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Police K9 Unit Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Reynoldsburg, OH · On-site

$74K - $117K/yr

Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: FOP Description Under supervision, a Police Officer patrols a ... charge, K9 officer, School Resource Officer, or any other position as needed. The position is ...

Lateral Police Officer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$36.52 - $53.60/hr

... charge, K9 officer, School Resource Officer, or any other position as needed. The position is ... Officers may also be appointed by the Chief of Police to sub-entities such as the Tactical Unit ...

Lateral Police Officer

Whitehall, OH · On-site

$36.52 - $53.60/hr

... charge, K9 officer, School Resource Officer, or any other position as needed. The position is ... Officers may also be appointed by the Chief of Police to sub-entities such as the Tactical Unit ...

Police K9 Unit information

See Ohio salary details

$39.5K

$83.3K

$130.2K

How much do police k9 unit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for police k9 unit in Ohio is $83,293.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $100,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Police K9 Unit?

Police K9 Units are specialized law enforcement teams that partner trained police dogs with human officers to assist in a variety of tasks. These highly skilled dogs are trained for duties such as detecting drugs or explosives, tracking suspects or missing persons, and protecting their handlers. The K9 teams enhance police capabilities by using the dogs' keen senses and agility, making them valuable assets in both routine patrol and complex investigations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work in a Police K9 Unit?

To excel as a Police K9 Unit officer, you need law enforcement training, K9 handling experience, physical fitness, and often completion of specialized K9 handler certification programs. Familiarity with tracking systems, scent detection tools, and communication devices is commonly required. Strong teamwork, patience, and clear communication are vital soft skills for building trust with both the dog and fellow officers. These skills are crucial for effective law enforcement operations, ensuring safety, and fostering a successful partnership with the canine partner.

What unique challenges do officers in a Police K9 Unit face?

Officers in a Police K9 Unit face the unique challenge of maintaining a strong working bond with their canine partners, which requires ongoing training, mutual trust, and understanding canine behavior. Additionally, they must balance routine law enforcement duties with specialized tasks like narcotics detection, search and rescue, or suspect apprehension. The role often involves irregular hours, physically demanding environments, and the responsibility of caring for the dog both on and off duty. Teamwork is essential, as K9 officers frequently collaborate with other units and agencies during operations.

What is the difference between Police K9 Unit vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice K9 UnitPolice Officer
Required CredentialsPolice academy, K9 handling certification, specialized trainingPolice academy, general law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentField operations, K9 training facilities, active crime scenesPatrol, investigation, community engagement
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, police departments

The Police K9 Unit specializes in working with trained police dogs for detection and apprehension, requiring specific K9 handling certifications. Police Officers perform general law enforcement duties, including patrol and investigations. While both roles work within law enforcement agencies, the K9 Unit focuses on canine-related tasks, whereas Police Officers handle broader policing responsibilities.

How to become a police K9 unit?

To become a police K9 unit, an officer typically needs to have law enforcement experience, complete specialized K9 training, and demonstrate proficiency in handling working dogs. Candidates often undergo certification in areas such as tracking, narcotics detection, or search and rescue, and must pass physical and psychological assessments. Continuous training and experience working with police dogs are essential for advancement in this role.
Infographic showing various Police K9 Unit job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,293 per year, or $40 per hour.

$74K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary : $74,276.80 - $117,020.80 Annually
Location : Police Dept - 7240 E Main Street, Reynoldsburg
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00102
Department: Police
Division: Law Enforcement - Officers
Opening Date: 04/07/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: FOP
Description
Under supervision, a Police Officer patrols a designated area of the city, enforcing State and City laws and maintaining order. A police Officer answers calls when a crime is suspected or an emergency exists and takes such actions as are necessary to prevent crime, to apprehend criminals, to maintain safety, and to assist citizens in a wide range of emergency and non-emergency situations.
Before completing this application, you must have at least one of the following:
OPOTA Certification, Submitted N.T.N. Law Enforcement Exam scores OR meet our requirements for Lateral Candidate. Details below.

