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Police K9 Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Recruit

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$38.55 - $46.86/hr

Police, Administration, 100 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 26-31 ... and K9 Unit • Special assignments with the DEA Narcotics Task Force and FBI Safe Streets Task ...

Oversees the medical management of the Chesapeake Police Department K9 Unit. * Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements from DEA , State Veterinarian's Office, Board of Veterinary Medicine ...

The Explosive Ordinance Detection Unit, K9, the Special Response Team, Motorcycle unit and more. Unlike any other police agency in the country, the Metro Transit Police Department has tristate ...

Police Cadet

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

Police Bureau - Lancaster, PA, PA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 8336002 Department: Police ... and Horse and K9 trainings. 3. While working in each unit, the Cadet will be assigned to an ...

Police Cadet

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

... and Horse and K9 trainings. 3. While working in each unit, the Cadet will be assigned to an ... Cadets have no police authority, and other than writing parking tickets, will not take any ...

Showing results 21-40

Police K9 Unit information

See salary details

$41.5K

$87.6K

$137K

How much do police k9 unit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for police k9 unit in the United States is $87,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $105,500.00 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 does a police K9 unit do?

A police K9 unit involves specially trained dogs and handlers working together to assist law enforcement. They perform tasks such as tracking suspects, searching for drugs or explosives, and crowd control, often using scent detection and obedience skills. K9 officers typically undergo rigorous training and work in various law enforcement environments.

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.

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. Certification in K9 handling and obedience is often required, along with physical fitness and a background in law enforcement procedures.

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.

More about Police K9 Unit jobs

What states have the most Police K9 Unit jobs?

States with the most job openings for Police K9 Unit jobs include:

Infographic showing various Police K9 Unit job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,613 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Creation Museum Public Safety Officer K9 Handler Full Time

ANSWERS IN GENESIS GROUP

Petersburg, KY

$15.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Public Safety K9 Handlers are responsible for the overall safety and security of properties under the ownership of Answers in Genesis.

This position will allow one to impact others through a service mindset centered on making an eternal difference. This position should display our Core Values of SERVE (Serve, Equip, Relate, Value, Engage) when interfacing with both internal and external customers to ensure that the message and mission of Answers in Genesis is portrayed in an effective and God-honoring fashion. This position provides opportunities for spiritual, personal, and professional development.

Responsibilities

  • Promote the mission and standards of Answers in Genesis.
  • Create a SERVE culture environment in all work done.
  • Approach all tasks with a second mile mindset.
  • Prioritize personal integrity in all interactions and assignments.
  • Perform general security patrols of all ministry properties.
  • Proficiently operate all Department of Public Safety (DPS) equipment, including weapons, patrol vehicles and computer-related systems.
  • Operate facility alarm systems, fire systems and all electronically operated security systems to include both manually and electronically shutting down and opening the facility(s) and monitoring all alarm activity.
  • Know and assist in the implementation of all departmental policies and procedures including (but not limited to) phone, radio, vehicle, weapons, medical, operational and general departmental SOPs.
  • Learn and operate all dispatch center related equipment and procedures so that this officer can “stand in” as a console operator.
  • Oversee/manage the process of key issuing and general access control management.
  • Know and employ company and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Build partnerships with outside agencies, including but not limited to, law enforcement agencies (both local and federal), emergency response agencies such as local fire departments and medical response agencies, departments of homeland security, the state justice cabinet and police training center, local security groups and security/law enforcement societies.
  • Prepare and give presentations to the department, management and security and law enforcement related groups.
  • Assist the supervisory group with organizing departmental functions and events.
  • Maintain the parking permit database and appropriately issue and log permits.
  • Manage current events with regard to operations, museum events and ministry business, among others, for the purposes of properly managing DPS operations.
  • Provide directions to employees and patrons with regard to security and safety related matters.
  • Provide security and related functions at security posts deemed necessary.
  • Function as a traffic officer as needed.
  • Oversee all safety and security related incidents. Act as a DPS liaison to all outside, assisting agencies, internal departments, employees and management. Complete/conduct appropriate incident reporting processes.
  • Conduct emergency evacuations as well as conduct related drills and training.
  • Conduct arrests and employ search and seizure procedures related to patrol work and in accordance with local, state and federal law.
  • Act as first responder medical care provider in all medical related incidents.
  • Determine severity level of all patients, determine appropriate medical support and provide necessary care.
  • Stay current on all medical related certifications, including Basic First Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
  • Proficiently operate and maintain all medical related equipment including medical gear and response equipment such vehicles and the department’s ATV.
  • Monitor, maintain and re-supply medical supplies and gear appropriately.
  • Complete incident reporting processes.
  • Act as patient advocate in medical cases.
  • Act as departmental and patient liaison to outside assisting agencies.
  • Provide documentation to both patients and end point medical care providers as appropriate.
  • Operate within the scope of all federals, state and company guidelines, rules, regulations and laws.
  • Oversee the company’s HIPAA and OSHA compliance as well as all safety regulations.
  • Know and employ company safety guidelines and supervise both patron and employee actions in regard to company policy.
  • Ability to house and provide care/maintenance for their K9 partner.
  • Must strongly grasp a “Team Concept” approach.
  • Must possess a strong ability to balance Public Relations while maintaining a professional demeanor.
  • Attend monthly, departmental training.
  • Must meet the required number of training hours monthly as dictated by the department K9 unit.
  • Keep up to date K9 training logs.
  • Inter/Intra – departmental training.
  • Maintain yearly certifications corresponding to industry standards.
  • Must be willing to assist and follow directions of outside law enforcement in regard to a mutual aid call out.
  • And all other duties and responsibilities assigned by management.

Requirements

  • Must agree with and be able to sign our Statement of Faith.
  • Maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Regularly attends a local Bible-believing church.
  • Successfully complete initial fitness requirements and maintain them throughout employment
  • Successfully complete initial firearm qualifications and maintain them throughout employment
  • Must be 21 years of age or older and legally eligible to obtain state issued CCDW

Education & Experience

  • High school diploma
  • Undergraduate Certificate or associate’s degree in a security or public safety related discipline preferred
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience in law enforcement, military or private security preferred
  • Prefer 2 years as K9 handler

Items Needed for Possible Employment

  • Completion of on-line application, https://answersingenesis.org   
  • Salary Requirements 
  • Salvation Testimony  
  • Creation Belief Statement 
  • Confirmation of your agreement with the AiG Statement of Faith (AiG Statement of Faith can be found on the website).  https://answersingenesis.org/about/faith/
  • Completion of a Background Check and Pre-Employment Drug Screen  
  • Completion of a Motor Vehicle Report