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Entry Level K9 Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Byers K9 Services | BKS Security

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K9 Handler

Longmont, CO · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Starting Pay Starting pay begins at $25.00 per hour for new or entry-level handlers. Higher starting wages may be considered based upon: * Previous security experience * Previous K9 handling ...

Byers K9 Services | BKS Security

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K9 Handler

Longmont, CO · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Starting Pay Starting pay begins at $25.00 per hour for new or entry-level handlers. Higher starting wages may be considered based upon: * Previous security experience * Previous K9 handling ...

City of Tigard

Entry Level Police Officer

Portland, OR

$86K - $107K/yr

... K9 handler, Drone Operator, Police Motorcycle, Detective, School Resource Officer, Crisis ... An email with an internal link to the Entry Level Police Officer position will be sent once ...

City of Tigard, OR

Entry Level Police Officer

Tigard, OR · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

... Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more ... K9 handler, Drone Operator, Police Motorcycle, Detective, School Resource Officer, Crisis ...

Racine County, WI

Deputy Sheriff

Racine, WI · On-site

$31.20 - $43.06/hr

Key Responsibilities A Deputy Sheriff holding the rank of "Deputy" is an entry level sworn law ... Strategic Patrol Unit, Warrants Unit, K9 Handler, Courthouse Security, Domestic Violence Specialist ...

Racine, County of (WI)

Deputy Sheriff

Racine, WI

$31.20 - $43.06/hr

Key Responsibilities A Deputy Sheriff holding the rank of "Deputy" is an entry level sworn law ... Strategic Patrol Unit, Warrants Unit, K9 Handler, Courthouse Security, Domestic Violence Specialist ...

City of San Diego

Police Officer I

San Diego, CA

$85K - $93K/yr

Detective, SWAT, New Technologies, K9 Handler, Beach Patrol and Motor Officer, among others. SDPD ... an entry-level position. If you have not graduated from a California P.O.S.T. academy or do not ...

City of San Diego, CA

Police Officer I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $93K/yr

Detective, SWAT, New Technologies, K9 Handler, Beach Patrol and Motor Officer, among others. SDPD ... Police officer I is not an entry-level position. If you have not graduated from a California P.O.S.

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Entry Level K9 Handler information

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How much do entry level k9 handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level k9 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level K9 Handler position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level K9 Handler, you need a foundational understanding of animal behavior, basic obedience training, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers requiring prior experience with dogs. Familiarity with training equipment, scent detection tools, and basic safety protocols is often important, and completion of certification programs in canine handling can provide an advantage. Strong communication, patience, and teamwork skills help handlers train dogs effectively and interact with supervisors and the public. These capabilities are crucial to ensure the safety, well-being, and performance of both the handler and the K9 partner in a variety of real-world environments.

What does a typical day look like for an entry level K9 Handler?

A typical day for an entry level K9 Handler involves caring for and training their assigned dog, conducting obedience or scent detection exercises, and maintaining accurate training records. Handlers often work alongside experienced trainers or law enforcement officers, participating in team briefings or joint exercises to ensure effective communication and safety. Regular tasks include grooming the dog, inspecting equipment, and sometimes assisting in live demonstrations or community events. While the work can involve irregular hours and physically demanding activities, it offers hands-on experience and opportunities to advance to higher-level roles with additional training and proven performance.

What is an Entry Level K9 Handler job?

An Entry Level K9 Handler is responsible for working with trained dogs to perform tasks such as security, detection, or search and rescue. Handlers assist in training, care, and deployment of the K9 while following protocols to ensure safety and efficiency. These roles are often found in law enforcement, military, private security, or search and rescue organizations. Entry-level positions typically require basic canine handling experience, physical fitness, and strong communication skills. Some employers may provide on-the-job training or require certification.

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Entry Level K9 Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level K9 Handler job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,374 per year, or $18 per hour.

K9 Handler

Byers K9 Services | BKS Security

Longmont, CO • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

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Job description

K9 Security Handler (Construction Patrol)

Byers K9 Services | Longmont, Colorado

Starting Pay: $25.00 per hour (DOE)
Job Type: Full-Time / Overnight
Location: Longmont, CO

About the Position

Official start time is in August. Waiting to hear a more approximate date. Trainings are available until then every Wednesday 9am-1pm.

Byers K9 Services is seeking professional, motivated individuals to join our growing K9 division. This is not an explosive detection or narcotics detection position. This is a construction site security patrol position utilizing professionally trained patrol K9s to provide a highly visible security presence and deter criminal activity.

Our handlers are responsible for protecting multi-million-dollar construction projects from trespassing, theft, vandalism, and fire-related hazards during overnight hours.

This position requires maturity, accountability, confidence, and the ability to work independently for extended periods.

Work Schedule

Current site coverage includes:

  • Monday-Friday: 4:00 PM - 6:00 AM
  • Saturday: 24-hour coverage
  • Sunday: 24-hour coverage

Schedules are assigned based on operational needs and may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Starting Pay

Starting pay begins at $25.00 per hour for new or entry-level handlers.

Higher starting wages may be considered based upon:

  • Previous security experience
  • Previous K9 handling experience
  • Military or law enforcement background
  • Overall qualifications and demonstrated professionalism

Experience is evaluated based on both security and K9 backgrounds, not simply one or the other.

Position Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Conduct continuous foot patrols throughout active construction sites
  • Deploy with a trained patrol K9
  • Deter trespassing, theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access
  • Identify safety hazards including fire risks and unsecured areas
  • Check gates, fencing, equipment, materials, and buildings
  • Document incidents and complete electronic reports
  • Communicate with supervisors and law enforcement when necessary
  • Maintain control and professionalism while handling a working patrol dog
  • Properly care for assigned K9 during each shift

The primary mission is simple:

Protect the property, keep unauthorized people off the site, and help ensure nothing happens that could damage or destroy the project.

K9 Transportation

Handlers are responsible for:

  • Picking up their assigned K9 from our kennel prior to shift
  • Transporting the K9 to the assigned job site
  • Returning the K9 to the kennel after shift completion

Mileage is reimbursed in accordance with company policy.

Travel time is not considered paid working time.

Physical Requirements

This is an active patrol position.

Applicants should expect:

  • Walking several miles each shift
  • Working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Overnight shifts
  • Standing for extended periods
  • Climbing stairs and uneven terrain
  • Handling strong, high-drive working dogs weighing 60-90+ pounds

This is not a stationary gate guard position.

Vehicle Requirements

Applicants must own:

  • SUV
  • Pickup Truck
  • Full-size crossover capable of safely transporting a working K9 crate

Sedans, compact cars, and coupes are not acceptable, as working dog transport crates do not fit safely inside these vehicles.

Reliable transportation is required.

Uniform Requirements

Byers K9 Services provides:

  • Uniform shirts
  • Company identification
  • Safety equipment
  • K9 equipment

Employees are responsible for purchasing company-approved:

  • Tactical pants
  • Duty belt
  • Black duty boots

All items must comply with company uniform policy.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Have a clean driving record
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Have reliable transportation
  • Own an SUV or pickup truck suitable for K9 transport
  • Be comfortable working nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Be physically capable of extensive walking and handling large working dogs
  • Demonstrate professionalism and strong communication skills
  • Be able to work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to applicants with experience in:

  • Security
  • Military
  • Law enforcement
  • Corrections
  • Animal handling
  • Working dogs
  • Construction site security

No prior K9 handling experience is required for the right candidate who demonstrates professionalism, discipline, and a willingness to learn.

About Byers K9 Services

Byers K9 Services provides professional security solutions throughout Colorado and surrounding states utilizing highly trained working dogs and experienced security professionals.

Our handlers are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and integrity while representing both the company and the K9 partner assigned to them.

If you're looking for a position where every shift matters and you're ready to work alongside a professional working dog, we'd like to hear from you.

Company Description

Byers K9 Services, operating as BKS Security, is a Colorado-based private security company providing professional security solutions across multiple industries and job sites throughout the United States. Our operations focus on construction security, patrol services, asset protection, mobile surveillance technology, and working K9 teams.
Our mission is simple: provide a visible, reliable, and proactive security presence that helps protect people, property, equipment, and project timelines.
We currently operate through three primary divisions:
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## K9 Division
Our K9 Division provides highly visible patrol teams for construction sites, industrial properties, commercial developments, events, and special assignments. These are patrol and deterrence-based teams designed to increase security presence, reduce trespassing, theft, vandalism, and unauthorized activity.
Services include:
* Construction site K9 patrol
* Vehicle and foot patrols
* Overnight security operations
* Access control support
* High-visibility deterrence patrols
* Incident response and reporting
We utilize both company-owned K9s and qualified handler-owned working dogs. Handlers receive ongoing weekly training to maintain operational standards and field readiness.
---
## Security Guard Division
Our Security Guard Division provides professional unarmed security personnel for construction sites, residential developments, commercial properties, industrial projects, events, and long-term contracts.
Services include:
* Static security posts
* Vehicle patrol
* Foot patrol
* Access control and gate management
* Alarm response
* Site documentation and reporting
* Fire watch services
* Overnight and weekend coverage
Our guards are expected to maintain professionalism, reliability, strong communication, and proactive patrol standards while representing both our company and our clients professionally.
---
## Mobile Surveillance Unit (MSU) Division
Our Mobile Surveillance Unit Division focuses on advanced remote security monitoring solutions designed for construction sites and remote properties. MSUs provide an added layer of security through live camera monitoring, lighting, recording systems, and rapid incident documentation.
Services include:
* Mobile camera trailer deployment
* Remote monitoring support
* Construction site surveillance
* Equipment and asset monitoring
* Temporary project security
* Supplemental overnight coverage
* Recorded incident footage and documentation
Our MSU division works alongside both our guard and K9 operations to create layered security solutions for clients needing additional visibility and protection.
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At Byers K9 Services, we believe security is built on visibility, accountability, professionalism, and consistency. We are continuously looking for dependable individuals who are motivated, professional, and ready to grow within the security industry.