K9 Handler

Description

The K9 Handler position is responsible for searches of facilities, vehicles, and other assigned areas. This role requires the handler maintain daily training, detailed documentation, and recurring certifications, while ensuring the health, care, and readiness of the canine partner. The position requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, physical capability, and flexibility to work varied hours and travel as mission needs dictate.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete an initial K9 handler training program, including a three-week beginner handler course and a six- to eight-week local training period.
• Maintain accurate and detailed training documentation and successfully complete required certifications twice annually with the training lead or an approved certifying body.
• Conduct interior and exterior searches of facilities and vehicles, which may require working in extreme weather conditions and high-noise environments.
• Travel as required to support operational and mission needs; all travel will be coordinated by the team lead.
• Provide daily care, grooming, and overall well-being for the assigned K9 partner.
• Complete a K9 first aid course to ensure proper care and emergency response for the canine partner.
• Maintain a level of physical fitness necessary to safely perform K9 handling duties and support the care of the assigned dog.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills to support training delivery, curriculum development, documentation, and disciplinary processes.
• Maintain flexibility to work varying hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as mission requirements dictate.
• Commit to a minimum five-year assignment with the CenCore LLC K9 Unit.
• Provide full-time housing and care for the assigned K9 partner, excluding approved PTO away from the primary residence.
• Maintain all issued equipment, including vehicles, kennels, training materials, and first aid supplies.
• Provide care for another handler’s K9 partner during approved PTO absences, as required.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with Full-Scope Polygraph (FSP).
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with members of the security team and integrate the K9 unit into daily operations.
• Demonstrated high regard for canines, including maturity, patience, decisiveness, self-control, and a disciplined, professional demeanor.
• Excellent physical condition, including the ability to lift up to 80 pounds into a vehicle as required for K9 handling duties.
• Adequate living space, including a yard suitable for housing the assigned K9 partner and kennel; all household occupants must be willing to participate in a home suitability interview.
• Willingness to work varied schedules and travel as operational needs require.
• Prior K9 handling experience is not required; however, candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

• A dedicated candidate that can commit 2 years to the program.
• Candidate will go through a screening process to ensure dwelling is suitable for K9 partners. Additional random inspections of K9 and equipment will be completed by team lead.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• 24/7 care of the assigned K9 units.
• Working in extreme indoor and outdoor environments.

Summary

At CenCore Group, we take security solutions from the industry standard to the CenCore standard. CenCore Group specializes in designing, building, securing, and maintaining AI ecosystems at the intersection of big technology and national security. CenCore Group strives to be the trusted and primary source for insight, analysis, and implementation of physical and digital security solutions associated with the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the NatSec space. We are currently seeking highly motivated and qualified candidates to join our dedicated team. 

Cencore Group is an equal opportunity employer. We hire based on merit and qualifications and do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics. We offer a competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth. If you possess the necessary qualifications and a Top-Secret security clearance or higher, we encourage you to apply for a position with our esteemed organization. 

Provides secure modular facilities and professional defense security services.