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Internship Police Dog Trainer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Internship Police Dog Trainer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$5

$20

$26

How much do internship police dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship police dog trainer in Raleigh, NC is $20.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship police dog trainer?

Internship police dog trainers are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who work under the supervision of experienced police dog handlers to learn how to train dogs for law enforcement purposes. Their responsibilities may include assisting with obedience training, teaching dogs to detect drugs or explosives, and helping with search and rescue drills. Interns gain hands-on experience with canine behavior, training techniques, and the specific requirements for police K-9 units. This role is ideal for those interested in animal training, law enforcement, or both, and provides valuable skills for a future career in these fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship police dog trainer?

To thrive as an Internship Police Dog Trainer, a foundational knowledge of animal behavior, basic dog handling skills, and often a high school diploma are essential. Familiarity with canine training tools such as leashes, harnesses, clickers, and potentially introductory experience with scent detection systems is highly beneficial. Strong observational skills, patience, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively with handlers and law enforcement are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure effective training outcomes, promote safety, and support the development of successful police dog teams.

What are some common challenges faced during an internship as a police dog trainer and how can they be addressed?

Interning as a police dog trainer can be both rewarding and demanding. One common challenge is adapting to the high level of discipline and consistency required when working with both police dogs and their handlers. New interns may also find it difficult to quickly assess and respond to each dog's unique temperament and learning pace. Building strong communication skills, observing experienced trainers, and actively seeking feedback can help overcome these challenges. Additionally, working collaboratively with the training team and remaining patient and persistent are key to success in this hands-on, team-oriented environment.

What is the difference between Internship Police Dog Trainer vs Police Dog Trainer?

AspectInternship Police Dog TrainerPolice Dog Trainer
CredentialsBasic certifications, on-the-job trainingAdvanced certifications, experience required
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, police departmentsActive duty, field training
Employer & IndustryPolice departments, security agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies

Internship Police Dog Trainers are in training, gaining experience under supervision, while Police Dog Trainers are fully qualified professionals responsible for training and handling police dogs in active service. The internship serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a certified Police Dog Trainer.

What are popular job titles related to Internship Police Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Internship Police Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Police Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Police Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Infographic showing various Internship Police Dog Trainer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,799 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Public safety K-9 Armed Officer

Wake Forest, NC • On-site


Advocate Aurora Health
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 781 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$24.10 - $36.15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Department:
11926 Non Enterprise Corporate - Public Safety
Status:
Full time
Benefits Eligible:
Yes
Hours Per Week:
40
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
Vary
Pay Range:
$24.10 - $36.15
Major Responsibilities:
  • Conduct person-borne firearm-detection patrols at hospital entrances, Emergency Departments, EMS areas, parking structures, and public corridors, ensuring threats are neutralized and escalated through proper Public Safety procedures.
  • Assist during EMS offloads and high-risk clinical scenarios providing an additional Public Safety presence.
  • Support general Public Safety Operations including alarms, escorts, suspicious persons/property, and response to safety calls.
  • Maintain accurate training and utilization for all deployments, alerts and incidents in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
  • Maintain all assigned canine-related equipment and company-assigned vehicles consistent with departmental management policies.
  • Performs liaison rounding duties to cultivate close partnerships with all department and units. Delivers security awareness education to team members to leverage their assistance in the overall security of the site.
  • Liaisons with state and local law enforcement and first responder agencies. Coordinates, briefs, and monitors every law enforcement prisoner patient guard to ensure policy compliance and prevent unsafe practices.
  • Maintains current Department training standards in radio communications, verbal de-escalation, stabilization, CPR, application of clinical restraints, conducted energy weapon (Taser), to include training on any/all department-issued equipment and/or requirements identified in the Annual Training Plan.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:
  • K-9 Certification through International Police Work Dog Association with assigned canine, with at least 16 hours of monthly K-9 related maintenance training (Certification must be received within the first 3 months from hire date.)
  • Security Officer Healthcare Certification (CHSO) issued by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) must be obtained on a one-time basis within two years of appointment to this role. Recertification is not required.
  • For North Carolina teammates, an Armed Guard License issued by NC Private Protective Services maintained through training and competency assessments.
  • For Illinois teammates: Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) issued by the Illinois State Police.
  • For Wisconsin teammates: Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) license issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
  • For Illinois teammates, must meet State of IL Department of Financial and Professional Regulation licensing requirements and be able to obtain a Firearm Control Card (FCC) for Proprietary Personnel within 90 days of hire.
  • A valid driver's license issued by the Division of Motor Vehicle.
  • Certified in Conducted Energy Weapon (e.g. TASER) use within 90 days of hire and periodically thereafter.

Education Required:
  • High School Diploma or GED

Experience Required:
  • 4 years of experience in a security or public safety role that includes experiences in responding to emergent situations and identifying and resolving issues that pose a potential risk to patients, visitors, staff and/or property; or completion of 30 credit hours in a Criminal Justice, Police Science, or similar course of study from an accredited college or university and 3 years' work experience with 1 year of experience in a security/safety role

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
  • Illinois team members must have completed the State of Illinois 40-hour armed course with semi-automatic pistol endorsement.
  • Willingness to carry a department authorized firearm while on duty.
  • Illinois team members must annually achieve a passing score of 70% or greater on the State of IL Mandatory Annual Active Duty and Retired Officer Handgun Qualification Course of Fire, un-assisted. Probationary Officers must complete range qualification within their 90-day probationary period and must attend the first qualification date within their probationary period. (Only reflects Illinois requirements.)
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise mature judgment and sound reasoning while maintaining a courteous and tactful demeanor in dealings with employees, visitors, and patients, even if they are verbally aggressive persons.
  • Demonstrated experience in quickly assessing dangerous situations and taking appropriate action.
  • Demonstrated ability in verbal and written communications.
  • Ability to use a computer to document work (Microsoft Word, Excel, navigating a web page, and database entry).
  • "Must successfully pass background investigation, drug screen, pre-placement physical and psychological screening assessment post-offer, pre-employment and periodically thereafter. Teammates already employed in Public Safety Officer position prior to "7-28-24" will have 18 months to comply."
  • Ability to defend self and/or others in case of physical confrontations when de-escalation efforts fail and there is cause to detain a non-cooperative person who is committing a criminal act or fleeing and possess the ability to physically restrain a person against their will.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with people; ability to hear radio and telephone communications at both high and low decibels.
  • Ability to communicate via radio and telephone with clear diction without impediments.
  • Must have the ability to interact appropriately with all team members, patients and visitors, especially under difficult circumstances.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Have 20/20 vision in both eyes or correctable to 20/20 with corrective lenses in both eyes.
  • May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, and radiation hazards. Protective clothing must be worn as necessary.
  • Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
  • Frequent exposure to aggressive behavior and emotionally charged situations.
  • Must be able to handle personal stress and possible violence.
  • Must be physically fit and able to walk all areas of the facilities and grounds, to restrain those who need restraint and be able to assist nursing staff with lifting patients of all sizes.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
  • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more
  • Paid Time Off programs
  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
  • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
  • Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

Advocate Health logo

About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US


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Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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