ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Police K9 Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Lake Stevens, WA

Entry Level Police Officer

Lake Stevens, WA · On-site

$94K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: GD-C If you haven't already completed the Police Officer written test ... K9 care and maintenance * Holiday hours cash-out * Paid meal break * Option of compensatory time ...

Rhode Island Airport Corp.

Police Sergeant

Warwick, RI · On-site

$65K - $98K/yr

Supervises and coordinates activities of squad of police officers on an assigned shift or unit ... K9 program. • Must be able to remain focused in situations involving extreme stress. • ...

City of El Monte

Police Officer - Lateral

El Monte, CA

$97K - $118K/yr

... work unit This class is distinguished from Police Sergeant in that the latter is the first ... K9 - works with a canine partner in the execution of their duties; assumes responsibility for the ...

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Police Officer I

Madison, WI · On-site

$34 - $44/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Police Officers may be eligible to apply for specialty positions including K9 handler, Community ... Patrol, Bike Unit, Mounted Unit, Drone Team, and many more opportunities. UW-Madison Police ...

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Police Officer I

Madison, WI · On-site

$34 - $44/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Police Officers may be eligible to apply for specialty positions including K9 handler, Community ... Patrol, Bike Unit, Mounted Unit, Drone Team, and many more opportunities. UW-Madison Police ...

Wisconsin

Police Officer I

Madison, WI

$34 - $44/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Police Officers may be eligible to apply for specialty positions including K9 handler, Community ... Patrol, Bike Unit, Mounted Unit, Drone Team, and many more opportunities. UW-Madison Police ...

City of Ann Arbor

Police Officer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$97K - $100K/yr

These include a detective section, traffic services unit, K9, motorcycle and bicycle patrols, as ... The Ann Arbor Police Department is committed to a community-oriented policing philosophy and ...

City of Ann Arbor

Police Service Specialist

Ann Arbor, MI

$29.58/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

The Ann Arbor Police Department is a full-service department with many services and divisions ... These include a detective section, traffic services unit, K9, motorcycle and bicycle patrols, as ...

A2

Police Officer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$97K - $100K/yr

These include a detective section, traffic services unit, K9, motorcycle and bicycle patrols, as ... The Ann Arbor Police Department is committed to a community-oriented policing philosophy and ...

A2

Police Service Specialist

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$29.58/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

The Ann Arbor Police Department is a full-service department with many services and divisions ... These include a detective section, traffic services unit, K9, motorcycle and bicycle patrols, as ...

City of Billings, MT

Probationary Police Officer

Billings, MT · On-site

$32.24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Street Crimes Unit-SCU (Detective and Patrol) * Computer Forensic Examiner * Court Officer * Crime ... Dual Purpose K9 * Domestic Violence Investigator (DVI) * Selective Traffic Enforcement Program ...

City of Paducah

Police Officer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$31.32/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Special team opportunities - See the list below: - Bomb Squad - K9 Handler - SWAT Team - Collision ... Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 ...

City of Paducah

Police Officer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$31.32/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Special team opportunities - See the list below: - Bomb Squad - K9 Handler - SWAT Team - Collision ... Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 ...

City of Owatonna, MN

Police Officer

Owatonna, MN · On-site

$39.12 - $52.66/hr

Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: MPEA Description Experienced officers are encouraged to apply; lateral ... E- Bike patrol * K9 * Drone * Evidence Technician * First Aid/ CPR Instructor * Honor Guard ...

City of Paducah, KY

Police Officer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$65K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Special team opportunities - See the list below: - Bomb Squad - K9 Handler - SWAT Team - Collision ... Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 ...

City of Middleton, WI

Police Officer

Middleton, WI · On-site

$36.11 - $44.78/hr

  • PTO

Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: WPPA General Description The Middleton Police Department is seeking ... K9 Officer, and 22 patrol officers. Police Officers are generalists responsible for a wide range of ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsPolice K9 Unit Jobs

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:

What job categories do people searching Police K9 Unit jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Police K9 Unit jobs are:

Police K9 Unit jobs near you
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.

