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Senior Instructor - Training Detector Dog Program

Job Req ID

ABF - 137977

 

Location

VIC 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

APS Level 6 - $94,563.00 and $107,713.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

Brett Matthews on 0451 696 796 or brett.matthews@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 04/06/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 1 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; ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; WA.
 

About our team

 

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

 

Under the Technical Support to Operations Branch, 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 person.

 

The DDP consists of a National Detector Dog Program Facility (NDDPF) for the training, breeding and operational functions located 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 role of this position is to deliver basic and advanced training using ABF DDP methodologies. They will also be responsible for the ongoing evaluation of detector dog teams, team leaders, syllabus review, development of new training techniques, competency assessment and the provision of technical advice and support to Regional Detector Dog Units' Team Leaders, Unit Supervisors and other client areas.

 

Skills:

  • Effectively deploy trainee dogs in accordance with current dog training methodologies
  • Builds and sustains positive relationships with team members, stakeholders and clients
  • Provide effective and constructive feedback and encouragement to others.

 

Knowledge:

  • Extensive knowledge of current DDP or equivalent dog training strategies and methodologies
  • Identifies the relationship between organisational goals and operational tasks.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

The role of the DDP Senior Instructor Training:

  • Assess suitability of dogs for training within the DDP or other law enforcement or community service agencies
  • Conduct initial training and assessment of detector dog teams, in accordance with DDP methodologies
  • Deliver advanced training and assessments, report and make recommendations in accordance with DDP methodologies and its appraisal program
  • Conduct research and develop new training techniques, including liaison with other agencies employing detector dogs, into improving ABF detector dog and handlers' capabilities
  • Provide high-level technical advice on detector dog training and operations
  • Assess risks and promote the appropriate methodology in regard to detector dog operational and training deployments with Workplace Health and Safety standards
  • Control and manage DDP training aids
  • The ability to work trainee detector dogs in accordance with current DDP methodology
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with ABF Detector Dog Units
  • Conduct demonstrations and public education sessions of ABF detector dog training and operational capabilities.
  • Supervise a team of APS5 Instructors
  • Supervise the learning needs of trainee handlers during a DDP course and operational handlers
  • Ensure self and team apply appropriate legislation, policy and procedure.

 

Additional information

 

Mandatory Qualifications:

  • Drivers licence

 

High Desirable:

  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
  • Successfully completed a BDDTT course, or a recognised DD training course conducted by a State or Commonwealth agency
  • Deployed a detector dog in an operational environment

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 04/06/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT  – 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 as a dog trainer/instructor 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 as a dog trainer/instructor 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 – 137977 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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