OPOTA Certified Candidates: N.T.N. scores are not required. Please proceed with the application.
Non-OPOTA Certified Candidates: N.T.N. - Law Enforcement Exam scores are required.
To schedule your exam, go to Be sure to select City of Reynoldsburg Police Department when submitting your scores. If you have already taken the exam within the past 12 months, you do not need to re-take the exam. You may request through N.T.N to have your scores sent to our department.
Lateral Candidates: Lateral Candidates must be a full-time police officer with arrest powers, certified in any state with no break in service for the last (one) year. You may apply if you were recently laid off or placed in a part time or reserve position after having worked in a full-time position for one year, providing you still hold a valid certification. You must also pass a physical agility test, a background investigation, an interview, a medical examination and psychological examination. Please attach a detailed Resume to be sent to the Chief.
Examples of Duties
The Police Officer is the line officer within the Reynoldsburg Division of Police and is usually assigned to the Patrol Bureau or the Detective Bureau. At the Chief's discretion, police officers may be assigned to work as a patrol officer, detective, narcotic/vice officer, officer in charge, K9 officer, School Resource Officer, or any other position as needed. The position is classified under Civil Service and reports directly to the assigned Sergeant.
  • Drives police vehicles, patrols designated areas
  • Reports unsafe conditions such as street obstruction
  • Issues citations for violations of traffic laws
  • Makes arrests, sometimes requiring the use of physical effort
  • Has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons
  • Transports prisoners and provides escorts; directs traffic
  • Conducts investigations of accidents and crimes
  • Preserves crime scenes; gathers, prepares and preserves evidence; lifts latent fingerprints
  • Checks doors and windows of homes and businesses for security
  • Responds to radio calls
  • Takes reports/statements from complainants' places property in property room, completes proper paperwork
  • Assists injured persons
  • Answers inquiries
  • Assists stranded motorists
  • Looks for and investigates conditions or situations which may indicate a crime is about to be or has been committed
  • Maintains records and prepares reports of incidents and activities; secures warrants
  • Serves warrants and subpoenas
  • Where juveniles are involved, interviews parents, teachers, and others
  • Appears in courts, works with agencies and school officials
  • Takes photographs of accident scenes, prisoners, crime scenes
  • Assists court, reviews situations, testifies
  • Watches for and locates missing persons, stole vehicles and goods; operates speed measuring equipment, breath testing equipment, window tint meters, video equipment
  • Attends meetings, training sessions; gives talks and tours
  • Performs other duties requiring similar skills
  • Maintains required licenses and/or certificates
  • Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Typical Qualifications
  • Must be twenty-one (21) years of age at time of appointment.
  • Excellent personal background.
  • A valid driver's license with a good driving record.
  • Must be able to pass physical agility and physiological examination.

Supplemental Information
Non-Sworn Candidates who submit passing NTN scores are eligible to earn an additional credit percentage added to their final scores. Extra credit may be obtained for the following areas: Military (2%-5%) or bachelor's degree (3%)
You may only receive credit for oneselection and may not combine credit for more than one item. Candidates are awarded credit for the highest eligible selection.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, health saving accounts, educational assistance, life insurance, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
01
Are you at least 21 years old?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a High School diploma, GED, or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a valid Ohio driver's license with a good driving record?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Are you a U.S. citizen or have declared your intentions of becoming a citizen and possess a valid permanent resident card?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Can you pass an extensive background check?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Can you pass pre-employment drug screen and physical?
  • Yes
  • No

07
OPOTA - Do you have a current certification with the Ohio Peace officers' Training Council?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Do you have a Bachelor's degree (3%) From an accredited college or university? (if yes, attach a copy of your diploma or transcript)
  • Yes
  • No

09
Military Credit 2% - Are you a member in good standing of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, who successfully completes the member's initial entry-level training?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Military Credit 5% - Have you been honorably discharged from the uniformed services or transferred to the reserves, or a member of the reserve component of the armed forces who has completed more than 180 days of active duty?
  • Yes
  • No

11
Have you used marijuana in the last 2 years of application? (This is an automatic removal)
  • Yes
  • No

12
With the exception of marijuana, have you used any illegal drugs in the last 5 years of application? (This is an automatic removal)
  • Yes
  • No

13
Have you been convicted of an OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence) or reduced charge, or a Reckless Operation within the last 5 years? IF YES, EMAIL CIVIL SERVICE WITH EXPLANATION.
  • Yes
  • No

14
As an adult have you admitted to, been arrested, incarcerated or convicted of a misdemeanor (including traffic offenses such as OVI, etc.)?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question