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Explosive Detection Dog Handler Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Constellis

K9 Handler

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Handler Position The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules ... One to two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Miami, FL

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

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

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Tampa, FL · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Pensacola, FL · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Miami, FL · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Orlando, FL · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Lake Worth, FL · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Hialeah, FL · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Melbourne, FL · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

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Explosive Detection Dog Handler information

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosive detection dog handler in Florida is $13.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $13.99 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 Florida?

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

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

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

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

Cities in Florida 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 Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,929 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

K9 Handler

Constellis

Tampa, FL • On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Constellis rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 116 rated security

Job description

Handler Position

The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4–8 weeks minimum team training course and certification prior to mobilization to the assigned location.

Responsibilities
  • Participate in CCSP related training to search cargo and identify threats
  • Conduct authorized representative duties related to X-Ray, physical search, and trace detection as needed
  • Perform Handler duties while commanding a trained working dog
  • Handler will be responsible for maintaining training records
  • Handler will be responsible for care and maintenance of assigned canine. The assigned canine must be permitted to live inside the employee's residence. The employee's residence must be adequate, indoor, and climate-controlled for the canine. The canine living area at the employee's residence is subject to reoccurring inspections
  • Must maintain all job-related certifications and required security clearances
  • Must be willing to operate company vehicle (during on-site training)
  • Work conditions can vary from a busy training environment to field work, both subject to frequent interruptions. Frequent work outside and in inclement weather conditions is required, including heat, cold, and humidity. May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. Work hours will be dictated by the customers agreed upon schedule. Nights, weekends, and holiday hours will be required, and the work schedule will vary. Travel may also be required.
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Must have held citizenship for a minimum of three years prior to date of application
  • One to two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational environment
  • Must be able to obtain a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within four to six weeks of employment
  • Must be able to obtain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge within four to six weeks of employment
  • Must be able to obtain a Security Threat Assessment (STA) for Airport Badge within four to six weeks of employment
  • Must have adequate transportation to transport assigned Canine and Crate (inside the vehicle) to/from assigned work location; transportation must have operational climate control
  • Must be able to pass the applicable Contract Testing and Certifications for the program within four to six weeks of employment; candidate must maintain the certification requirements
  • Must have a valid driver's license and a clear driving record for the last three years
  • Driver's license must be compliant with REAL ID standards or possess a valid U.S. passport in addition to a valid driver's license.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills with all levels of the organization
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage time and multiple priorities to completion
  • Problem solving skills with an analytical thought process
  • Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment
  • Must be able to lift and carry various items weighing up to 100 lbs. Requires standing for long periods of time in all weather conditions. Requires intermittent sitting, walking, running, climbing, squatting, stretching, bending, and kneeling. Requires constant use of hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms

Equal Opportunity Employer

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