Dog Handler

**As our Dog Handler you will**: - Provide sound advice based on wide general knowledge of dogs, knowledge the specific breed of the assigned dogs and the dogs as individuals, and work collaboratively with the Dog Team Coordinator and external contractor/s training the selected dogs to support ongoing dog maintenance and address potential dog performance issues
- Deploy dogs in a variety of work environments to undertake assigned surveillance work required for program delivery
- Understand the behaviour of the target pest as well the effects of environment, climate and weather on that behaviour and take this into account when reinforcing the training of dogs and when deploying and monitoring dogs
- Effectively interpret and manage canine behaviour and either organise or carry out dog behavioural training as required e.g. discipline and positive reinforcement
- Monitor and maintain detection dog proficiency by conducting regular maintenance and training exercises
- Assist in the ongoing development of operational efficiency of detection dogs and program and advise business managers of the capabilities and limits of the dogs (e.g. advise when dogs need to be either rested or worked to maintain their skills or replaced)
- Structure own work with mínimal supervision and ensure assigned duties are undertaken according to appropriate standards, policies, procedures and guidelines (e.g. exercise powers of entry appropriately and with due consideration of landowners)
- Effective use of technology such as GPS, PDA, computers and digital cameras to gather required information and report on operational outcomes
- Conduct public demonstrations/awareness sessions as required
- Under limited direction in relation to priorities and work practices, provide oversight/management to a discrete organisational unit and/or provide administrative support to the operational program. Liaise, communicate, and negotiate with clients or other interested parties, within parameters decided by senior management.
Licences and registrations
- A current unrestricted 'C' class drivers' licence
Why join the department? (benefits)The work we do is widespread and varied, but our people are united by an innate sense of purpose, and a passion to serve their fellow Queenslanders. Our people are talented, down-to-earth and resilient, and the work they do every day fills them with gratification and pride. This is what keeps them coming back.
**Here are some other reasons why our people choose us**: - Have visible impact in your community, and directly contribute to making Queensland a better place to live. Flexible working options that encourage a healthy work-life balance. Salary sacrificing options and competitive superannuation. A variety of fantastic leave benefits, supported across the broader Queensland public sector. Access to confidential and free counselling for you and your immediate family members through our Employee Assistance Program. We are committed to preventing violence against women and are proud to be a White Ribbon accredited workplace.