Detector Dog Handler

APS 4 - $74,882 - $81,521 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Operations Division
- Sydney, NSW
- Want to work in government to support & protect our agriculture industry?
- Enjoy working with dogs?

**Who we are**
Traveller Policy and Operations & Human Health develops and implements policy and controls to manage biosecurity and human health risks at the border. The pathway also works to address emerging post border biosecurity detections and deliver integrated system solutions to facilitate/support effective regulation across traveller and mail trade pathways.

This recruitment activity is for Detector Dog Handlers for Sydney. Please note that Western Sydney International WSI Airport will commence operations from mid-2026. Undergoing training and commencing work as a Detector Dog Handler will require you to join our existing handler teams deploying in various locations in the Sydney metropolitan area, including Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport. Staff will have the opportunity to express their interest in working at WSI closer to the time of WSI opening and commencing operations.

**The Job**

Key role of a detector dog handler:

- Handle, monitor and maintain your assigned detector dog(s), including ensuring their health, welfare, and proficiency for screening of international passengers, mail, and cargo.
- Monitor and maintain detector dog proficiency by conducting regular training exercises.
- Monitor and maintain your proficiency as a handler and biosecurity officer
- Maintain administrative records.
- Contribute to strategic planning and decision making.
- Have a good understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks.
- Undertake other biosecurity duties, as required, when not performing detector dog duties.
- Demonstrated commitment to implementing and upholding the APS Values and Code of Conduct and Work Health and Safety principles and practices.

The duties of a Biosecurity Officer may include, but are not limited to:

- Performing a range of screening, inspection and assurance related activities associated with cargo, conveyances and people entering Australia.
- Assessing documentation to confirm compliance with Australia’s biosecurity requirements.
- Managing goods that do not comply with import/export requirements and capturing information to support evidence-based decisions.
- Identifying trends in biosecurity risks and escalating these to assist in targeting intelligence and risk-based activities.
- Managing, modelling and monitoring compliance with appropriate standards of behaviour in line with departmental expectations and including the APS Code of Conduct and Values.
- Promoting and complying with departmental WHS and Rehabilitation policies and guidelines and being alert for and reporting risks to local management and WHS.
- Providing on-the-job coaching and assisting and supporting other employees on biosecurity issues.

**Please note **that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies where the duties are of a similar nature.

**What are we looking for**
**Knowledge and experience**
Some key roles and responsibilities of a biosecurity officer are outlined below:

- Obtain and maintain proficiency as a biosecurity officer.
- Perform a range of inspections on imported goods, vessels, aircraft, animals and animal genetic material and the assessment of documentation to confirm compliance with Australia’s biosecurity and export market requirements.
- Manage goods that do not comply with import/export requirements and capturing information to support evidence-based decisions.
- Provide timely and accurate advice on biosecurity matters to stakeholders/clients and senior managers.
- Identify trends in biosecurity risks and escalate these to assist in targeting intelligence and risk-based activities.
- Manage, model, and monitor compliance with appropriate standards of behaviour in line with departmental expectations as well as the APS Code of Conduct and Values.
- Promote and comply with departmental WHS and Rehabilitation policies and guidelines and be alert for and report risks to local management and WHS.
- Provide on-the-job coaching and assist and support other employees on biosecurity issues.