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K9 Handler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $93K/yr

Detective, SWAT, New Technologies, K9 Handler, Beach Patrol and Motor Officer, among others. SDPD offers a competitive base salary, great benefits, and many additional pay opportunities. The ...

Police Officer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$108K - $119K/yr

Detective, SWAT, New Technologies, K9 Handler, Beach Patrol and Motor Officer, among others. SDPD offers a competitive base salary, great benefits, and many additional pay opportunities. The ...

Detective, SWAT, New Technologies, K9 Handler, Beach Patrol and Motor Officer, among others. SDPD offers a competitive base salary, great benefits, and many additional pay opportunities. The ...

Showing results 41-60

K9 Handler information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do k9 handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for k9 handler in California is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a K9 handler?

A K9 Handler is a professional responsible for training, handling, and working with specially trained dogs, often for law enforcement, military, or security purposes. Their duties include obedience training, detection work (such as narcotics or explosives), search and rescue, and apprehension of suspects. Handlers form a strong bond with their K9 partners and ensure their ongoing training, care, and well-being. This role requires physical fitness, patience, and specialized training to effectively communicate and work with the dog.

What does a K9 handler do?

A typical day for a K9 Handler involves training, caring for, and working closely with their canine partner to perform tasks such as detecting narcotics, explosives, or locating missing persons, depending on the agency’s focus. Handlers are responsible not just for operational missions but also for maintaining the dog’s physical health, continuing obedience and specialty training, and ensuring proper documentation of activities and findings. The role may occasionally require irregular hours, travel, or responding to emergencies, and often includes collaboration with other law enforcement officers or security personnel. Success in this role comes from a strong bond with the dog, adaptability, and effective teamwork.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a K9 handler?

K9 Handlers generally require expertise in animal behavior, foundational law enforcement or security training, and a strong ability to interpret canine cues, often supported by relevant certifications such as K9 Handler Certification or police academy completion. Familiarity with handling equipment, canine training techniques, and documentation or tracking systems used in law enforcement or private security is essential. Strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to work well under pressure are important soft skills for the role. These skills ensure effective collaboration with human teams, safe and efficient handling of working dogs, and successful completion of detection, patrol, or search assignments.

How do you become a K9 Handler?

To become a K9 Handler, candidates typically need a law enforcement or security background, relevant training, and certification in working with police or service dogs. They often start as police officers or security personnel, then receive specialized K9 training through agencies or certified programs, and gain experience working with detection, patrol, or search and rescue dogs.

What are the most commonly searched types of K9 Handler jobs in California?

The most popular types of K9 Handler jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to K9 Handler jobs in California?

For K9 Handler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for K9 Handler jobs?

Cities in California with the most K9 Handler job openings:

Infographic showing various K9 Handler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,884 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) Field Supervisor

Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Allied Universal rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 2,580 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 117 rated security


Job description

Overview

Company Overview:

Advance your career in security with Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services, the global leader in security and threat mitigation. Following the acquisition of MSA Security® in 2021, we became the world’s largest non-governmental canine detection company. Specializing in canine explosives and firearm detection, we offer exciting career opportunities for those passionate about canine security. Join our innovative team committed to excellence in the security industry and make a meaningful impact. Explore key roles such as canine officers, handlers, trainers, veterinary technicians, and kennel managers.


Job Description

Our canine group under, Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services, is hiring a Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) Field Supervisor . The Field Supervisor is responsible and accountable for the good order of the work force as it relates to client expectations, the public, and the best business practices of the canine group. The Field Supervisor will also be responsible for managing the duties, performance, and relations of EDC Handlers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide input into the development of employee standards of performances and conduct as well as post standard operating procedures
  • Work directly with clients, assess client satisfaction; identify areas of concern, initiate corrective actions, and raise appropriate issues to senior management attention
  • Work directly with client management and personnel to help meet the obligations of our contract, ensure MSA compliance, and maintain positive customer relationships
  • Utilize best-practice industry knowledge, combined with career-experience, to train and retrain team members
  • Assess and recommend discipline for Handlers on their team, up to and including termination of employment
  • Provide input into the development of employee Standards of Performance and Conduct as well as Post Standard Operating Procedures
  • Coordinate successfully with other MSA departments to ensure reliable operations
  • Implement and enforces employee Standards of Performance and Conduct
  • Implement and supervise the execution of Post Standard Operating Procedures, inclusive of client specific requirements and companywide business practices
  • Review post orders and other details of assignments with employees; ensure understanding and clarify misunderstandings
  • Coach, discipline, and provide balanced feedback to personnel as appropriate; meet personally with employees and document coaching and disciplinary actions
  • Monitor actions of subordinates to ensure attentive, courteous, and professional behavior toward client representatives, fellow employees, visitors, and the public
  • Ensure widest dissemination and understanding of employees Standard of Performance and Conduct
  • Serve as the direct representative of the MSA Security Leadership and Management team to the field, and relay and enforce operational decisions and intent
  • Conduct initial inquiry and investigations into allegations of the employee misconduct or SOP violations.
  • Recommend policies and procedures for maximizing efficiency, effectiveness, safety, and overall performance in meeting client’s expectations
  • Interview, select, and perform ongoing training to ensure success of new hires
  • Complete administrative paperwork as required, and maintain records, forms, and reports as necessary
  • Coordinate successfully with other MSA departments to ensure reliable operations

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School diploma or GED equivalency
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, security license and/or other licensing and credentialing as required
  • Certification as a TSA regulated 3PK9 certified EDC Team, or ability to obtain such certification
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience with civilian law enforcement or military explosive detection handler
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience as an MSA Explosive Detection Canine Handler
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher)
  • Be able to interact professionally with all levels of employees and clients
  • Excellent time management skills; ability to balance multiple competing tasks in a time compressed environment while generating quality results
  • Other:
  • Possess adequate living environment to allow for the proper exercise and training of the canine
  • Have access to reliable transportation sufficient to allow the safe transportation of the canine 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
  • 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!

SALARY: $70,000 - $75,000 Annually


Closing

Allied Universal® is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com

If you have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply or require an accommodation, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices.


Requisition ID
2026-1638783

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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