Global Mine Action HubA program of Sydän Ukrainalle ry Join the pool
← Home

GMAH talent pool

Become a humanitarian demining dog handler

Are you a Ukrainian in Finland or elsewhere in Europe thinking about going home? Ukraine needs people who work with detection dogs to find mines and give land back to communities. We are building a community of people who want to learn this profession, and we help them on the way.

Join the talent poolHow it works
Freeto join the pool and the community
No experience neededexperience with dogs helps, but is not required
Honestwe do not promise a job: the operator decides who to hire

What the work is

A humanitarian demining dog handler works together with a specially trained dog for an accredited mine action operator.

  • Searching the field

    The dog smells explosives; the handler guides it across a marked area and reads its signals. The team follows strict safety procedures.

  • Two kinds of dogs

    Mine detection dogs (MDD) look for single mines in narrow lanes. Technical survey dogs (TSD) quickly confirm whether an area is contaminated, so land goes back to people faster.

  • Daily care

    Training the dog every day, its health, food and equipment. The dog is your partner for years.

  • Conditions

    Field seasons in the regions of Ukraine, travel, outdoor work in any weather. Physically and mentally demanding.

What it pays

Approximate amounts from operators' public job ads in Ukraine in 2024–2026, before tax. This is not a job offer: every operator has its own rates.

During training

≈ UAH 20,000

per month at some operators while the course runs

After certification

UAH 40,000–60,000

per month at Ukrainian operators, plus daily allowance on trips

International operators

can be higher

usually require experience and working English

Amounts change. Always check the current terms with the operator before you decide.

What you need

Required

  • Age 18 or over
  • Good physical fitness and health for field work
  • Ready to live and work in Ukraine, including travel
  • Responsibility, discipline, following procedures
  • Love for dogs and patience

A plus

  • Experience in dog training, dog sports or service dog work
  • English at A2–B1 or higher (higher for international operators)
  • Driving licence, category B
  • Field, military or rescue experience
  • First-aid skills

The path to the profession

This is how we see the path. Steps 1–3 are what we do. Steps 4–5 follow the operator's rules and the international IMAS standards.

  1. GMAH

    Join the pool

    Fill in the form below. It is free and does not commit you to anything.

  2. GMAH

    Get to know us

    An online meeting or a meeting in Finland: we tell you about the profession and answer your questions.

  3. GMAH

    Preparation

    Basic work with a dog, English terminology, first aid for dogs. We are preparing the course programme now.

  4. Operator

    Training and certification

    The official course at an operator and national certification in Ukraine, under its rules and the IMAS standards.

  5. Operator

    Work

    A job with an accredited mine action operator. The operator makes the hiring decision.

Honestly, the main points

Global Mine Action Hub does not clear mines itself and does not hire deminers. We prepare people and dogs, recommend candidates to operators and help you on the way.

We do not guarantee a job. We work only with safe scent simulants, never with explosives.

Talent pool and community

Join, and you will be among the first to hear about courses and vacancies.

  • News about training and vacanciesWe tell you when operators are hiring handlers and when our preparation course starts.
  • Community meetingsOnline and in Finland. In spring 2027 we plan a large meeting in Helsinki.
  • Training at our groundWhen groups open, we invite you to sessions at our training ground near Iisalmi.
  • Advice and supportWhere to start, what English to work on and which documents you will need.

Questions

Do I need my own dog?

No. Operators work with their own specially trained dogs. Your own dog helps you build skills, but it is not required.

How much does it cost to join?

Nothing. Joining the pool and the community is free.

Can women and veterans join?

Yes, and we would be glad. Dog handling is a profession where attention, patience and contact with the dog matter most.

I am not in Finland. Can I join?

Yes. The pool is open to Ukrainians anywhere in Europe and in Ukraine. Some meetings are online.

Do you guarantee a job?

No. We help you prepare and recommend candidates, but the mine action operator makes the hiring decision.

What happens to my data?

We use it only to contact you about training, vacancies and meetings. You can ask us to delete it at any time.