Entry Level Police Officer

City of Lake Stevens, WA

Lake Stevens, WA • On-site

$94K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Salary : $94,065.12 - $118,742.16 Annually
Location : Police Department, 1825 S. Lake Stevens Road, Lake Stevens, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00001
Department: Police Department
Division: Commissioned
Opening Date: 01/11/2026
Closing Date: 12/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: GD-C
If you haven't already completed the Police Officer written test and physical ability test with Public Safety Testing,
What's it like to be part of the Lake Stevens Police Department?
Monthly: $7,838.76 - $9,895.18
Annually: $94,065.08 - $118,742.21
Plus:
Education pay:
  • 3.00% Associate degree
  • 5.00% Bachelor degree
  • 6.00% Master's degree
Longevity pay:
  • 2.00% 5 Years of service
  • 4.00% 10 Years of service
  • 5.00% 15 Years of service
  • 7.00% 20 years of service
  • 9.00% 30 years of service
Specialty Pay:
  • 3.50% Detective/Investigations Sergeant
  • 3.50% School Resource Officer
  • 3.50% Traffic
  • 3.50% K9 Handler
  • 3.50% SWAT
  • 3.50% Integrated Arrest Tactics Training Lead
  • 3.50% Firearms Training Lead
  • 3.50% EVOC Training Lead
  • 3.50% Support Services Sergeant
  • 4.00% Field Training Officer (during period of assignment)
  • 4.00% Corporal
  • 5.00% Out of Class pay
Paid Time Off:
  • 96-200 hours of paid vacation per year
  • 130 or 156 hours of paid leave per year in lieu of holidays (based on scheduled work hours (e.g., "a day for a day") andassignment (non-patrol/patrol))
  • 96 hours of paid sick leave per year
  • Front-loaded sick leave bank of 80 hours upon hire
  • Unused sick leave cash-out (prorated) into HRA
  • Paid bereavement leave
Health Insurance:
  • The City pays 100% of medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums for employees
  • The City pays 90% of medical and dental insurance premiums
  • The City pays 100% of vision insurance premiums for dependents
  • Multiple plans from which to choose
  • High-Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account (HSA) available
  • Health Reimbursement Account/VEBA employer contribution available
  • City-paid life insurance, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment policy
Retirement Plans:
  • Deferred Compensation Plans (457)
  • Washington State LEOFF II retirement system
Uniforms and Clothing:
  • Uniforms and equipment are provided by the City
  • Clothing allowance of $1,000 upon assignment to non-uniformed positions; $350 allowance per year thereafter
  • City-paid uniform/clothing cleaning
Scheduling:
  • Popular 12-hour rotating patrol schedule with 3-days-on/3-days-off
Training and Professional Development:
  • Robust training program and professional development plans
Other Pay/Compensation:
  • Overtime pay
  • Callback pay
  • Court appearances
  • Off-duty/telecommuting response
  • K9 care and maintenance
  • Holiday hours cash-out
  • Paid meal break
  • Option of compensatory time off or overtime pay

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Position Purpose: Provide a wide range of police services to the public including but not limited to enforcing laws, protecting life and property, maintaining peace and order, providing public service, crime prevention, and investigating civil and criminal matters.
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Provide service to the public relating directly to public safety including providing assistance, answering questions, making referrals to other services, and solving community problems
  • Respond to calls for service and take appropriate action with the needs of the caller in mind, following established policy, procedures, and current professional practices
  • Respond to emergency calls for service, such as accidents, medical emergencies, and crimes in progress. Takes appropriate initial action, following established law, policy, procedures, and current professional practices.
  • Manage ongoing cases through thorough and appropriate documentation and follow-up investigations, timely and complete case reporting, and appropriate networking with other officers, supervisors, and divisions
  • Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects and document their statements regarding criminal and civil matters
  • Enforce City ordinances, State RCWs, Federal laws and court decisions
  • Apprehend offenders, including making physical arrests and overcoming their resistance
  • Develop a detailed knowledge of the community including people, businesses, geographical features, and current problem areas
  • Exercise authority while enforcing city ordinances, state RCWs, federal laws and court decisions, in a way consistent with the obligations imposed by the oath of office
  • Patrol the city using preventive and directed patrol, to detect and prevent crime, stop unlawful behavior, enforce traffic laws, and find conditions that are hazardous to the community
  • Physically engage and restrain combative individuals
  • Present programs relating to crime prevention, traffic and boating safety, and drug awareness or police operations that include public speaking, organizing meetings, and creating written material
  • Use computers to create accurate, thorough, and complete cases, reports, logs, and other documentation that will be referred to the prosecutor or appropriate authorities
  • Provide assistance to other city departments, public safety agencies and government agencies
  • Carry and utilize various firearms and less-lethal launchers
  • Shoot assigned weapon(s) with accuracy complying with state standards
  • Operate assigned vehicle in a safe manner (i.e., car, motorcycle, bicycle, boat, etc.)
The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Organizational-Specific Duties and Expectations:
  • Endorses, supports, and defends organizational objectives by complying with organizational rules, procedures, and values, suggesting improvements, and conveying a positive and professional image of the agency
  • Creates a positive team environment through courtesy, respect, support, and cooperation
  • Assists other Police Department work units, city departments, and outside agencies as necessary in a professional and respectful way
  • Demonstrates initiative consistent with job expectations to improve both personal and organizational performance
  • Avoids destructive organizational behavior toward the agency and its employees

