How to hire an explosive ordnance handler

How to hire an explosive ordnance handler, step by step

Here's a step-by-step explosive ordnance handler hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an explosive ordnance handler job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new explosive ordnance handler
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an explosive ordnance handler, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an explosive ordnance handler to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an explosive ordnance handler that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of explosive ordnance handlers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Explosive Ordnance Handler	Description	Hourly rate
   Explosive Ordnance Handler		$11-37
   Blaster	Their duties may require them to process improvement techniques in yield, efficiency, and quality, provide technical expertise in internal and external manufacturing, manage external vendors, and arrange equipment purchases.	$12-32
   Explosive Ordnance Technician	An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician is an expert that handles unexploded ammunition and secures the proper disposal of explosives and weaponry. They must be able to find, gather, and safely dispose of explosive devices... Show more	$11-35

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Trucks
   • Hazardous Materials
   • Law Enforcement Agencies
   • Ammunition
   • Incident Reports
   • CDL
   • Public Safety

   Responsibilities:

   • Conduct foot patrol and/or vehicle patrol independently on premises.
   • Perform explosives testing using energetic materials following DoD safety procedures for ordinance disposal.
   • Respond to calls from military/combat personnel.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your explosive ordnance handler job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An explosive ordnance handler salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, explosive ordnance handlers' average salary in wyoming is 43% less than in pennsylvania.
   • Seniority. Entry-level explosive ordnance handlers earn 69% less than senior-level explosive ordnance handlers.
   • Certifications. An explosive ordnance handler with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an explosive ordnance handler's salary.

   Average explosive ordnance handler salary

   $43,778yearly

   $21.05 hourly rate

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   Entry-level explosive ordnance handler salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing an explosive ordnance handler job description

   A job description for an explosive ordnance handler role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an explosive ordnance handler job description:

   Explosive ordnance handler job description example

   MSA Security , An Allied Universal Company, is a leading global provider of high consequence threat solutions. We offer customized and innovative security solutions developed and executed by a team of experienced professionals. We deploy more than 800 Canine Detection Teams nationwide to mitigate the explosive and active shooter threats. Our patented SmartTech solution provides instant, remote X-ray screener support from FBI-trained bomb technicians. At MSA Security, we take pride in hiring professionals with diverse backgrounds in law enforcement and military service. Start your phenomenal career with us today!
   
   MSA Security , An Allied Universal Company, is hiring a Explosive Detection Canine Handler.The Explosive Detection Canine Handler partners with a trained Explosive Detection Canine to conduct searches in/at assigned client sites, including corporate buildings, loading docks, delivery vehicles, open areas and/or other situations as needed.
   
   Explosive Detection Canine will reside with you in your home when not working with you on assignment. This position pays a competitive hourly rate plus a monthly stipend to care for the EDC.
   **RESPONSIBILITIES:**
   
   + Partner with a trained Explosive Detection Canine to conduct searches in/at assigned client sites, including corporate buildings, loading docks, delivery vehicles, open areas and/or other situations as needed
   
   + Assist and liaise effectively with the client's security manager, law enforcement agencies, security personnel, and local partners or their representatives in the execution of the security protocols as agreed to and described in the specific post orders for each post
   
   + Properly train the Explosive Detection Canine, in accordance with Company policy, each day and ensuring their safety and well-being
   
   + Adhere to all regulatory or other protocols, including the use of any required technology
   
   **QUALIFICATIONS:**
   
   + High school diploma or equivalent
   
   + Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required prior to employment
   
   + Must possess one or more of the following:
   
   + Service in any military branch (including Guard and Reserve)
   
   + Law enforcement role, with a completed accredited Law Enforcement Academy (Municipal/State/Federal)
   
   + Municipal or federal correctional officer, including attending a full-time accredited LE/Corrections Academy (must have enforcement responsibilities)
   
   + Possess adequate living environment to allow for the proper exercise and training of the canine
   
   + Have access to reliable transportation sufficient to allow the safe transportation of the canine to and from work
   
   + Willingness and ability to be available for incident/emergency response duty, standby duty, and client demonstrations, which includes various days and hours
   
   **PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:**
   
   + Service in Military Occupational Specialty related to law enforcement, security (such as Military Police, Elite Military Forces, combat arms) or any support role in a Combat Zone
   
   + Prior civilian or military K9 handler experience
   
   + Completion of a full military handler course
   
   + Bachelor's degree in law enforcement or criminal justice related studies
   
   + A minimum of 8 or more years of service in any military branch
   
   **Allied Universal is an Equal Opportunity Employer.** All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com
   
   If you have any questions regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Diversity and Inclusion, have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply, or require an accommodation at any time during the recruitment and/or employment process, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices .
   
   **Allied Universal is an Equal Opportunity Employer.** All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com
   
   If you have any questions regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Diversity and Inclusion, have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply, or require an accommodation at any time during the recruitment and/or employment process, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices .
   
   
   **Location:** United States-Georgia-Atlanta
   
   **Job Category:** Canine Handler, MSA

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find explosive ordnance handlers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your explosive ordnance handler job on Zippia to find and attract quality explosive ordnance handler candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit explosive ordnance handlers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new explosive ordnance handler

   Once you've decided on a perfect explosive ordnance handler candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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