CANINE DETECT-AND-PROTECT SPECIALIST (OWNER/K9 TEAM)

Nation Security • Miami, FL

14d • $52,000 - $93,000

About The Position

The Canine Detect-and-Protect Specialist (Owner/K9 Team) is a contracting role for a driven, highly disciplined Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) owner-handler. The handler and their assigned, highly trained detection canine work as an integrated unit to screen for explosive hazards and mitigate threats in high-consequence environments, including maritime docks, air freight hubs, sports arenas, public gatherings, and executive protection details.

The role involves proactive canine screening across cargo warehouses, port facilities, vessels, venues, transit hubs, and private security details. Handlers may work independently on patrols or alongside security command teams. They are responsible for maintaining their dog's operational readiness, health, training records, daily care, and secure housing, as well as documenting searches, training, deployments, and incidents. The position requires schedule flexibility, regional and domestic travel, and the ability to work outdoors and in crowded, noisy, or confined operational environments.

Applicants must own or have documented primary handling rights to a fully operational explosive detection canine, hold current credentials from a recognized certification body or applicable regulatory framework, and provide current veterinary and training documentation. The role includes a corporate handler orientation program lasting four weeks for experienced handlers or eight weeks for non-experienced handlers, along with verification or completion of recognized third-party canine detection evaluations.

Requirements

• Legal ownership or documented primary handling rights for a fully operational Explosive Detection Canine.
• Current explosive detection credentials from a recognized body such as NAPWDA, NPCA, USPCA, or an applicable TSA/DOT regulatory framework; official documentation must be provided before tasking.
• Current canine vaccinations, comprehensive health records, and official medical fitness clearance for active field duties.
• Ongoing maintenance and scent-detection training logs demonstrating compliance with industry standards.
• U.S. citizenship or legal national status.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid state driver's license; REAL ID compliance is preferred.
• Ownership of a reliable vehicle suitable for safely transporting a working dog.
• Ability to pass a detailed background screening and pre-employment drug panel.
• Ability to obtain necessary site badges, port credentials, or security clearances.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Critical thinking under pressure, excellent communication skills, and ability to perform in dynamic team settings.
• Willingness to travel domestically for specialized training, temporary deployments, or urgent shift support.
• Ability to handle and control a high-drive working canine weighing 50 to 90 pounds.
• Stamina to remain on foot, walk patrols, and conduct searches over extended shifts.
• Physical ability to bend, kneel, lift, and maneuver canine gear and operational supplies.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather and in noisy, high-density, or confined areas.
• Flexibility to work non-standard shifts, including overnights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.
• Willingness to take short-notice event shifts, rapid deployments, or sustained contract coverage.
• Ability to meet overtime demands based on client needs.
• A home environment with secure, clean, climate-controlled canine housing that meets corporate animal welfare policies.
• Completion of recognized third-party canine detection evaluations, or verification of such evaluations.
• Completion of the corporate Explosive Detection Canine Handler Orientation Program: four weeks for experienced handlers or eight weeks for non-experienced handlers.

Nice To Haves

• Working proficiency in Spanish.
• Operational experience as a Military Working Dog handler, law enforcement K9 officer, or commercial detection contractor.
• Prior screening experience in supply chain, maritime, large venue, or executive protection environments.
• Working knowledge of TSA Third-Party Canine (3PK9 / CCSF-K9) operational standards.
• REAL ID-compliant driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive canine screening for explosive materials in cargo warehouses, port facilities, ocean vessels, venues, transit hubs, and private security details.
• Work independently on autonomous patrols and collaboratively with broader security command teams.
• Maintain the working dog's continuous operational readiness, health, and secure housing.
• Keep detailed daily logs of searches, training hours, deployment metrics, and incident reports in accordance with client and statutory guidelines.
• Maintain the dog's daily nutrition, grooming, physical conditioning, and health tracking, and promptly report medical or behavioral concerns affecting readiness.
• Maintain ongoing canine maintenance and scent-detection training logs.
• Maintain professional conduct, proper uniform presentation, and tactical composure.
• Adapt to changing shifts, mission adjustments, regional travel, short-notice event shifts, rapid deployments, and sustained contract coverage.
• Meet client-driven overtime demands.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED