About our team 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. The key duties of the position include 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.
