1

Border Force Dog Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

More than just saguaros and Sonoran hot dogs, Tucson is a cultural and natural hub where visitors ... Force Reserve, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, among many others. Psychiatrist ...

More than just saguaros and Sonoran hot dogs, Tucson is a cultural and natural hub where visitors ... Force Reserve, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, among many others. Family Medicine ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Border Force Dog Handler information

See salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do border force dog handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for border force dog handler in the United States is $17.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Border Force Dog Handler vs Customs Officer?

AspectBorder Force Dog HandlerCustoms Officer
Required credentialsTraining in dog handling, certification in canine detectionCustoms clearance training, certification in customs procedures
Work environmentBorder checkpoints, airports, ports with working dogsCustoms offices, border crossings, ports
Employer and industry usageBorder agencies, law enforcement, securityCustoms agencies, government border control

Border Force Dog Handlers focus on using trained dogs to detect illegal substances, contraband, or threats at border points, working closely with law enforcement. Customs Officers handle the inspection and clearance of goods and travelers, ensuring compliance with regulations. While both roles operate at borders and ports, Dog Handlers specialize in canine detection, whereas Customs Officers focus on documentation and inspection processes.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Border Force Dog Handler?

As a Border Force Dog Handler, your daily responsibilities involve working closely with your trained detection dog to screen people, vehicles, and cargo for prohibited items such as drugs, explosives, or currency. You’ll routinely patrol ports, airports, and borders, conduct searches based on intelligence, and participate in joint operations with other law enforcement agencies. In addition to handling your dog, you’re responsible for its ongoing training, care, and welfare. Collaboration with customs officers and reporting detailed findings are also key parts of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Border Force Dog Handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Border Force Dog Handler, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement principles, animal handling experience, and a relevant security or customs background. Familiarity with canine training techniques, detection tools, and security screening systems is typically required, along with specific Border Force or HMRC certifications. Strong observational skills, patience, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These qualifications ensure effective detection of illegal items, promote safety at borders, and support teamwork in high-stakes environments.

What are Border Force Dog Handlers?

Border Force Dog Handlers are specially trained officers who work with detection dogs at borders, airports, and other points of entry to help prevent illegal substances, goods, and people from entering a country. Their primary role involves handling and caring for their dogs, conducting searches, and supporting wider security operations. The dogs are trained to detect items such as drugs, explosives, currency, and even hidden humans. Dog handlers also maintain records, train their dogs regularly, and sometimes assist in public demonstrations or educational events. This job requires strong teamwork between handler and dog, as well as good communication and observational skills.
More about Border Force Dog Handler jobs

