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Explosive Dog Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K9 Handler

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Perform Handler duties while commanding a trained explosive working dog * Handler will be responsible for maintaining training records * Handler will be responsible for care and maintenance of ...

K9 Handler

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Perform Handler duties while commanding a trained explosive working dog * Handler willbe responsible formaintainingtraining records * Handlerwillbe responsible forcareand maintenance ofassignedcanine.

Lead Handler

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Lead Handler will be responsible for overseeing the Handlers to ensure cargo ... Two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ...

K9 Handler

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Perform Handler duties while commanding a trained explosive working dog * Handler willbe responsible formaintainingtraining records * Handlerwillbe responsible forcareand maintenance ofassignedcanine.

K9 Handler

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$25 - $27/hr

The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeksminimum team training course and certification ... Two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ...

K9 Handler

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Perform Handler duties while commanding a trained explosive working dog * Handler will be responsible for maintaining training records * Handler will be responsible for care and maintenance of ...

Lead Handler

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Lead Handler will be responsible for overseeing the Handlers to ensure cargo ... Two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ...

K9 Handler

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$25 - $27/hr

The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeksminimum team training course and certification ... Two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ...

K9 Handler

Elk Grove Village, IL ยท On-site

$25 - $27/hr

The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course and certification ... Two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ...

K9 Handler with Security Clearance

Miami, FL

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

... trained explosive 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 ...

K9 Handler

Elk Grove Village, IL ยท On-site

$25 - $27/hr

The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course and certification ... Two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ...

K9 Handler

Hebron, KY ยท On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

The Handler willbe requiredto complete a 4-8 weeksminimumteam training course and certification ... One to two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ...

K9 Handler

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$29 - $31/hr

The Handler willbe requiredto complete a 4-8 weeksminimumteam training course and certification ... One to two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ...

K9 Handler

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$27 - $32/hr

The Handler willbe requiredto complete a 4-8 weeksminimumteam training course and certification ... One to two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ...

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Explosive Dog Handler information

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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:
Security K9 Handler - Explosive Detection

Security K9 Handler - Explosive Detection

Nation Security

Wilmington, NC โ€ข On-site

$35K - $44K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Nation Security Services LLC is seeking professional, motivated, and dependable Security K9 Handlers to support a wide range of protective operations, including maritime and cargo facilities, stadiums and large venues, special events, and executive protection assignments.
Handlers will deploy with a trained Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) as part of an integrated security team to deter, detect, and respond to explosive threats in dynamic, high-visibility environments.
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct proactive explosive detection screening operations in environments such as cargo facilities, ports, vessels, stadiums, event sites, transportation hubs, and executive protection details
  • Operate independently and as part of a coordinated security team
  • Ensure proper handling, care, training, housing, and welfare of the assigned canine
  • Maintain accurate training, deployment, and operational documentation
  • Comply with all Nation Security Services policies, client requirements, and applicable regulatory standards
  • Maintain a professional appearance, conduct, and demeanor at all times
  • Adapt to changing mission requirements, schedules, and operational environments
  • Travel as required for training, temporary duty assignments, and deployments

Canine Responsibilities
  • Daily feeding, grooming, conditioning, and health monitoring of assigned canine
  • Conduct regular maintenance and proficiency training
  • Ensure canine readiness for deployment at all times
  • Immediately report any medical, behavioral, or performance issues

Requirements
  • U.S. citizen or national
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid driver's license (REAL ID compliant preferred)
  • Must possess a personally owned vehicle capable of safely transporting a working K9
  • Ability to pass background investigation and drug screening
  • Nation Security Services LLC is a drug-free workplace
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances and credentials (as applicable per contract)
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in high-responsibility environments
  • Ability to work independently and in team-based operations
  • Must be willing and able to travel

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to handle and control a working canine weighing 50-90 lbs
  • Ability to stand, walk, patrol, and work on foot for extended periods
  • Ability to bend, kneel, lift, and carry equipment and canine-related supplies
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and cold
  • Ability to work in loud, crowded, or confined environments such as ports, vessels, stadiums, and event venues

Work Schedule & Deployment Requirements
  • Must be available to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours
  • Assignments may include temporary deployments ranging from short-term special events to longer-term contract support
  • Overtime and irregular schedules may be required based on operational needs

Housing & Equipment Requirements
  • Must maintain canine housing that meets Nation Security Services LLC K9 housing standards, including safety, cleanliness, climate considerations, and security
  • Compliance with all company canine care, housing, and welfare policies is mandatory

Preferred Experience
  • Prior experience as a Security K9 Handler, Military Working Dog handler, Law Enforcement K9 handler, or private sector detection handler
  • Experience in cargo, maritime security, large venues, special events, or executive protection
  • Familiarity with third-party explosive detection canine certification standards (including 3PK9)

Training & Certification Requirements
  • Completion of a recognized third-party explosive detection canine certification (provided or coordinated by Nation Security Services LLC if required)
  • Completion of Nation Security Services LLC Explosive Detection Canine Handler Training
  • 8 weeks for non-experienced handlers
  • 4 weeks for experienced handlers
  • Training location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Language:
  • English (Required)
  • Spanish (Required)

Benefits
  • Employee assistance program