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

'Just imagine what you could achieve with us

*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
• Assess risks and apply appropriate methodology to ensure personal occupational health and safety as well as the dog's health and safety and to uphold animal ethics standards (e.g. conduct safety checks of the area before deploying dogs, taking into account hazards such as snakes, horses and cattle, disgruntled landowners)
• 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 minimal 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

*What We Are Looking For*
We are seeking the best suited candidate for the role. We will achieve this by:

• assessing your eligibility and suitability to fulfill the role requirements (including, where relevant, the way you carried out previous roles)
• evaluating your potential contributions to the department and how your involvement would uphold our commitment to equity, diversity, respect, and inclusion.

*Eligibility Requirements*
You will be asked to provide evidence of how you meet the eligibility requirements during the selection process. Citizenship or visa requirements

To Be Eligible For This Opportunity, You Must Be An Australian Citizen, Hold Permanent Residency Status, Or Possess a Visa Allowing You To Work In Australia. If You Are Not An Australian Citizen, You Must:

• provide evidence of your residency status or visa, along with your right to work (including any conditions and/or restrictions
• inform the department if your right to work in Australia ceases.

Licences and registrations

• a current 'C' class drivers licence

Applications will remain current for 12 months.

Occupational group
Primary Industry & Environment