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Explosive Detection Dog Handler Jobs in California

Constellis

Junior K9 Handler

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Conduct authorized representative duties related to X-Ray, physical search, and explosive trace detection as needed * Perform Junior Handler duties while commanding a trained working dog

Constellis

Junior K9 Handler

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Conduct authorized representative duties related to X-Ray, physical search, and explosive trace detection as needed * Perform Junior Handler duties while commanding a trained working dog

Constellis

Junior K9 Handler

Los Angeles, CA

$25 - $27/hr

Conduct authorized representative duties related to X-Ray, physical search, and explosive trace detection as needed * PerformJuniorHandler duties while commanding a trained working dog * Responsible ...

covenant

ONT Cargo Screener

Ontario, CA · On-site

$27/hr

... Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) equipment, and other approved screening technology. • Perform ... dogs are regularly present. • Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Salinas, CA

$18.75 - $24/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 ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

San Diego, CA

$17.50 - $22.25/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 ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Kerman, CA

$16.75 - $21.25/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 ...

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Explosive Detection Dog Handler information

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$9

$17

$23

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosive detection dog handler in California is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.51 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 California?

For Explosive Detection Dog Handler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Explosive Detection Dog Handler jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Explosive Detection Dog Handler jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Explosive Detection Dog Handler jobs?

Cities in California with the most Explosive Detection Dog Handler job openings:

Explosive Detection Dog Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Explosive Detection Dog Handler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,884 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Multi-Purpose Canine Trainer

K2K9 SOLUTIONS LLC

Coronado, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Position: Multi-Purpose Canine Trainer

 Location: Coronado, CA
 Job Type: Full-Time
****Must be eligible to obtain a SECRET Security Clearance****

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

  • Provide recommendations for MPC (Multi-Purpose Canine) and canine puppy physical conditioning program.
  • Provide recommendations for students and MPC Handler initial and sustainment training and evaluation.
  • MPC and Handler training, equipment, and SOP testing and evaluation (T&E) services.
  • Provide canine adult and canine puppy selection recommendations for Government supplied Canine adults and canine puppies.
  • Coordinate requests for resources (training locations, equipment, personnel) to the government.
  • Attend meetings, conferences, and training events, and provide subject matter expert level recommendations to MPC program personnel on the following topics:
    • MPC and canine puppy initial, corrective, and sustainment training methods
    • MPC and canine puppy physical conditioning methods
    • MPC Handler initial, corrective, and sustainment training methods
    • Operational utilization of the MPC Team
    • MPC Team specific equipment
  • Perform standardized MPC and canine puppy training:
  • Initial training to prepare MPCs to join an MPC Team and be utilized during a Handler Course 
  • Initial training to prepare canine puppies for MPC selection.
  • Perform independently or supervise the MPC Handler execution of the MPC and canine
  • puppy physical conditioning program to include rehabilitation.
  • Provide evaluation, appropriate initial stabilization, and transportation for MPC and
  • puppy illness and injury.
  • Provide initial training and sustainment training to all MPC Handler and MPC Teams to perform all NSW MPC Team capabilities.
  • Tactical obedience
  • Explosives detection (on and off leash)
  • Bite work/Patrol (on and off leash)
  • Tracking (urban and rural)
  • Infiltration
  • Rappel (helicopter and structure)
  • Hoist and lower
  • Military and non-standard ground vehicles

Certifications

  • Shall possess, or obtain via completion of a Government-supplied program of instruction, qualifications in the following areas:
    • Rope operations
    • Third Class Swim Qualification
    • NSW MPC medical care
    • Shall possess or obtain via completion of a Government-supplied program of instruction the following certifications within thirty days of contract award:
    • Class C or military vehicle equivalent driver’s license
    • Explosives handling and transportation personnel qualification and certification in accordance with OPNAVINST 8023.24B.
    • All government supplied certifications listed above not previously held must be obtained within the first 6 months of employment.

Training

  • Successful completion of the following courses:
    • Canine handler course
    • Canine handler instructor course
    • Acceptable courses are those recognized by the following organizations:
    • Department of Defense
    • Department of Homeland Security
    • American Working Dog Association
    • North American Police Work Dog Association
    • International Police Work Dog Association

Experience

  • Shall meet at least one of the following categories for experience:

EITHER shall have a minimum of five years’ experience within the past seven years of direct hands-on training of both handlers and canines in all of the following areas:

  • Tactical obedience
  • Explosives detection (on and off leash)
  • Bite work/Patrol (on and off leash)
  • Tracking (urban and rural)

OR shall have a minimum of one years’ experience in the above and at least four years as a canine handler assigned to a USSOCOM unit.

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