Trainee K9 Detection Dog Handler

Contract Position

Location: Remote First Nation communities across Ontario

Compensation: To be negotiated

Deadline: Until Filled (Posted July 30th, 2026)

Creegonquin K9 & Security is looking for a dependable and flexible person to train as a K9 Detection Dog Handler.

About Creegonquin K9 & Security

Creegonquin K9 & Security is an Indigenous-owned company providing K9 drug and alcohol detection, security and community safety services across Northern Ontario.

Our trained detection dogs help identify the possible presence of drugs and alcohol during screening operations. We work closely with First Nation communities and local police services to provide secure, respectful and professional services.

Schedule

· This is an assignment-based contract position.

· Work is often scheduled as two weeks working and two weeks off, but this is not guaranteed. Dates, hours, shifts and locations may change depending on contracts and community needs.

· Some times of the year may be busier than others. There is no guaranteed number of hours, assignments or earnings.

· Applicants must be available for varied shifts, including days, nights, weekends and holidays.

Location and Travel

Preference will be given to applicants from the Cochrane District area, but applicants from anywhere in Northern Ontario are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be able to:

· Travel to remote First Nation communities

· Stay away from home for extended periods

· Drive a company vehicle

· Work outdoors in all weather conditions

· Work in remote locations with limited services

Training

K9 Handler training will be provided.

Applicants must successfully pass the required training before being offered work.



Completing the training does not guarantee employment or future assignments.

Main Duties

Dog care, training and cleanup are part of the job and are the handler’s responsibility during each assignment.

· Work safely with a trained detection dog

· Conduct screening and inspection duties

· Care for the dog during each shift

· Start early enough to take the dog outside for washroom breaks before scheduled work begins

· Feed and water the dog at the designated times

· Walk and exercise the dog as required

· Complete obedience training between flights or when screening duties are finished for the day, as directed

· Clean up all dog waste and keep K9 areas clean

· Hand the dog over to the next handler at the end of the shift

· Follow all K9, safety and company procedures

· Communicate clearly and respectfully with the public

· Give clear directions when needed

· Complete daily logs and incident reports

· Show good initiative while staying within company protocols

· Keep company vehicles clean and ready for use

· Complete other related duties as assigned

Observe and Report

· Creegonquin K9 & Security is an observe-and-report company.

· If a dog indicates the possible presence of drugs, alcohol or another trained substance, the handler must follow company procedures and report the concern.

· Local police,



such as the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) or Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), may be contacted to investigate and take further action.

· K9 Handlers do not perform police duties.

Required Qualifications

· Valid driver’s licence

· Able to pass a criminal record and background check

· Eligible to obtain an Ontario Security Guard Licence

· Comfortable working with and caring for dogs

· Able to communicate clearly and direct people effectively

· Dependable, professional and able to follow procedures

· Good judgement and initiative

· Willing to work varied dates, hours and locations

· Respectful when working in First Nation communities

Preferred Qualifications

· Current Ontario Security Guard Licence (Applicants without a Security Guard Licence may still be considered if they are willing and eligible to obtain one.)

· Security, animal-handling or remote-work experience

Creegonquin K9 & Security encourages First Nations applicants to apply.

To Apply

Send your résumé and a short explanation of why you are interested in the position to:

[email protected]

Only applicants selected for the next step will be contacted. Selected applicants will be invited to an in-person K9 Handler Selection Interview & Assessment in Cochrane. This is part of the hiring process and may include an interview, meeting the dogs and simple suitability activities.

The assessment does not guarantee employment. Candidates selected to move forward may then be offered paid K9 Handler training. They must successfully complete the required training before being offered work assignments.

Pay: $20.00-$40.00 per hour

Work Location: On the road

📌 Security Dog Handler (Cochrane)
🏢 Creegonquin
📍 Cochrane