Detector Dog Handler opportunity -Auckland
An exciting opportunity has opened up in our Detector Dog Unit (DDU) to join our team and deploy a Customs dog to protect New Zealand borders. Become an integral part of the team at New Zealand Customs | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa and do your part for Aotearoa by helping to prevent cross-border crime, striving to make a difference while working with your canine partner.

About this role - Mō tēnei tūranga mahi
Detector Dog Handlers are part of the Operations Support group, undertaking general border enforcement activity and supporting specialist groups such as Investigations and the Customs Maritime Unit.

A Customs Detector Dog handler works with their dog to screen aircraft, people, ships, goods and premises, to detect prohibited items such as drugs and cash. So, building and maintaining a strong working relationship with your canine partner is vital.

You will complete your core Customs officer training before joining the initial ten-week detector dog training course. You will need to pass a certification to become an operational detector dog team.

This is a shift work role with a 6 days on and 3 days off pattern. You will need to be willing to make the dog a part of your life outside of working hours as our dogs go home with the handlers, and when fellow handlers are on leave, you may be required to care for a second dog.

The role involves public engagement, so you will need to be comfortable undertaking activities such as school talks or Dog Squad/Border patrol filming.

The salary for this role is $58,718 - $78,371 plus an out of hours allowance of $15,475 and a dog care allowance of $8,724.

About you - Ko wai koe
To be successful in this role you will need to be able to demonstrate the following essential competencies:

• Action orientated - be driven to work through challenging situations and consistently maintain a high level of motivation to keep your detector dog engaged

• Decision-making -be able to consider situational risks, assess health and safety factors and evaluate implications of your decisions for both you and the dog. Often you'll work independently so the ability to make good decisions around the best (& safest) utilisation of the dog is key - operating under Customs core values "we do what's right"

• Relationship management -be able to effectively communicate, understand and constructively build relationships with others (including your team, wider Customs operational groups and members of the public) and resolve differing views professionally

• Flexibility - this role will be rostered, which means weekend work, public holidays and odd hours. You will move across various work areas within your day. You'll also need to be prepared to frequently travel away from home and often at short notice

• Fitness - You will need a reasonable level of fitness as you will be on your feet for most of your shifts. You will also be required to pass a fitness test annually.

You will also need:

• A full and unblemished drivers' licence.
• A suitable property where you can safely and securely kennel a detector dog at home.

[The property's outdoor area must include: a fenced secure area to house the kennel and a toileting area. The fencing must be a minimum of 1.5m high and in good condition with no gaps].

To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or NZ permanent resident*.
(*) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years and resides in NZ at time of application.
OR a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last five years and resides in NZ at time of application but may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA. You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

What's involved?
Applicants who are short-listed will be required to:

• Undergo a practical assessment day
• Attend an Interview
• Pass the fitness testing:

• Beep test Level 5.1

• Strength and skill test

• Demonstrate they can swim 50 metres and tread water for 3 minutes, whilst wearing overalls

• Complete psychometric testing
• Undergo drug testing and medical

How to apply - Me pehea te whakauru
Please apply online. You will be asked about your relevant experience and interest in the role. You will also be required to undertake practical exercises - where you will be asked to upload recordings of yourself completing them as part of your application.

Any other information can be obtained by contacting: Supervising Customs Officer Detector Dog Unit - Tiffany Duke by email tiffany.duke@customs.govt.nz;

Applications close 24 November 2024 at 5pm.

Timeline for shortlisted candidates:

• 16-18 December 2024 - Participate in a Practical Assessment day (only one of these days)

and if proceeding to the next stage;

• 19 or 20 December - Attend panel interview
• January onwards - Complete medical
• 17 January - Undertake fitness test
• Date to be arranged following interviews- Premises check
• February 2025 - start training in Auckland

Check out our website: Detector Dog Unit - New Zealand Customs Service

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.