... handler for at least 18 months meet the mandated experience prerequisite to attend the DoD MWD ... or explosive items found by the team in the course of performing official duties or training.
... handler for at least 18 months meet the mandated experience prerequisite to attend the DoD MWD ... or explosive items found by the team in the course of performing official duties or training.
May be assigned to an explosive detection unit or as a patrol K-9 handler; * May be assigned to a federal or local task force or detail involving aviation-related criminal activity; * May be assigned ...
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May be assigned to an explosive detection unit or as a patrol K-9 handler; * May be assigned to a federal or local task force or detail involving aviation-related criminal activity; * May be assigned ...
May be assigned to an explosive detection unit or as a patrol K-9 handler; * May be assigned to a federal or local task force or detail involving aviation-related criminal activity; * May be assigned ...
May be assigned to an explosive detection unit or as a patrol K-9 handler; * May be assigned to a federal or local task force or detail involving aviation-related criminal activity; * May be assigned ...
Military Security Officer
Columbiana, AL · On-site
$17.75 - $22.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Columbiana, AL · On-site
$17.75 - $22.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
East Brewton, AL · On-site
$14 - $17.75/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
East Brewton, AL · On-site
$14 - $17.75/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Sterrett, AL · On-site
$15.50 - $19.75/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Sterrett, AL · On-site
$15.50 - $19.75/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Susan Moore, AL · On-site
$14.25 - $18.25/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Susan Moore, AL · On-site
$14.25 - $18.25/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Point Clear, AL · On-site
$16.25 - $20.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Point Clear, AL · On-site
$16.25 - $20.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Slocomb, AL · On-site
$15.75 - $20/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Slocomb, AL · On-site
$15.75 - $20/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Selma, AL · On-site
$15.75 - $20/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Selma, AL · On-site
$15.75 - $20/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Indian Springs Village, AL · On-site
$16 - $20.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Indian Springs Village, AL · On-site
$16 - $20.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Fort Deposit, AL · On-site
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Fort Deposit, AL · On-site
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Woodland, AL · On-site
$15.50 - $19.75/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Woodland, AL · On-site
$15.50 - $19.75/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Vandiver, AL · On-site
$15.25 - $19.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Vandiver, AL · On-site
$15.25 - $19.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Mountain Brook, AL · On-site
$16.50 - $20.75/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Mountain Brook, AL · On-site
$16.50 - $20.75/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Theodore, AL · On-site
$16.25 - $20.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Theodore, AL · On-site
$16.25 - $20.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Guin, AL · On-site
$10.25 - $13/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Guin, AL · On-site
$10.25 - $13/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Vernon, AL · On-site
$15.50 - $19.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Vernon, AL · On-site
$15.50 - $19.50/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Chatom, AL · On-site
$16.25 - $20.75/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Chatom, AL · On-site
$16.25 - $20.75/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Double Springs, AL · On-site
$14.25 - $18.25/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Military Security Officer
Double Springs, AL · On-site
$14.25 - $18.25/hr
... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ... Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader ...
Explosive Detection Dog Handler information
See Alabama salary details
$8.93 - $10.12
1% of jobs
$10.12 - $11.31
0% of jobs
$11.31 - $12.50
2% of jobs
$12.50 - $13.69
8% of jobs
$14.27 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.69 - $14.88
27% of jobs
The median wage is $15.50 / hr.
$14.88 - $16.06
21% of jobs
$16.77 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.06 - $17.25
25% of jobs
$17.25 - $18.44
6% of jobs
$18.44 - $19.63
3% of jobs
$19.63 - $20.82
1% of jobs
$20.82 - $22.01
4% of jobs
$8
$16
$22
How much do explosive detection dog handler jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosive detection dog handler in Alabama is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $16.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is an explosive detection dog handler?
An Explosive Detection Dog Handler is responsible for training and working with specially trained dogs to detect explosives in various environments, such as airports, public events, or security checkpoints. They ensure the dog's readiness through regular training, obedience exercises, and scent detection drills. Handlers often work with law enforcement, military, or private security firms to prevent potential threats. The role requires strong communication skills, patience, and knowledge of canine behavior. Proper certifications and training are typically required to work in this field.
What does an explosive detection dog handler do?
A typical day for an Explosive Detection Dog Handler involves conducting security sweeps with your canine partner in areas such as airports, public events, or transportation facilities. Handlers are responsible for maintaining the dog's training and well-being, performing operational searches, logging search results, and coordinating closely with security teams or law enforcement personnel. You may also need to attend briefings, assist in public demonstrations, and remain on-call for emergency responses. As part of a security team, regular communication and collaboration with supervisors, other handlers, and first responders are essential to ensuring public safety.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an explosive detection dog handler?
To thrive as an Explosive Detection Dog Handler, you generally need experience in canine behavior, knowledge of threat assessment, physical fitness, and often law enforcement or military training. Certification from recognized programs such as the TSA, ATF, or police K-9 units, as well as proficiency with radio communication and reporting systems, is frequently required. Excellent observational skills, patience, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills. These competencies are vital for ensuring safety, accurately detecting threats, and maintaining a reliable partnership with the working dog in high-stakes environments.
How to become an explosive detection dog handler?
To become an explosive detection dog handler, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, undergo specialized training in canine handling and explosive detection, and often complete certification programs. Prior experience in law enforcement, military, or security fields can be advantageous, and handlers must develop strong skills in obedience, communication, and situational awareness while working closely with trained detection dogs.
How to get into explosive detection dog handling?
