Canine Patrol Officer

Join the Johns Hopkins Public Safety Team — Protect, Serve, and Lead with Your Canine Partner

At The Johns Hopkins Hospital , we’re dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our patients, staff, students, and visitors — every day, in every situation. As a Canine Patrol Officer (Handler) , you’ll play a vital role in our mission to maintain a safe and welcoming environment while working alongside a highly trained canine partner.

This is more than a job — it’s a calling to serve, protect, and make a difference within one of the world’s most respected healthcare and research institutions.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Special Response Unit Captain , the Canine Patrol Officer provides canine handling, patrolling support, and specialized response for public safety services across Johns Hopkins Medical community. This position requires sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of public safety operations.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct patrols and security checks with a trained canine partner to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, students, and visitors.

• Respond to incidents, emergencies, and requests for assistance with professionalism and tact.

• Assist with the training, care, and performance evaluation of assigned canines.

• Support investigations and special security assignments as directed.

• Provide guidance and direction to Public Safety personnel when delegated by a supervisor.

• Maintain accurate reports and documentation related to patrols, incidents, and canine performance.

What You’ll Bring

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

• Experience: At least three (3) years of experience in public safety, law enforcement, military, or security operations preferred.

• Certifications:

  • Must obtain and maintain a Special Police Officer (SPO) commission (Maryland Police Training Commission).

  • Must complete a comprehensive canine handler training program and maintain certification.

  • Must qualify for a Maryland State Police background clearance .

• Skills: Strong decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills; proficiency in report writing and basic computer applications.

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, lift 100+ pounds (canine weight equivalent), and maintain safe off-duty housing for the assigned canine.

Why Join Johns Hopkins

• Be part of a mission-driven team that values integrity, service, and community .

• Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for training, advancement, and professional growth .

• Partner with a highly trained canine to enhance safety across a world-class academic medical center.

• Enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Apply Today

Bring your dedication, skill, and passion for public safety to Johns Hopkins.
Join a team where your work — and your canine partner’s — truly makes a difference.

Salary Range: Minimum 22.33/hour - Maximum 36.86/hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility. In cases where the range is displayed as a $0 amount, salary discussions will occur during candidate screening calls, before any subsequent compensation discussion is held between the candidate and any hiring authority.

The Hospital reserves the right to modify employee schedules as needed.

We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.

Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.