Detector Dog Handlers

APS 4 - $69,905 - $76,103 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Operations Division
- Brisbane (QLD), Cairns (QLD), Darwin (NT), Melbourne (VIC), Perth (WA) and Sydney (NSW)
- _Handle, monitor & maintain your assigned detector dog(s) - includes ensuring their health, welfare and proficiency for screening duties._
- _Must have experience in animal handling in a professional capacity or a demonstrated interest in animal handling._
- _Multiple vacancies across multiple locations._

**Who we are**
Pathway Operations - Travellers, Mail and Detector Dog Operations delivers regulatory screening and inspections of goods, at the border to verify compliance with Australia's biosecurity requirements and works with policy and risk owners within the department to influence and inform operational policy and deliver regulatory functions in accordance with legislative requirements, national standards, and a risk-based operating model. The pathway has a national footprint with a presence in all capital cities.

**The Jobs**
The main duties of a Detector Dog Handler may include, but are not limited to:

- handling, monitoring and maintaining your assigned detector dog(s), including ensuring their health, welfare and proficiency for screening of international passengers, mail and cargo
- monitoring and maintaining detector dog proficiency by conducting regular training exercises
- maintaining detector dog administrative records
- contributing to strategic planning and decision making
- maintaining your understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks
- undertaking other Biosecurity Officer duties, as required, when not performing detector dog duties
- demonstrating a commitment to implementing and upholding the APS Values and Code of Conduct and Work Health and Safety principles and practices.

**Please note** that this selection process will be used to fill multiple vacancies, both ongoing and non-ongoing, across the locations listed above. Non-ongoing contracts will be offered for an initial period of 18 months with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of three years in total. Some of these non-ongoing position(s) may become ongoing in the next 18 months. Should a position become ongoing then the merit pool established through this selection process may be used to fill the vacancy on an ongoing basis. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of 18 months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies in the division where the duties are of a similar nature.

This link will take you to the Department’s Detector Dog page on our website.

**What we are looking for**

**Knowledge and experience**
The successful applicants will have:

- experience in animal handling in a professional capacity or a demonstrated interest in animal handling
- an understanding of the role of a detector dog handler within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- knowledge or an understanding of the department’s role in delivering national biosecurity operations
- demonstrated computer literacy and experience in using electronic databases
- knowledge of the principles of administrative law and objectives of regulatory practice

**Eligibility and other requirements**
The successful applicants must:

- hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
- note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work
- wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy
- wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures
- obtain and maintain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) and a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)
- pass the specific Detector Dog Handler medical assessment
- note that they must complete the department’s Biosecurity Foundation Program and meet the minimum requirements in order to be appointed as a Biosecurity Officer under the Biosecurity Act 2015
- note that the Biosecurity Foundation Program may include a 2-week period of full time training at the Biosecurity Training Centre located in Wagga Wagga, NSW and that travel for this training is fully funded by the department
- note that they will be required to attend a 4-week full time handler course in Brisbane (when a course is available) and that travel for this training is fully funded by the department.

**For additional information, please read the Job Description below.