To become an explosive detection dog handler, candidates typically need a background in law enforcement, military, or security work, along with training in canine handling and explosives detection. Certification programs and specialized training courses are often required, and handlers must develop skills in obedience, scent detection, and teamwork with the dog. Physical fitness and a clean background check are also important for employment in this field.
What are popular job titles related to Explosive Detection Dog Handler jobs in Alabama?
For Explosive Detection Dog Handler jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Explosive Detection Dog Handler jobs in Alabama look for?
The top searched job categories for Explosive Detection Dog Handler jobs in Alabama are:
LEAD POLICE OFFICER (MILITARY WORKING DOG)
Montgomery, AL
US Department of the Air Force
$58K/yr
Full-time
Posted 4 days ago
Job description
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Lead Police Officer for the Military Working Dog (MWD) Section. Administers a comprehensive specialized MWD training program to military and civilian teams and conduct on-post evaluations and prepares teams for certifications.Qualifications:Continued from Conditions of Employment:
This is a Term position NTE 24 Months; the individual selected for this position may be extended without further competition. Current Federal civilian employees may apply for this position using "Reinstatement" eligibility and if selected, a break in service of at least 3 calendar days may be required prior to appointment to this position.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Police Officer 0083 series.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which includes knowledge of standardized federal laws, regulations, methods, procedures, operating techniques, military instructions, state, and local laws to perform tasks including, but not limited to pursuing and apprehending persons fleeing a crime scene or attempting to resist arrest; identifying and arresting violators based on eyewitness accounts; performing dispatcher duties involving passing of directions and information to officers on patrol assignments; seeking, detecting, and protecting evidence and witnesses at the scene of an incident; detaining witnesses and suspects; and making arrests and performing booking procedures.; and knowledge of requirements of Military Working Dog (MWD) training, utilization and performance issues and maintains a detailed record of training and utilization of the team to include the number of checks, searches, responses and drug or explosive items found by the team in the course of performing official duties or training.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-08 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Lead Police Officer for the Military Working Dog (MWD) Section. Administers a comprehensive specialized MWD training program to military and civilian teams and conduct on-post evaluations and prepares teams for certifications.Qualifications:Continued from Conditions of Employment:
- The incumbent must pass formal law enforcement training school as determined by functional; a certificate from a federally recognized Law Enforcement Academy is preferred.
- The incumbent must be a graduate of an approved DoD military working dog formal training course or other federal agency-level working dog course that has been preapproved, in writing, by the career field functional manager and fulfilled duties as a MWD handler for at least 18 months meet the mandated experience prerequisite to attend the DoD MWD kennel master course to be a MWD trainer.
- The incumbent must be a prior graduate of the 341st TRS MWD kennel master course or must hold the requisite 18 months of MWD handler experience and successfully complete the course within 90 days of appointment as a MWD trainer.
- The incumbent must maintain a state of MWD team readiness, proficiency and preparedness to participate in no-notice or short-notice on or off installation MWD taskings supporting the DoD, other federal agencies and civil law enforcement organizations.
- The incumbent will be exposed to the day-to-day dangers associated with law enforcement, security, military working dog trainer duties and potential hazards associated with MWD training.
- The incumbent is required to obtain first responder training/certifications required in CPR techniques, self-aid buddy care, first aid and MWD first aid on a recurring basis.
- Recurring training is required to keep the incumbent knowledgeable on the updated specialized tactics, techniques and procedures necessary for preparation and response to catastrophic events, terrorist attacks and related threats to installations.
- The incumbent is required to have the ability to employ 'infantry/SWAT' small unit tactics involving fire and maneuver, with rapid advancing movement between defensive positions, while wearing protective gear for extended periods of time, (e.g. employing "Active Shooter" response tactics and techniques as a member of a small team is required).
- This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. IAW DoDI 3020- 42, Defense Continuity Programs.
This is a Term position NTE 24 Months; the individual selected for this position may be extended without further competition. Current Federal civilian employees may apply for this position using "Reinstatement" eligibility and if selected, a break in service of at least 3 calendar days may be required prior to appointment to this position.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Police Officer 0083 series.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which includes knowledge of standardized federal laws, regulations, methods, procedures, operating techniques, military instructions, state, and local laws to perform tasks including, but not limited to pursuing and apprehending persons fleeing a crime scene or attempting to resist arrest; identifying and arresting violators based on eyewitness accounts; performing dispatcher duties involving passing of directions and information to officers on patrol assignments; seeking, detecting, and protecting evidence and witnesses at the scene of an incident; detaining witnesses and suspects; and making arrests and performing booking procedures.; and knowledge of requirements of Military Working Dog (MWD) training, utilization and performance issues and maintains a detailed record of training and utilization of the team to include the number of checks, searches, responses and drug or explosive items found by the team in the course of performing official duties or training.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-08 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
- Knowledge of military working dog procedures, training requirements and operating methods required to train military working dog handler to perform their full range of police officer.
- Knowledge of the practices, methods and techniques for functioning as a quick reaction force team member in support of integrated base defense of the operation of weapons and utilization of a military working dog.
- Knowledge of special operating requirements, methods, and procedures for enforcing access controls and preventing unauthorized access to areas where stringent security requirements are enforced.
- Knowledge of the rights of detained individuals and organizational rules regarding the appropriate use of force to be used in carrying out official duties.
- Knowledge of the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary for preparation and response to catastrophic events attacks, and other related threats to the installations.
- Ability to establish priorities, monitor work flow, make adjustments in work assignments, provide on-the-job training and guidance, and provide feedback and instructions from supervisor.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER