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Explosives Detection Canine Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allied Universal

Canine Handler - Explosive Detection

Pampa, TX · On-site

$29.83/hr

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  • PTO

Specializing in canine explosives and firearm detection, we offer exciting career opportunities for ... Explore key roles such as canine officers, handlers, trainers, veterinary technicians, and kennel ...

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How much do explosives detection canine handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosives detection canine 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 explosives detection canine handler?

Explosives Detection Canine Handlers are specially trained professionals who work with dogs trained to detect explosives and other hazardous materials. They are responsible for guiding and handling their canine partners during security sweeps at airports, public events, transportation hubs, and other sensitive locations. These handlers ensure the safety of people and property by detecting potential threats before they become incidents. Their work often involves regular training exercises, maintaining the health and readiness of their dogs, and collaborating with law enforcement or security agencies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an explosives detection canine handler?

To thrive as an Explosives Detection Canine Handler, you need expertise in canine behavior, scent detection, and law enforcement or security protocols, often backed by specialized training and certification. Familiarity with canine handling equipment, detection aids, and reporting systems is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure effective threat detection, public safety, and seamless collaboration with security teams in high-stakes environments.

What are common challenges faced by explosives detection canine handlers?

Explosives Detection Canine Handlers often work in high-pressure environments where attention to detail and quick decision-making are crucial. One common challenge is maintaining the canine's focus and performance during long shifts or in distracting, crowded settings such as airports or event venues. Handlers must continually train and bond with their dogs to ensure effective detection and reliable responses. Additionally, adapting to changing schedules and collaborating closely with security teams and law enforcement are key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Explosives Detection Canine Handler vs Security Guard?

AspectExplosives Detection Canine HandlerSecurity Guard
CertificationsCanine handling, explosives detection certificationsSecurity license, first aid, surveillance training
Work EnvironmentAirports, military bases, event venuesBuildings, malls, private properties
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, security firmsPrivate companies, government facilities

Explosives Detection Canine Handlers specialize in working with trained dogs to detect explosives, often in high-security environments, requiring specific certifications. Security Guards provide general security services across various settings, focusing on access control and surveillance. While both roles ensure safety, Explosives Detection Canine Handlers have specialized training and work in more targeted, high-risk environments compared to Security Guards.

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Explosives Detection Canine Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Explosives Detection Canine Handler job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,374 per year, or $18 per hour.

Transportation Security Specialist- Explosives Detection Canine Handler

US Department of Homeland Security

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$93K/yr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago

U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 292 rated public sector bodies

Job description

The primary purpose of this Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives Detection Canine Handler position at a designated airport is to conduct Passenger Screening Canine (PSC) and other Explosives Detection Canine (EDC) threat assessment mitigation activities to ensure the safety of the traveling public and mitigate potential threats.Qualifications:To qualify for the SV-G Pay Band, you must meet one of the qualification requirements (A, B, OR C) as outlined below:
A. Experience: For those qualifying using experience, your application must clearly outline three (3) years of progressively responsible general experience, one (1) year of which was equivalent to at least the SV-F or GS-4 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent in the private sector. Such experience will demonstrate the ability to: analyze problems, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; plan and organize work; and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
OR
B. Education: Bachelor's or higher-level degree in any field from an accredited college or university.
OR
C. Combining of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements, and may be computed by first determining the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the position; then determining the education as a percentage of the education required for the position; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for the position.
Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Physical Demands: You must be able to perform the essential job functions described in the TSA Medical Guidelines for Explosives Detection Canine Handlers. Other physical demands include, but are not limited to:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds for a continuous distance of 100 feet at waist or chest level.
- Ability to push and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to walk continuously for a minimum of 1.5 hours without a break.
- Ability to stand continuously for a minimum of 1.5 hours without a break.
- Ability to sit continuously for up to 2 hours.
- Maintain physical ability to bend, kneel, squat, reach overhead, and run.
- Maintain ability to ascend and descend steep stairs and walk backwards.

Conditions of Employment:
TSA canine handlers are generally granted the use of a Government vehicle, typically referred to as Home-to-Work authority, for the efficient care and transportation of canines. The Department of Homeland Security prohibits authorization of Home-To Work Transportation to employees who live more than 50 miles from their duty station of record. Therefore, as a condition of employment, all persons hired to canine handler positions must reside within 50 miles (driving miles) of the official duty station for the position (unless waiver request is approved prior to entering on duty).

  • Work may require driving or traveling by motor vehicle and occasionally involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risk or discomforts that require special safety precautions.
  • You must meet and maintain medical requirements for EDCH as stated in the TSA Medical Guidelines for Explosives Detection Canine Handlers (for more information, click here).
  • You must pass a Background Investigation (BI) and maintain eligibility for a clearance at the Secret level.
  • You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
  • You must pass pre-employment drug screening AND you will be subject to post-employment random drug and alcohol testing.
  • You must hold and maintain a valid driver's license.
  • You must obtain and maintain SIDA (Security Identification Display Area) driving privileges.
  • You must maintain, at all times, housing suitable for the canine.
  • You must successfully complete the TSA Canine Handler Training Course.
  • You must successfully meet and maintain annual certification standards.
  • You must successfully complete all NEDCTP-lead (National Explosives Detective Canine Team Program) training and assessment requirements.
  • You must be available to work various shifts to include nights and weekends.
  • You must be willing to undertake extensive travel, at times overnight, as required.
  • You must be able and willing to safely work with various hazardous explosives and hazardous chemicals used in the regular and reoccurring training of canines.

**Candidates who accept a Tentative Job Offer will be required to successfully complete a medical evaluation, drug test, and pre-hire background investigation before they are eligible for a Final Job Offer. Moreover, current TSS-EDCH employees who are seeking a reassignment via the competitive hiring process must successfully complete each step in the hiring process, including undergoing the medical evaluation.**

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.


Resumes must include the following:
  1. Narrative description of duties with start and end dates (including the month and year) for work experience.
  2. State the number of hours worked in a position (i.e. full-time or part-time). If part-time, state the total number of hours worked per week.
  3. Performance level (i.e. band or grade)
Utilizing the USAJOBS Resume Builder and completing all available fields is strongly encouraged.
You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.Education:For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or an itemized list of college courses from an accredited college or university, which includes equivalent information from the transcript (course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned) in your resume. The information must be provided with the application by the closing date of the announcement. If selected, the applicant must supply a transcript or certification of degree.Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003

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