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
that are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions.
Exposure to possible fights and confrontations; use of defensive and control tactics; contact with dissatisfied, angry, abusive, or assaultive individuals; fumes from vehicles and equipment operation; explosives and combustibles; and contact with blood and body fluids.
Workdays and hours are generally scheduled in advance, but variable hours, shift work, shift extensions, and callouts will occur.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS FOR "ENTRY LEVEL":
Education:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (e.g., G.E.D.)
  • A minimum of 45 quarter or 30 semester college credits towards a relevant college degree is preferred
Experience:
  • No previous law enforcement experience required
Or:
  • Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job may be substituted for these qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS FOR "ENTRY LEVEL-ADVANCED":
Education:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (e.g., G.E.D.)
  • A minimum of 45 quarter or 30 semester college credits towards a relevant college degree is preferred
Experience:
  • Currently attending the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's (WSCJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA); or
  • Graduate of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's (WSCJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) but has not completed the Field Training program (FTO) of a city, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency

QUALIFICATIONS FOR "LATERAL CANDIDATES":
Education:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (e.g., G.E.D.)
  • A minimum of 45 quarter or 30 semester college credits towards a relevant college degree is preferred
Experience:
  • Currently employed, or have been employed within the last 24 months as a full-time civilian law enforcement officer with a city, county, state, or federal agency; and
  • Completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's Basic Law Enforcement Academy; and
  • Completed Field Training (FTO)
Or:
  • Prior training and experience qualify the candidate to attend the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy
    • Recruits who must participate in the equivalency academy to become a certified officer must attend an academy within six months of hire as a condition of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of or ability to learn, pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures related to law enforcement, and departmental procedures and policies
  • Knowledge of structure, organization and interrelationships of city departments, agencies and related governmental agencies and offices affecting assigned functions
  • Skilled in the operation and understanding of personal computers and typical office equipment
  • Ability to operate a personal computer; learn to operate specialized computer systems and applications that support the law enforcement function
  • Ability to maintain regular, predictable and reliable attendance during scheduled hours
  • Ability to participate as a contributing member of a service-oriented team
  • Ability to type 35 words per minute is preferred.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including the ability to manage circumstances involving conflict and hostile people
  • Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of people who may be under stress, have emotional or mental disorders, or are impaired by drugs or medication
  • Ability to demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds
  • Ability to use sound judgment under stress
  • Ability to evaluate a number of factors and solve problems using deductive reasoning
  • Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions
  • Ability to use interpersonal skills with tact, patience, and courtesy
  • Ability to interpret, apply, and explain laws, regulations, and procedures
  • Ability to qualify for possession and use of firearms; demonstrate and maintain proficiency in use and care of firearms in accordance with departmental rules
  • Ability to safely operate vehicles and equipment in routine and emergency situations
  • Ability to manage uncooperative or violent people without the use of force, if possible
  • Ability to apply necessary and approved physical control of violent people for self-defense, to ensure the safety of other people, and to make forcible arrests
  • Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, recognize threats and potential dangers and determine the proper course of action
  • Ability to communicate effectively with people who may be hostile, emotional, unstable, physically or mentally distraught, defuse potentially violent situations, and use discretionary judgment when emergency situations arise
  • Ability to read, write and speak the English language with sufficient proficiency to communicate effectively in person, over police radios, and through written reports
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service, often in stressful situations, to internal and external customers
  • Ability to obtain and maintain all requirements as established by the City for peace officers
  • Ability to perform routine clerical tasks
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of business records and other information

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
  • Be a United States Citizen
  • At least 20½ years old at time of application
  • Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license and a driving record which is acceptable to the City
  • Must successfully pass extensive background check, polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical examination, and drug screening
  • Must successfully complete the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy (or Equivalency Academy within six months of hire) and subsequent field training programs and probation as conditions of employment

Supplemental Information
How to Apply:
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience will be evaluated to determine salary, so it's very important that you complete the "Work Experience" portion of the application in as much detail as possible.
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with yo

Apply