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

Nationsecurity; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Nationsecurity seeks experienced Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) Owner-Handlers to conduct screening and neutralize explosive threats across ports, arenas, and high-profile events. You'll work with a trained canine as an integrated unit to identify hazards in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities include targeted screening across diverse venues, independent and team operations, canine care, detailed logs, professional conduct, and flexible travel to support missions.

Qualifications

• Citizenship or legal national status and HS diploma/GED required.
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle for transporting a working dog.
• Clear background check and pre-employment drug screening; ability to obtain site badges/clearances.
• Fluent English; working proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
• Willingness to travel domestically for training, deployments, or support.

Responsibilities

• Targeted Screening: Proactive canine screening for explosives across facilities and transport hubs.
• Operational Integration: Work independently or with security teams as an integrated unit.
• Unit Preparedness: Maintain daily readiness and housing for the canine partner.
• Record Keeping: Maintain logs of searches, training, deployments, and incident reports per guidelines.
• Professional Standards: Maintain professionalism, proper uniform, and tactical composure at all times.
• Adaptability: Adjust to shift changes, mission briefings, and regional travel.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication

Teamwork

English fluency

Spanish preferred

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

We are cuurenty contracting driven, highly disciplined Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) Owner-Handlers to execute tactical threat mitigation across diverse, high-consequence environments. Assigned teams will safeguard maritime docks, air freight hubs, sports arenas, high-profile public gatherings, and executive protection details.

You will operate alongside your assigned, highly trained detection canine as an integrated unit dedicated to screening, identifying, and neutralizing explosive hazards in fast-paced operational settings.

Primary Responsibilities

• Targeted Screening: Execute proactive canine screening for explosive materials throughout cargo warehouses, port facilities, ocean vessels, venues, transit hubs, and private security details.
• Operational Integration: Perform effectively both independently on autonomous patrols and alongside broader security command teams.
• Unit Preparedness: Guarantee the continuous operational deployment capability, health, and secure housing of your working dog.
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed daily logs tracking searches, training hours, deployment metrics, and incident reports matching client and statutory guidelines.
• Professional Standards: Exhibit top-tier professionalism, proper uniform presentation, and tactical composure at all times.
• Adaptability: Rapidly adjust to changing shift schedules, sudden mission adjustments, and regional travel assignments.

Canine Eligibility & Ownership Criteria

• Ownership / Legal Rights: Applicants must possess legal ownership or documented primary handling rights for a fully operational Explosive Detection Canine.
• Active Certifications: Valid credentials from a recognized body (e.g., NAPWDA, NPCA, USPCA, or applicable TSA/DOT regulatory frameworks) for explosive detection are mandatory. Official documentation must be provided prior to tasking.
• Veterinary Clearances: Proof of current vaccinations, comprehensive health records, and official medical fitness clearance for active field duties are required.
• Proficiency Logs: Handlers must log ongoing maintenance and scent-detection training sessions to demonstrate compliance with industry standards.
• Daily Maintenance: Handlers assume full accountability for their dog's daily nutrition, grooming, physical conditioning, and health tracking, with an obligation to immediately report any medical or behavioral concerns affecting operational readiness.

Essential Qualifications

• Status & Education: U.S. Citizenship or legal national status, paired with a High School Diploma or GED.
• Transportation & Driver Requirements: Valid state driver's license (REAL ID compliant preferred) and ownership of a reliable vehicle suited for the safe transport of a working dog.
• Background Verification: Must clear a detailed background screening and pre-employment drug panel (zero-tolerance drug-free workspace). Ability to obtain necessary site badges, port credentials, or security clearances.
• Language Proficiency: Fluent in English (spoken and written). Working proficiency in Spanish is a strong advantage.
• Core Competencies: Sound critical thinking under pressure, excellent communication skills, and the capability to perform in dynamic team settings.
• Travel Willingness: Open to domestic travel for specialized training, temporary deployments, or urgent shift support.

Physical & Environmental Working Conditions

• Ability to handle and control a high-drive working canine weighing between 50 to 90 lbs.
• Stamina to remain on your feet, walking patrols, and conducting searches over extended shifts.
• Physical agility to bend, kneel, lift, and maneuver canine gear and operational supplies.
• Capability to perform outdoors across extreme weather conditions (rain, high humidity, heat, cold) and within noisy, high-density, or tight areas (ship holds, loading bays, stadiums).

Deployment & Schedule Expectations

• Flexibility to work non-standard shifts, including overnights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as operational demand dictates.
• Willingness to take on short-notice event shifts, rapid deployments, or sustained contract coverage.
• Readiness to fulfill overtime demands based on client needs.

Home Housing Standards

• Handlers must maintain a home environment equipped with secure, clean, climate-controlled canine housing that meets corporate animal welfare policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Operational history as a Military Working Dog (MWD) handler, law enforcement K9 officer, or commercial detection contractor.
• Past screening experience in supply chain, maritime, large venue, or executive protection environments.
• Working knowledge of TSA Third-Party Canine (3PK9 / CCSF-K9) operational standards.

Training & Onboarding Sequence

• Verification or completion of recognized third-party canine detection evaluations.
• Completion of the corporate Explosive Detection Canine Handler Orientation Program:
  • Experienced Handlers: 4 weeks
  • Non-Experienced Handlers: 8 weeks