1

Explosive Detection Canine Handler Jobs in Michigan

Police Officer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$68K/yr

... detective * Future opportunities may be available in the command officer bargaining unit Police ... Performs tasks assigned to specialized units which may include Canine, Explosive Ordinance Disposal ...

Explosive Detection Canine Handler information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do explosive detection canine handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosive detection canine handler in Michigan is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an explosive detection canine handler?

An Explosive Detection Canine Handler is responsible for working with a specially trained dog to detect explosives in various environments, such as airports, public events, and secure facilities. Handlers train, care for, and deploy their canines to identify potential threats using their keen sense of smell. They often assist law enforcement, military, or private security teams to ensure public safety. The role requires strong teamwork between the handler and the dog, as well as extensive training in detection techniques and emergency response.

What does an explosive detection canine handler do?

A typical workday for an Explosive Detection Canine Handler involves conducting security sweeps with your canine partner in areas such as airports, event venues, transportation hubs, or commercial buildings. You will inspect vehicles, baggage, and facilities for explosive materials, respond to alerts, and maintain detailed training and activity records. Handlers routinely train and care for their dogs to ensure peak performance, often collaborating closely with security officers, law enforcement personnel, and site management. The role can include irregular hours, long periods of walking or standing, and the need for constant vigilance. This dynamic work environment offers the opportunity to make a critical impact on public safety while developing a strong partnership with your canine.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an explosive detection canine handler?

To thrive as an Explosive Detection Canine Handler, you need expertise in canine behavior, scent detection training, and safety protocols, often supported by law enforcement or military experience and specialized canine handler certification. Familiarity with detection equipment, radio communication systems, and standardized reporting procedures is typically required. Strong observational skills, patience, and effective communication are soft skills that set top handlers apart. These competencies are critical to ensure accurate threat detection, clear coordination with security teams, and maintaining safety in high-risk environments.

What are popular job titles related to Explosive Detection Canine Handler jobs in Michigan?

For Explosive Detection Canine Handler jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Explosive Detection Canine Handler jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Explosive Detection Canine Handler jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Explosive Detection Canine Handler jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Explosive Detection Canine Handler job openings:

Infographic showing various Explosive Detection Canine Handler job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,575 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

$68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Police Officer
Multiple Budgeted Positions Available
Annual Compensation Range: $68,988 entry to $89,679 with 4 years of service
Applicants with 3 years of experience as an MCOLES certified police officer and an active MCOLES certification are eligible for starting lateral pay of $75,881
Additional Compensation Opportunities:
  • Up to $3,500 for Special Skill positions
  • Pay for Performance bonus
  • Range qualification bonus
  • Holiday and shift premiums
  • Education Premium

Benefit Highlights:
  • Defined Contribution retirement plan with 4% employee contribution & 10% employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP)
  • BCBS PPO or HAP Medical (10% premium share), dental, vision, prescriptions life insurance, and ADD insurance provided. High deductible health plan/HSA option
  • Annual uniform/equipment allowance
  • Paid parental leave program
  • Full academic degree and tuition reimbursement program (bachelor & master degree)
  • Generous PTO (vacation, sick, holidays, other) no waiting period before use

Career Path Opportunities:
  • Advancement to Corporal and Senior Corporal based upon years of service
  • Special Skill positions including: special investigations, EOD, K-9, ID technician, range officer, special response unit, mountain bike, crisis Intervention, field training officer, detective
  • Future opportunities may be available in the command officer bargaining unit

Police Department Video
THIS POSITION IS REPRESENTED BY A UNION - POAM
A Brief Overview
Under the direct supervision of a Airport Police Sergeant, performs Peace Officer related duties that include enforcement of State and Local laws, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandated Airport Security Plan and Airport Authority Ordinances
The Police Department is a twenty-four-hour, seven-day operation. Work is generally performed during an eight-hour shift. An employee may find themselves located in a specific job assignment or on patrol in an Airport vehicle for the duration of the shift. Interaction with the general public, as well as Airport personnel can be expected on a regular basis. This position is part of a 24/7/365 day operation which will include: weekends, holidays and overtime
What you will do
  • Patrols Airport property in vehicles and on foot in order to ensure its general safety and prevent criminal activity
  • Responds to calls for assistance, such as passenger screening checkpoint alarms, burglary alarms, assaults, vehicle accidents, and criminal activity
  • Responds to emergency calls occurring on Airport Property such as airplane crashes, serious medical conditions i.e. heart attacks, bomb threats, potential hijacking, etc. Secures the scene of an emergency or crime; renders first aid and cardio pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and assists medical personnel as necessary
  • Conducts field interrogations and interviews witnesses; apprehends and/or arrests persons who violate State and Local laws and regulations; preserves the scene of the crime and evidence; transports and books offenders into a detention facility; participates in investigations; appears in Court to give testimony in arrest or other cases
  • Manages traffic and enforces traffic laws including issuance of Notices to Appear, accident and hit-and-run investigations and impaired driving arrests; directs traffic
  • Provides law enforcement support for pre-flight screening activities in Airport terminals per Airport Ordinances and TSA regulations in order to prevent unauthorized entry of persons or materials into terminal sterile areas, boarding ramps, aircraft or the airfield
  • Performs tasks assigned to specialized units which may include Canine, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), Special Response Unit (SRU), Bicycle, ID Technician, ASIU Investigation, to ensure effective performance of duty
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field, AND must have completed all requirements of MCOLES to become a sworn Michigan Law Enforcement Officer including successful completion of a police academy; Or
  • High School Diploma or Certificate of High School Equivalency AND must be a sworn or certifiable Michigan Law Enforcement Officer and meet all employment standards as defined by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES)
  • MCOLES Police Certification. Applicants currently attending an MCOLES Police Academy may be considered for employment upon completion & certification. Academy candidates are encouraged to apply.
  • Valid Driver's License and a safe, acceptable driving record.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None - Individual Contributor
Special Conditions
  • Have no felony convictions. Other convictions, arrests, and admissions will be reviewed
  • Must qualify for and Airport Security Badge
  • Must pass and maintain the qualifications of the Airfield Competency Test. (within probationary period)
  • Please submit proof of MCOLES eligibility/certification, academy completion at time of application
  • Applicants are encouraged to submit any instructor certifications at the time of application

Selection Process
Applicants are required to submit an online application at https://www.metroairport.com/business/employment/wcaa-jobs.
Qualified applicants may be subject to following pre-employment screening steps: oral interview, background check, MCOLES physical, psychological fitness, and drug screening.
Applicants should expect the entire process to take 3-4 months. Applicants not qualifying/selected will be informed in writing and may reapply after one year. Qualified applicants will be entered into the selection process as positions become available. Applicants selected for employment will be notified in writing of an employment start date.
The Wayne County Airport Authority is committed to provide an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination, prejudice, and bias. As part of this commitment, the Wayne County Airport Authority will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact humanresources@wcaa.us or (734) 942-3775