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Detection Dog Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Damascus, OR

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Cedar Mill, OR

$18 - $22.75/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

West Linn, OR

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Banks, OR

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Ridgefield, WA

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Scappoose, OR

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Canby, OR

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Camas, WA

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Columbia City, OR

$19.50 - $24.75/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Forest Grove, OR

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

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All JobsDetection Dog JobsDetection Dog Jobs in Portland, OR

Detection Dog information

See Portland, OR salary details

$8

$27

$82

How much do detection dog jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for detection dog in Portland, OR is $27.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.92 and $29.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a detection dog?

A Detection Dog is a specially trained canine that uses its keen sense of smell to locate specific substances, such as drugs, explosives, or missing persons. These dogs work with law enforcement, military, customs, and search-and-rescue teams to detect illegal or dangerous items. Their training focuses on odor recognition, obedience, and task-specific behaviors to ensure accuracy. Detection dogs play a crucial role in public safety and security efforts worldwide.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a detection dog and their handler?

A Detection Dog and their handler typically start each day with routine training exercises to maintain scent detection accuracy and reinforce obedience commands. On duty, teams may be assigned to search luggage, vehicles, buildings, or outdoor areas for substances such as drugs, explosives, or other contraband, depending on their specialization. The work often involves varied environments, from airports to warehouses or public events, requiring adaptability and teamwork. Handlers closely monitor their dog's behavior and cues, ensuring safety and accuracy throughout each assignment. Regular care, socialization, and downtime are also important parts of the daily routine for a Detection Dog.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the detection dog position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Detection Dog, a keen sense of smell, strong focus, and high trainability are essential, typically demonstrated through specialized training and certification for scent detection. Most detection dogs undergo rigorous training using specific odor recognition tools and may require certification from organizations like the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association or similar bodies. A calm temperament, adaptability, and strong working relationship with their handler are crucial soft skills for this role. These qualifications ensure that detection dogs can reliably and safely perform their duties in diverse and dynamic environments.

What are popular job titles related to Detection Dog jobs in Portland, OR?

For Detection Dog jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Detection Dog jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Detection Dog jobs in Portland, OR are:

Detection Dog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detection Dog job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,176 per year, or $27 per hour.

Canine Obedience/Dog Trainer

Tigard, OR • On-site

Hannah Pet Hospital
Veterinary Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Hannah Pet Hospitalexternal

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Purpose
The primary purpose and function of the Hannah B.E.S.T (Behavior Education Support amp; Training) Trainer is to deliver Hannah’s training services in a manner that supports positive Pet behavior, strong Member engagement, and safe, effective handling of Hannah Pets. The Trainer implements Hannah’s training curriculum, provides standardized training and behavior guidance to Members, and helps set Pets and their families up for long-term success in the home.
Valuable Final Products
  • Pets - – Improved behavior and enhanced quality of life for Hannah Pets
  • Members – Highly satisfied Members who retain enrollment and refer others
  • Team Members – Skilled Trainers assist hospital efficiency by making Pets safer and easier to handle
  • Growth – Consistently increasing Member engagement and training participation
  • Membership – Sustained growth in active enrollments and membership retention
Essential Functions
  • Model and uphold Hannah’s principles and standards of professional conduct.
  • Consistently implement Hannah’s training curriculum and behavioral standards.
  • Deliver training services in alignment with Hannah’s mission, brand standards, and approved methods.
  • Provide friendly, caring, courteous, and professional communication with Members and coworkers.
  • Demonstrate active listening skills and compassion using Hannah-approved and brand-friendly vocabulary.
  • Derive personal satisfaction from delivering exceptional Hannah Member experiences.
  • Keep Members engaged and interested in learning by providing fun, supportive training environments that help them feel good about their progress.
  • Build positive relationships with a diverse group of Members and respond appropriately to immediate class or training needs.
  • Present training concepts and practical skills in a manner that is easy for Members to understand and apply at home.
  • Maintain a highly organized, systematic approach to assignments, effectively turning confusion into clarity and chaos into order.
  • Maintain a positive outlook, rebound quickly from frustrations and unpleasantness, and uphold composure and a friendly demeanor while dealing with stressful situations.
  • Use safe Pet handling practices to avoid injury and protect Pets, Members, and Team Members.
  • Display confidence around Members, dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
Duties
  • Teach Hannah’s training curriculum using approved guidelines, methods, and timeframes.
  • Provide Members with standardized training and behavior recommendations within the scope of the role.
  • Answer Member questions regarding training and behavior using Hannah-approved guidance.
  • Accurately track attendance, participation, and related training records as assigned.
  • Support strong Member engagement and participation in Hannah’s training services.
  • Collaborate with Lead Trainers and hospital teams to support Pet and Member success.
  • Escalate higher-level or complex behavior and training concerns to the Lead Trainer as appropriate.
  • Support curriculum consistency by following approved training materials and communicating identified needs or improvement opportunities to leadership.
  • Help maintain a safe environment during all training sessions and Pet interactions.
  • Support onboarding and orientation of new Trainers or training support staff as requested.
  • Contribute to marketing, outreach, and promotional efforts related to training services as assigned.
  • Understand classical and operant conditioning and how they apply to positive reinforcement, lure-reward, and behavior capture training methods.
Acceptable Experience, Training, and Education
  • Previous professional experience as a Trainer or Training Assistant preferred.
  • Previous internship or hands-on experience in animal training or animal behavior support preferred.
  • Experience teaching group classes and/or private training sessions preferred.
  • Knowledge of positive reinforcement training and learning theory required.
  • Experience working with dogs preferred; experience working with cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs is a plus.
  • Related experience in a veterinary hospital, boarding, grooming, daycare, or other Pet care environment preferred.
  • CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator, or other professional training credentials preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills required.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with leadership and cross-functional hospital teams required.
Or equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Essential Physical Abilities
  • Ability to stand for up to 4 hours prior to taking a break.
  • Ability to walk, move, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
  • Ability to use hands and fingers to operate, activate, detect, and position.
  • Ability to lift a 40 lb. dog onto an exam table.
  • Ability to hear and communicate by voice or phone in an environment with a moderately high noise volume.
  • Ability to see in order to determine, perceive, identify, recognize, judge, observe, inspect, estimate, and assess.
  • Routine exposure to biological hazards and medication/controlled substances.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment while maintaining focus, accuracy, professionalism, and resiliency in challenging situations.

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