Timer
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With the advent and near universal use of electronic timing this job has become a very easy job indeed. I have taught 6 year olds how to do this job and do it well.
Occasionally this job has been combined with the Scribe or Assistant Scribe position, but this is not an ideal situation as those two jobs are very busy jobs.
Pre Run
Before the first dog is run, and after the Judge has "wheeled" their course, get the standard course time for the course being run. This, doubled, is the maximum amount of time allowed in the ring for a dog and handler team before they are whistled out. Some judges will ask the timer to not do the actual whistling of the team and just signal to the judge when max course time has been exceeded.
Run them dogs!
When the first dog and handler on the line, the show begins. The timer checks in with the Assistant Scribe and Scribe and makes sure all is set to go. Next, a quick visual check of the course to make sure there aren't any spare people standing around, such an exhibitor chatting with the judge or a Bar Setter adjusting the second jump. It is also helpful if the Timer hollers out to the handler "Is that Phydeux?" or "who's this on the line, please?" to help the Assistant Scribe and Scribe be sure that the correct dog is actually on the line. Often a handler doesn't answer, but when the Scribe and Assistant Scribe indicate all is ready the Timer tells the dog and handler team in a clear voice: "You may go when ready".
Special note: Most electronic timer systems have a mechanical voice that is activated by a push button that does that job!
Another special note: Some judges prefer that you say "Timer is ready" to the Handler/Dog team.
Once the team has left the start line and before they clear the third obstacle, the Timer should check to make sure the clock is running.
Clock isn't running! Auugh!
In the event the clock does not start and the Timer notices this before the team has cleared the third obstacle the Timer should blow a whistle alerting the judge to this fact. Depending on how the run progresses from there (if it progresses) the Judge may elect to either put no time on the scribe sheet or have the team re-run for time.