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Team Leader, Detector Dog Program Canine Development

Job Req ID

ABF - 139104

 

Location

VIC 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

APS Level 5 - $84,228.00 and $91,809.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

Megan Robb on 03 8762 0701 or megan.robb@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 17/08/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position. 

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 | Detector Dog Program

 

This position is responsible for canine welfare, the daily development of juvenile canines in the Detector Dog Program (DDP) and maintaining the effectiveness of the foster carer program.  The occupant of this position will liaise regularly with members of the general public, Australian and overseas agencies and other members of the DDP as required.  The APS5 Team Leader undertakes moderately complex activities under general supervision and direction. APS5 Team Leaders have a good understanding of relevant legislation and the policy frameworks in which they operate. They provide supervision and support for canine development activities. They will supervise a small team and have responsibilities for managing staff performance, allocating work and identifying opportunities for on-the-job training. One of the components of this job is to provide administrative support to the DDP.

 

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

 

Our ideal candidate

 

  • Provide advice based on the professional, technical and specialist skills required for the type of work being performed.
  • Lead teams to achieve operational objectives and shares information to build expertise within the team.
  • Oversee and support officers to manage performance and build capability, including through mentoring, feedback and coaching.
  • Actively model appropriate workplace behaviours and demonstrate the highest level of personal accountability, ethics and integrity.
  • Understands the work environment and contributes to the development of plans, strategies and team goals.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

  • To supervise a team of Development Officers and manage staff performance.
  • Lead canine development practices to allow juvenile canines to reach their genetic potential and maintain accurate performance records.
  • Support Instructional Staff in the delivery of advanced training and development. This will include assisting with trainee handler development.
  • Maintain the effectiveness of the canine foster care program including client selection, education, field support and collate accurate records.
  • Assess suitability of dogs for training within the DDP or other law enforcement or community service agencies.

 

Additional information

 

Desirable Qualifications/Skills

 

  • Relate and interact effectively with/to canines to enhance the canines learning experience.
  • Provide effective feedback to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Understanding of canine health, kennel hygiene and management practices.
  • In-depth knowledge of developing puppies and juvenile dogs.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 17/08/2025 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 – 139104 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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