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K9 Handler Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Constellis

K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course and certification prior to mobilization to the assigned location. RESPONSIBILITIES * Participate in CCSP related ...

Tyson And Friends Llc

K9 Shift Lead

Centreville, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

The K9 Shift Lead is responsible for leading the K9 Handler team during their shift while ensuring the safety, care, and well-being of all dogs. This role includes supervising playgroups, preparing ...

Constellis

Junior K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

The Junior Handler will be required to complete a 4-8-weeks minimum team training course and certification prior to mobilization to the assigned location. RESPONSIBILITIES * Participate in CCSP ...

Tyson And Friends Llc

K9 Shift Lead

Centreville, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

The K9 Shift Lead is responsible for leading the K9 Handler team during their shift while ensuring the safety, care, and well-being of all dogs. This role includes supervising playgroups, preparing ...

Tyson And Friends Llc

K9 Shift Lead

Centreville, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Opportunity for advancement The K9 Shift Lead is responsible for leading the K9 Handler team during their shift while ensuring the safety, care, and well-being of all dogs. This role includes ...

Constellis

Junior K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

The Junior Handler will be required to complete a 4-8-weeks minimum team training course and certification prior to mobilization to the assigned location. RESPONSIBILITIES * Participate in CCSP ...

Constellis

Junior K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$26 - $28.50/hr

The Junior Handler will be required to complete a 4-8-weeks minimum team training course and certification prior to mobilization to the assigned location. PAY TRANSPARANCY/COMPENSATION * Pay rate is ...

Constellis

Junior K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$26 - $28.50/hr

The Junior Handler will be required to complete a 4-8-weeks minimum team training course and certification prior to mobilization to the assigned location. PAY TRANSPARANCY/COMPENSATION * Pay rate is ...

Constellis

Junior K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

The Junior Handler will be required to complete a 4-8-weeks minimum team training course and certification prior to mobilization to the assigned location. RESPONSIBILITIES * Participate in CCSP ...

Constellis

Junior K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The JuniorHandlerwillberesponsible forscreening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations.The JuniorHandlerwill berequired to complete a 4-8-weeksminimum team training ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Annandale, VA

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Hampton, VA · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

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How much do k9 handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for k9 handler in Virginia is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of K9 Handler jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of K9 Handler jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to K9 Handler jobs in Virginia? For K9 Handler jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching K9 Handler jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for K9 Handler jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for K9 Handler jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most K9 Handler job openings:
K9 Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various K9 Handler job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,053 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

K9 Handler

Constellis

Reston, VA • On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Constellis rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 116 rated security

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course and certification prior to mobilization to the assigned location.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Participate in CCSP related training to search cargo and identify threats
  • Conduct authorized representative duties related to X-Ray, physical search, and trace detection as needed
  • Perform Handler duties while commanding a trained 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 be permitted to live inside the employee's residence. The employee's residence must be adequate, indoor, and climate-controlled for the canine. The canine living area at the employee's residence is subject to reoccurring inspections
  • Must maintain all job-related certifications and required security clearances
  • Must be willing to operate company vehicle (during on-site training)
  • Work conditions can vary from a busy training environment to field work, both subject to frequent interruptions. Frequent work outside and in inclement weather conditions is required, including heat, cold, and humidity. May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. Work hours will be dictated by the customers agreed upon schedule. Nights, weekends, and holiday hours will be required, and the work schedule will vary. Travel may also be required.
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Must have held citizenship for a minimum of three years prior to date of application
  • One to two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational environment
  • Must be able to obtain a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within four to six weeks of employment
  • Must be able to obtain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge within four to six weeks of employment
  • Must be able to obtain a Security Threat Assessment (STA) for Airport Badge within four to six weeks of employment
  • Must have adequate transportation to transport assigned Canine and Crate (inside the vehicle) to/from assigned work location; transportation must have operational climate control
  • Must be able to pass the applicable Contract Testing and Certifications for the program within four to six weeks of employment; candidate must maintain the certification requirements
  • Must have a valid driver's license and a clear driving record for the last three years
  • Driver's license must be compliant with REAL ID standards or possess a valid U.S. passport in addition to a valid driver's license.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills with all levels of the organization
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage time and multiple priorities to completion
  • Problem solving skills with an analytical thought process
  • Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment
  • Must be able to lift and carry various items weighing up to 100 lbs. Requires standing for long periods of time in all weather conditions. Requires intermittent sitting, walking, running, climbing, squatting, stretching, bending, and kneeling. Requires constant use of hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms

Equal Opportunity Employer
Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Vet

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