EXPLOSIVE DETECTION CANINE (EDC) OWNER/HANDLER

As a premier security solutions provider, we are seeking professional, motivated, and dependable Security K9 Owner/Handlers who own and operate their own qualified canine to support high-visibility protective operations across diverse operational environments. Opportunities span cargo facilities, maritime hubs, athletic venues, special events, and executive protection assignments.

In this role, Handlers deploy alongside their own trained Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) as part of an integrated protective unit tasked with detecting, deterring, and responding to security threats in dynamic settings.

Canine Ownership & Compliance Requirements

• Owner-Provided Canine: Candidate must own or possess full legal handler rights to a fully trained Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) suitable for deployment in high-consequence environments.
• Certifications & Standards: Must maintain active, recognized third-party certifications (e.g., NAPWDA, USPCA, NPCA, or equivalent TSA/DOT-recognized standards) for explosive detection. Proof of current certification is required prior to operational deployment.
• Veterinary & Health Clearance: Maintain up-to-date veterinary health records, required vaccinations, and medical clearances confirming the canine is physically fit for active duty.
• Proficiency & Training Records: Conduct and document regular maintenance and proficiency training to ensure continuous compliance with national detection standards.
• Daily Care & Welfare: Manage all daily feeding, grooming, physical conditioning, and general welfare of your canine team, immediately reporting any medical, behavioral, or performance issues affecting deployment readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Detection Operations: Conduct proactive explosive detection screening across various operational environments, including cargo hubs, logistics terminals, ports, vessels, athletic venues, transportation corridors, and detail assignments.
• Team Coordination: Operate both independently and collaboratively within a coordinated security command structure.
• Operational Readiness: Maintain complete operational readiness, care, housing, and welfare for your canine team.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate daily training logs, deployment records, and inspection logs in full compliance with company policies, client expectations, and applicable local, state, and federal regulatory standards.
• Professional Standards: Maintain a professional appearance, strict tactical discipline, and standard-of-conduct expectations at all times.
• Operational Flexibility: Adapt swiftly to changing mission profiles, shift patterns, and temporary duty travel requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Citizenship & Education: U.S. citizen or national with a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Licensing & Transport: Valid driver’s license (REAL ID compliant preferred) and access to a personally owned vehicle capable of safely housing and transporting a working canine.
• Vetting & Clearances: Must successfully pass a background investigation and drug screening (drug-free workplace). Ability to obtain and maintain necessary site-specific security clearances, badges, and credentials as required by contract.
• Language Skills: English fluency (reading, writing, speaking) is required. Spanish language proficiency is preferred.
• Professional Core Skills: Sound judgment under high-responsibility conditions, strong interpersonal/communication skills, and the capability to work independently or in team-based operations.
• Travel: Must be willing and able to travel as required for training, temporary duty assignments, and deployments.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to handle, manage, and control a high-drive working canine weighing 50–90 lbs.
• Capacity to stand, walk, patrol, and operate on foot for extended shifts.
• Ability to bend, kneel, lift, and carry operational gear, equipment, and canine supplies.
• Capability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain, cold) and in loud, crowded, or confined settings (ports, vessels, stadiums, event venues).

Work Schedule & Deployment Requirements

• Availability to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on operational demand.
• Flexibility for short-term project deployments, event-based schedules, or longer-term contract support.
• Willingness to work overtime and irregular schedules as dictated by mission requirements.

Housing & Property Requirements

• Must maintain home canine housing that meets corporate K9 housing standards, ensuring proper safety, cleanliness, climate considerations, and security.
• Strict compliance with all company canine care, housing, and welfare policies is mandatory.

Preferred Background & Experience

• Prior experience as a Security K9 Handler, Military Working Dog (MWD) handler, Law Enforcement K9 handler, or private sector detection handler.
• Operational background in air cargo security, maritime logistics, venue protection, special events, or executive protection.
• Familiarity with third-party explosive detection canine certification standards (including 3PK9 / CCSF-K9).

Training & Certification Requirements

• Completion of a recognized third-party explosive detection canine certification (coordinated or provided if required).

• Completion of the Explosive Detection Canine Handler Training Program:

  • Non-Experienced Handlers: 8 weeks
  • Experienced Handlers: 4 weeks

• Training Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit their full resume along with copies of all active handler and K9 explosive detection certifications directly through this job board application portal or email them directly to [email protected] with the subject line "K9 Owner/Handler Application".