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Security Forces Journeyman
Wisconsin Air National Guard Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Vacancy Announcement
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 26-081 ANG
OPENING DATE: 27 May 2026
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL: 11:59PM ON 10 June 2026
POSITION TITLE: Security Forces Journeyman
AFSC REQUIREMENTS: 3P051 (Trainees Accepted)
SKILL LEVEL REQUIRED: 3 Skill Level
MINIMUM GRADE: E1
MAXIMUM GRADE: E5
UNIT/LOCATION: 115th Fighter Wing, Security Forces Squadron, Madison, WI
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to anyone eligible to join the WI ANG AGR program
APPOINTMENT FACTORS
  1. Initial tours will be 4 years. Follow-on tour lengths may be from 1 to 6 years per ANGI 36-101.
  2. Non AGR Person receiving a federal military retirement or retainer pay are not eligible.
  3. Must meet the physical requirements of DAFMAN 36-2905, prior to being placed on AGR tour.
  4. Members who are not suitable for Career AGR may be considered for an Occasional Tour.
  5. Military grade will not exceed the maximum authorized grade on the unit manning document.
  6. Must meet all AGR requirements of ANGI 36-101 and AFSC requirements of AFECD/AFOCD.
  7. IAW ANGI 36-101, paragraph 5.10, applicants should be able to complete 20 years of active federal service prior to Mandatory Separation Date (MSD). Individuals selected for AGR tours that cannot attain 20 years of active federal Service prior to reaching mandatory separation must complete a Statement of Understanding contained in Attachment 3 of ANGI36-101 and obtain TAG waiver approval prior to starting AGR tour.
  8. IAW ANGI 36-101, paragraph 6.6.1., members should remain in the position to which initially assigned for a minimum of 24 months. TAG may waive this requirement when in the best interest of the unit, State, or Air National Guard.
  9. Hiring of an E-8/9 or O4+ is contingent on controlled grade availability.
  10. IAW ANGI 36-101, paragraph 5.7, an individual must not have been previously separated for cause from active duty or previous Reserve Component AGR tour.
    1. Must be able to lift more than 70 LBS
    2. ASVAB requirements: G ≥ 30
    3. PULHES: 222121
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Leads, manages, supervises, and performs force protection duties employing up to the use of deadly force to protect personnel and resources. Protects nuclear and conventional weapons systems as well as other critical resources. Performs base defense functions contributing to the force protection mission and presidential executive security. Defends personnel, equipment, and resources from hostile forces throughout the base security zone of military installations. Operates in various austere environments, performs mounted and dismounted individual and team patrol movements, tactical drills, battle procedures, convoys, military operations other than war, antiterrorism duties, and other special duties. Operates communications equipment, vehicles, intrusion detection equipment, individual and crew-served weapons, and other special purpose equipment. Applies Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and life-saving procedures as first responders to accident and disaster scenes. Provides armed response and controls entry to installations and protection level resources. Detects, detains and reports presence of unauthorized personnel and activities and implements security reporting and alerting system. Enforces standards of conduct, discipline, and adherence to laws and directives. Directs vehicle and pedestrian traffic; investigates motor vehicle accidents, minor crimes, and incidents; and operates speed measuring, drug and alcohol, and breath test devices. Secures crime and incident scenes; apprehends and detains suspects; searches persons and property; and collects, seizes, and preserves evidence. Interviews witnesses and suspects obtains sworn statements, and testifies in official judicial proceedings. Participates in contingency operations, aiding disaster and relief efforts. Develops plans, policies, procedures, and detailed instructions to implement SF programs. Plans, organizes, and schedules SF activities providing oversight, guidance, and assistance to commanders on the application of physical security and force protection in support of priority resources. Conducts confinement operations, operates pass and registration activities supervises and trains SF augmentees. Employs and utilizes the Incident Management System construct during emergency planning, and response recovery operations. Inspects and evaluates the effectiveness of SF personnel and activities. Provides guidance on employment and utilization of MWD teams. Ensures proficiency training and certification standards are maintained. Employs MWDs to support worldwide operations and executive agency requirements including nuclear, Presidential support, federal law enforcement, and national strategic programs. Ensures the health and welfare of MWDs. Trains handlers and canines on all aspects of MWD training. Maintains dog training and usage records and is responsible for storage, handling, and security of drug and explosive training aids. Leads, manages, supervises, and implements ground weapons training programs. Controls and safeguards arms, ammunition, and equipment and instructs personnel in ground based weapon systems qualification training. Provides guidance on weapons placement to SF and defense force commanders. Inspects weapons and replaces unserviceable parts and analyzes malfunctions by inspection and serviceability testing. Uses precision gauges, testing instruments, and special tools to adjust parts and operating mechanisms. Function- fires weapons for accuracy and serviceability. Controls and operates firing ranges and associated facilities to include supervising construction and rehabilitation.
SPECIALTY QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: Weaponry, laws, directives, programs, policies, and procedures governing SF activities; installation security; weapon system and resource security; anti-terrorism; law enforcement and investigations; MWDs; base defense; training; pass and registration; civilian work force; and combat arms.
Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school or General Equivalency Diploma..
Training. The following training is mandatory for award to earn the AFSC in addition to successful completion of requirements listed in the Career Field Education and Training Plan (CFETP): 3P031. Completion of the SF Basic Defender Course.
