• APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615 per annum plus superannuation
• Biosecurity Operations Division
• Sydney, NSW

• Exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced Team Leader to establish and oversee a detector dog kennelling and transport team.
• Based in Sydney, you will play a crucial role in establishing a new team of kennel attendants, and developing and implementing procedures for care, fitness and enrichment and transport of the department’s detector dogs.
• This a full-time role based at the Banksmeadow kennel facility.

Who we are
Cargo & Conveyance Policy & Detection Capability is responsible for determining, developing and enabling the strategies, regulatory frameworks, tactics and interventions that manage biosecurity and other risks within the transport and trade pathways into Australia. This pathway brings together how the department detects and responds to biosecurity risk and non-compliance, including through deploying surveillance and verification tools and capabilities such as detector dog teams and x-rays. The branch sets operational policy for the biosecurity clearance of all air and sea cargo, conveyances and ports, seasonal pests and policy assessment related matters.

Detection Capability is responsible for improving the effectiveness of the Biosecurity Operations Division by providing detection, system, legislative and policy capability. The section provides centralised expertise, coordination, management, and resource capability through a range of services for consistent use across the division. The section is responsible for detection technology including x-ray and Detector Dogs. The provision of kennelling services plays a key role in the delivery of national detector dog capability.

The Job
Reporting to the National Kennelling, Transport and Welfare Manager, the duties of the position include:

• establishing a team of kennel attendants/drivers at Banksmeadow Kennel Facility
• supervising kennel attendants and drivers both in person (Sydney) and remotely (Brisbane and Perth) in the day-to-day operations of working kennels
• developing and implementing procedures and guidelines
• overseeing the management of husbandry logs and ensuring the health and safety of dogs
• overseeing daily kennel operations, ensuring cleanliness, safety and proper care for all dogs
• managing rostering and transport logistics for the kennelling and transport teams
• assisting in the development and implementation of fitness and enrichment programs to promote the physical and mental well-being of the dogs
• food stock control including placing orders, collecting goods and reconciling expenses
• monitoring, reporting and actioning facility maintenance requirements
• negotiating and engaging with partner agencies located at shared facilities
• engaging with biosecurity detector dog handlers, technical supervisors, veterinary and animal rehabilitation staff and other government agency staff as required
• providing support, as required, to the National Kennelling, Transport and Welfare Manager.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
We are looking for someone who:

• possesses direct experience in the housing and welfare of working dogs
• has experience in leading and managing a small team
• has demonstrated experience handling and caring for working dogs in a kennel environment
• has a sound knowledge and understanding of canine behaviour and welfare needs
• has a passion for the welfare and enrichment of dogs.

Eligibility and other requirements
The successful applicant 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
• note that the position may require them to participate in an on-call roster (for which an appropriate restriction allowance will be paid) and be available to perform duty outside standard hours.