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Canine Breeding & Development Officer

Job Req ID

ABF - 139734

 

Location

VIC 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing/Non Ongoing (Permanent/Temporary), Full-time 

 

Classification

APS Level 3 - $66,839.00 and $76,792.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

Christopher PERRETT on CHRISTOPHER.PERRETT@ABF.GOV.AU  

 

Office Arrangements

Onsite  - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 22/09/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 5 immediate position/s. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in VIC.
 

About our team

 

National Operations | Operational Coordination & Planning | Technical Support To Operations | Detector Dog Program

 

The Detector Dog Program (DDP) breeds, develops, trains and deploys high quality detector dog teams for the ABF.  The teams are deployed to assist in the detection of illicit drugs, firearms, explosives, currency, tobacco and other controlled substances in/on imported/exported goods, vessels, aircraft and persons. 

 

The DDP consists of a National Detector Dog Program Facility (NDDPF) for the training, breeding and operational functions location in Victoria, along with operational Detector Dog Units (DDUs) in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory and New South Wales

 

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force

 

Our ideal candidate

 

The DDP is looking for people who enjoy working in a rapidly evolving, and forward thinking environment. With a focus on innovation and progression, our ideal candidate will help to maintain and further develop our innovative processes.

 

Our ideal candidate will be self-driven, work well as part of a high functioning and dynamic team, and seek to directly influence the key outcomes of the organisation and the DDP.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

The Dog Breeding and Development Officer role is responsible for:

  • Ensure the well-being of DDP canine colony - assisting with oversight of nutrition, animal husbandry and animal welfare regimes
  • Under general direction implement canine development practices to allow juvenile canines to reach their genetic potential and maintain accurate performance records
  • Assist with maintaining the effectiveness of the canine foster care program including client selection, education, field support and accurate records
  • Assist with the well-being of breeding stock - including oversight of nutrition, animal husbandry and animal welfare regimes
  • Under general direction provide training for kennel contract staff
  • Under general direction assist with breeding activities that include matings, whelpings and husbandry outcomes
  • Liaise with local and international clients, stakeholders and partner agencies for mutual benefit
  • Ensure effective canine health records are maintained
  • Provide administrative support to DDP including but not limited to - accounts and stores administration, mail handling, file/register administration, update and maintain breeding centre database
  • Monitor and encourage a safe, diverse and equitable work place for team members
  • Clean kennels and surrounds and maintain detector dog program grounds as directed
  • Clean and maintain equipment and vehicles as directed
  • Other duties as directed.

 

Capabilities 

 

  • Work with minimal supervision
  • Understands the work environment and contributes to the development of plans, strategies and team goals
  • Reviews performance and identifies opportunities for improvement for self and the operational unit
  • Responds in a positive and flexible manner to change
  • Works collaboratively and operates as an effective team member
  • Shares information to build expertise within the team
  • Communicates in a clear, concise and articulate manner and tailors communication style and message accordingly to the audience.

 

Skills

 

  • Relate and interact effectively with/to canines to enhance the canines learning experience
  • Provide effective feedback to internal and external stakeholders
  • Builds and sustains positive relationships with team members, stakeholders and clients. 

 

Knowledge

 

  • Have a sound knowledge of current DDP, or equivalent, breeding, development and training strategies and methodologies
  • Identifies the relationship between organisational goals and operational tasks.

 

Additional information

 

Mandatory Qualifications

 

  • Drivers licence
  • Pass a dog affinity test.

 

Desirable Qualifications

 

Education, and/or practical experience, in the following areas:

  • Canine physiology, husbandry and nutrition
  • Canine health
  • Kennel hygiene and management practices
  • Obtain an ASIC.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 22/09/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST  – Late applications will not be accepted.

 

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

  • How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role
  • Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
  • Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role

 

 

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 139734 in the document footer.

 

​​​​​​​Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

 

 

Eligibility

 

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

 

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
 

  • ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
  • Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
     

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.  

 

Diversity and inclusion

 

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

 

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

 

Technical assistance

 

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

 

 

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

 

Notes

 

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

 

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

 

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers

 

Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders/directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.

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