Other. For entry and retrain into this specialty: Minimum color vision requirements, as defined by getting a 35 or better on the Cone Contrast Test (CCT) for red and green, or, correctly identifying at least 12 of 14 Ishihara Plates (PIP). CCT should be primary testing choice, however, the PIP is acceptable if the CCT is not available at testing site. Approvable with a passing Military Entrance Processing Station red/green vision test. Distance visual acuity correctable to 20/40. No history of excessive alcohol use or arrest in the past two (2) years for two (2) or more alcohol related incidents regardless of disposition, except when found not guilty. Never been diagnosed with a severe substance use disorder by a certified medical provider. Never used a substance (sniffing/huffing) to obtain an altered conscious state from aerosol spray, lighter fluid, petro chemical, adhesives, Freon, or any other chemical for a purpose not intended for use. Must not have used/distributed/manufactured illicit narcotics as defined in Schedule I/II, used a drug that can cause a flashback, or been arrested for narcotics in Schedules I through V, as listed in Title 21 USC §812. Excludes the use of marijuana, hashish, or other cannabis-based products for entry unless that use resulted in the documentation of a use disorder by a credentialed medical provider. Must not have been terminated from civilian employment for reasons of misconduct, theft, or alcohol use within three (3) years prior to entry into military service. No evidence or history of civilian conviction, Letter of Reprimand (LOR), Article 15, or courts martial conviction of a Category 1, 2, or 3 offenses as described and listed in DAFMAN 36-2032, Military Recruiting and Accessions, Attachment 2 and Table A2.2. Never failed (or failed to participate in) prescribed rehabilitation program or treatment regimen after being diagnosed by a certified medical provider with an alcohol use disorder. Never received non-judicial punishment under the UCMJ for offenses involving substantiated drug abuse as defined in DAFI44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program. Must not have a record of Self-Directed Violence or Self-Directed Violence-Preparatory or suicide attempts. If there is a record of Self-Directed Violence, Self-Directed Violence-Preparatory, or suicide attempts with/without injury (as defined by the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide and the Under Secretary of Defense's Memorandum on Standardization of Common Suicide-Related Definitions), the accession authority's final determination on entry/award will be informed by the opinion of a qualified Mental Health (MH) professional. No record of sleep disorders to include, but not limited to, sleep apneas, insomnias, hypersomnias, narcolepsy, or restless leg syndrome. Must not have a current diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or other perceptual or learning disorder. Must not have used medications to treat any such disorder for the last 12 months. No history of any Bipolar and Related Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, or evidence of a personality disorder. No diagnosis of fear of heights or confined spaces that impacts the ability to complete duty requirements. No speech disorder or noticeable communication deficiency as defined in DAFMAN 48-123, Medical Examinations and standards. Must possess a valid state driver's license to operate government motor vehicles IAW AFI 24-301, Ground Transportation. No more than one (1) active wage garnishment for delinquency. No more than two (2) delinquent charges /collections (>= 30 days) within the last two years. No documented record of gang affiliation. Must be willing to work around nuclear weapons and components, following all safety and security protocols. All nuclear security duties must be performed in accordance with regulations, regardless of personal beliefs on the role of nuclear weapons in our nation's strategic deterrent mission. Must not have a Title 18 USC §922 prohibitor, including the Lautenberg Amendment. Must meet the standards for suitability to arm, or suitability under the Personnel Reliability Assurance Standards IAW DAFI31-117, Arming and Use of Force. Retraining into the 3P0X1 career field within the ANG/AFRC is restricted to the grades of E-7 and below. AFSC award within the ANG/ AFRC must obtain review and approval by the ARC component and CFM. See attachment 4 for additional entry requirements. For retention of these AFSCs, the following are mandatory: Qualification for arming, suitability to arm, or suitability under Personnel Reliability Assurance Standards IAW DAFI 31-117, Arming and Use of Force. No recorded evidence of personality disorder that negatively affects duty performance. Must not have uncontrolled depression with use of appropriate therapy, or a history of persistent emotional instability or suicidal ideations. If there is a record of Self-Directed Violence or Self-Directed Violence-Preparatory or suicide attempts with/without injury, the Commander will be informed by the opinion of a qualified MH professional. Never been diagnosed with a substance use disorder by a certified medical provider. Alcohol related disorders are defined separately from other substance use disorders. No evidence or history of civilian conviction, LOR, Article 15, or court martial conviction of Category 1, 2, or 3 offenses. These are grounds for withdrawal of the AFSC, if deemed appropriate by the Unit commander. Category 4 traffic offenses alone are not disqualifying. Offenses are described and listed in DAFMAN 36-2032, Military Recruiting and Accessions, Attachment 2 and Table A2.2. Never received non-judicial punishment under the UCMJ for offenses involving substantiated drug abuse as defined in DAFI 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program. Members receiving ADAPT treatment for 180 consecutive days or more may have their AFSC withdrawn for mental, physical or emotional reasons as defined in DAFI31-117, Arming and Use of Force. Never received a prohibitor outlined in Title 18 USC §922. This includes a qualifying conviction in accordance with the Gun Control Act of 1968 (Title 18 USC §922 (g)(9) - also known as the Lautenberg Amendment) or someone who may otherwise be ineligible to possess, transport, or receive a firearm in accordance with DoD and DAF policy. Must maintain local network access IAW AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management and AFMAN 17-1301, Computer Security. Must maintain a valid state driver's license to operate government motor vehicles IAW AFI24-301, Ground Transportation. Specialty requires routine access to Tier 3 (T3) information, systems, or similar classified environments. For AFSCs 3P0XX, at a minimum, completion of a current T3 Investigation IAW DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 16-1405, Department of the Air Force Personnel Security Program, is mandatory. Certain positions within this specialty) require routine access to Tier 5 (T5) material or similar environment. Completion of a current T5 Investigation will be IAW DoDM 5200.02, DAFMAN 16-1405, Department of the Air Force Personnel Security Program. NOTE: Award of the entry-level AFSC without a completed T3 Investigation is authorized provided an interim Secret security clearance has been IAW DoDM 5200.02, DAFMAN 16 -1405 Department of the Air Force Personnel Security Program.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Interested applicants must submit the following documentation to be considered for interview. Any missing items are encouraged to be documented with an explanation in the cover letter included in the application.
APPLICATIONS WILL INCLUDE (All documents must be personally identifiable and must include date if required)
  • Cover letter with Job Announcement Number and Position Title for which you are applying, current Military Status (AGR, Te...