmont Police Department is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering a professional environment that promotes fairness, respect, and equal opportunity for all applicants and employees.