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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
San Bruno, CA · On-site
$112K - $137K/yr
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
San Bruno, CA · On-site
$112K - $137K/yr
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
San Bruno Police Department provides opportunities for career advancement and specialization, including roles such as Detective, K9 Handler, Motorcycle Officer, School Resource Officer, SWAT, Hostage ...
San Bruno Police Department provides opportunities for career advancement and specialization, including roles such as Detective, K9 Handler, Motorcycle Officer, School Resource Officer, SWAT, Hostage ...
Glendale, CA · On-site
$8.6K/mo
We are a full service agency, offering a variety of specialized assignments - from helicopter pilot to K9 handler, we have a career path for you. The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is currently ...
Glendale, CA · On-site
$8.6K/mo
We are a full service agency, offering a variety of specialized assignments - from helicopter pilot to K9 handler, we have a career path for you. The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is currently ...
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
San Bruno, CA · On-site
$112K - $137K/yr
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
San Bruno, CA · On-site
$112K - $137K/yr
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
Placerville, CA · On-site
$90K - $115K/yr
Serves as a coordinator or team member in such special projects as drug enforcement, Office of Emergency Services and K9 handler. * Provides Coroner/Public Administrator services. For a full ...
Placerville, CA · On-site
$90K - $115K/yr
Serves as a coordinator or team member in such special projects as drug enforcement, Office of Emergency Services and K9 handler. * Provides Coroner/Public Administrator services. For a full ...
Glendale, CA · On-site
$8.6K/mo
We are a full service agency, offering a variety of specialized assignments - from helicopter pilot to K9 handler, we have a career path for you. The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is currently ...
Glendale, CA · On-site
$8.6K/mo
We are a full service agency, offering a variety of specialized assignments - from helicopter pilot to K9 handler, we have a career path for you. The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is currently ...
Glendale, CA · On-site
$8.6K/mo
We are a full service agency, offering a variety of specialized assignments - from helicopter pilot to K9 handler, we have a career path for you. The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is currently ...
Glendale, CA · On-site
$8.6K/mo
We are a full service agency, offering a variety of specialized assignments - from helicopter pilot to K9 handler, we have a career path for you. The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is currently ...
Glendale, CA · On-site
$8.6K/mo
We are a full service agency, offering a variety of specialized assignments - from helicopter pilot to K9 handler, we have a career path for you. The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is currently ...
Glendale, CA · On-site
$8.6K/mo
We are a full service agency, offering a variety of specialized assignments - from helicopter pilot to K9 handler, we have a career path for you. The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is currently ...
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
$90K - $115K/yr
Serves as a coordinator or team member in such special projects as drug enforcement, Office of Emergency Services and K9 handler. Provides Coroner/Public Administrator services. For a full ...
$90K - $115K/yr
Serves as a coordinator or team member in such special projects as drug enforcement, Office of Emergency Services and K9 handler. Provides Coroner/Public Administrator services. For a full ...
$112K - $137K/yr
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
$112K - $137K/yr
The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage ...
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 ...
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 ...
$76K - $79K/yr
Detective, Special weapons and tactics (SWAT), New Technologies, Canine (K9) Handler, Beach Patrol and Motor Officer, among others. SDPD offers a competitive base salary, great benefits, and many ...
$76K - $79K/yr
Detective, Special weapons and tactics (SWAT), New Technologies, Canine (K9) Handler, Beach Patrol and Motor Officer, among others. SDPD offers a competitive base salary, great benefits, and many ...
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 ...
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 ...
$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 ...
$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 ...
$9.73 - $11.02
1% of jobs
$11.02 - $12.31
0% of jobs
$12.31 - $13.61
2% of jobs
$13.61 - $14.90
8% of jobs
$15.54 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.90 - $16.20
27% of jobs
The median wage is $16.88 / hr.
$16.20 - $17.49
21% of jobs
$18.26 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.49 - $18.78
25% of jobs
$18.78 - $20.08
6% of jobs
$20.08 - $21.37
3% of jobs
$21.37 - $22.67
1% of jobs
$22.67 - $23.96
4% of jobs
$9
$17
$23
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.
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.
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.
The most popular types of K9 Handler jobs in California are:
For K9 Handler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
The top searched job categories for K9 Handler jobs in California are:
Cities in California with the most K9 Handler job openings:

Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO
Re-posted 23 days ago
5.6
Based on 2,580 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
78th of 117 rated security
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.
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:
QUALIFICATIONS:
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
BENEFITS:
SALARY: $70,000 - $75,000 Annually
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.
Get the full story on Breakroom
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.
Investigation and physical security services, chemical manufacturing and real estate
10,000+ Employees
Santa Ana, CA, US