1

Explosive Dog Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Explosive Dog Handler information

See salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do explosive dog handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosive dog 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 is an Explosive Dog Handler job?

An Explosive Dog Handler is responsible for working with specially trained dogs to detect explosives in various environments, such as airports, public events, or military operations. Handlers train, care for, and guide their dogs to identify potential threats and ensure public safety. They often collaborate with law enforcement, military, or private security teams. This role requires strong teamwork skills, patience, and knowledge of canine behavior. Handlers must also maintain their dog's health and ongoing training to ensure effectiveness in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Explosive Dog Handler position, and why are they important?

Excelling as an Explosive Dog Handler requires expertise in canine behavior, scent detection, and safe search techniques, often backed by law enforcement or military experience and relevant K9 handler certifications. Familiarity with explosive detection tools, training aids, and communication systems is essential for operational effectiveness. Strong observational skills, calmness under pressure, and the ability to build trust with both dogs and human teams help handlers stand out in the field. These skills ensure reliable threat detection, successful teamwork, and safety in potentially hazardous environments.

What does a typical workday look like for an Explosive Dog Handler?

A typical day for an Explosive Dog Handler often involves conducting regular training exercises with your dog to maintain proficiency, performing routine equipment checks, and actively searching designated areas such as airports, public venues, or transportation hubs for potential explosive threats. Handlers also document their findings, participate in briefings with security teams, and may provide demonstrations or training to other personnel. The role frequently requires adaptability, as assignments can vary daily and may include responding to urgent calls or working extended hours during special events. Working closely with law enforcement, security staff, and other handlers is a routine and essential part of the job.

More about Explosive Dog Handler jobs
What cities are hiring for Explosive Dog Handler jobs? Cities with the most Explosive Dog Handler job openings:
What states have the most Explosive Dog Handler jobs? States with the most job openings for Explosive Dog Handler jobs include:
Explosive Detection Canine (K9) Handler

Explosive Detection Canine (K9) Handler

Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services

Chicago, IL • On-site

$30.10/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Allied Universal rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 2,400 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 100 rated security


Job description

Our canine group, under Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services, is hiring an Explosive Detection Canine (K9) Handler. The Explosive Detection K9 Handler partners with a trained Explosive Detection Canine (EDC), or “K9”, to conduct searches in/at assigned client sites, including corporate buildings, loading docks, delivery vehicles, open areas and/or other situations as needed.

Ready to make a difference as a canine handler.

Previous canine experience is not required, paid training provided.

Pay Rate: $30.10 per hour

Canine stipend / training and care provided.

Required for this position minimum of two yearsone of these qualifications'military, law enforcement or corrections.

Must have a private vehicle to transport K9 partner, they cannot be transported via public transportation.

Must be able to accommodate housing for K9 partner; K9 partner resides with you.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Partner with a trained Explosive Detection K9 to conduct searches in/at assigned client sites, including corporate buildings, loading docks, delivery vehicles, open areas and/or other situations as needed
  • Assist and liaise effectively with the client’s security manager, law enforcement agencies, security personnel, and local partners or their representatives in the execution of the security protocols as agreed to and described in the specific post orders for each post
  • Properly train the Explosive Detection K9, in accordance with Company policy, each day and ensuring their safety and well-being
  • Adhere to all regulatory or other protocols, including the use of any required technology

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required prior to employment
  • Must possess a minimum of two (2) years in one or more of the following:
    • Service in any military branch (including Guard and Reserve)
    • Law enforcement role, with a completed accredited Law Enforcement Academy (Municipal/State/Federal)
    • Municipal or federal correctional officer, including attending a full-time accredited LE/Corrections Academy (must have enforcement responsibilities)
  • Possess adequate living environment to allow for the proper exercise and training of the K9
  • Access to reliable transportation sufficient to allow the safe transportation of the K9 to and from work
  • Willingness and ability to be available for incident/emergency response duty, standby duty, and client demonstrations, which includes various days and hours

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Service in Military Occupational Specialty related to law enforcement, security (such as Military Police, Elite Military Forces, combat arms) or any support role in a Combat Zone
  • Prior civilian or military K9 handler experience
  • Completion of a full military handler course
  • Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement or criminal justice related studies
  • A minimum of 8 or more years of service in any military branch

BENEFITS:

  • Medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) plan, Eligible for our company's retirement plans
  • Paid time off offered at an accrual rate of 1 hour per 25 hours worked on a weekly basis
  • Eight paid holidays (subject to eligibility)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee discounts through our perks program to your favorite restaurants, entertainment venues, and much more!

What Allied Universal employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Allied Universal logo

About Allied Universal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Allied Universal® is a leading security and facility services company. We provide proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow our clients to focus on their core business. Our excellence starts with our local leadership and local presence. Operating in more than 90 countries, our global workforce of approximately 800,000 people. Employees help to deliver our promise globally and locally: keeping people safe so our customers and communities can thrive. As we build the world's best services company, we continue to expand our footprint and infrastructure on a global and local level. In North America, we operate our business under the existing Allied Universal brand, and our international business operates under the G4S brand.

Industry

Investigation and physical security services, chemical manufacturing and real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Ana, CA, US