Explosive Detector Dog Handler
6 days ago
Permanent- Salaried Full Time- Christchurch, NZ, 8544**Explosive Detector Dog Handler**:
**Working at our organisation you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to safe and secure skies, for New Zealand.**
**Explosive Detector Dog Unit (EDDU)**
The EDDU was established in 1992 with one team and has grown from there. Today there are more than 30 operational dog teams located at New Zealand’s four main airports and we are growing.
Our EDDU whanau are a small unit with a high standard of professionalism. They represent AvSec both within the airport environment and the wider public domain.
**About the role**
Our dog teams search for explosives within the airport environment and may also assist other government agencies with national security events or incidents.
Our dog teams are mobile and react to any potential threat to national security. They can deploy at a moment’s notice to any airport or location around New Zealand. Our teams are expected to maintain a high level of operational standard through regular training and assessments.
**What we are looking for**
To be a successful EDD Handler you will
- be a true professional who is able to adapt and make clear decisions under pressure.
- be flexible and able to respond as required in a dynamic, operational environment.
- have the ability to work alone and as an engaged member of the team.
- have a growth mindset and be committed to continuous learning.
**Pre-requisites**
To be considered for a career with EDDU you;
- Must be willing to have regular Covid-19 tests and continue to be fully-vaccinated for your own health; and the health, safety and wellbeing of colleagues, friends, family and the wider community.
- Must be medically and physically fit and willing to undertake a medical assessment by a licensed aviation medical practitioner.
- Must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
- Must have a full clean New Zealand driver's licence.
- Must be able to work rostered shift work, which may include weekends, nights, public holidays and afterhours callouts.
- Must have a suitable, fully fenced property to home a dog within 50 minutes travel time of the base airport, and with off-street parking for a work vehicle.
**About our organisation**
The Authority embraces diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive environment where our people feel respected, safe, and valued for their unique contribution.
The foundation for achieving this is **_our values_**, which guide how we work and the behaviours we expect from each other.
- **Me mahi tahi - Collaboration**
We work together to achieve and succeed.
- **Me mahi pono - Transparency**
We are open and honest communicators.
- **Me mahi tika - Integrity**
We do the right thing.
- **Me manaaki - Respect**
We treat all people with consideration and kindness.
- **Kia tū rangatira ai - Professionalism**
We act in a way that brings credit to ourselves and our organisation.
**Why join us**
We want you to be the best you can. Whether it’s on-the-job experience, courses, training opportunities, or secondments - you can have a varied and successful career with us.
EDDU Handlers begin their journey with us on airport as a ‘Trainee Dog Handler’. They are then assigned a dog, and both undergo a comprehensive 10-week training course at the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre (located in Wellington) and at nominated airport. Upon completion they graduate as an operational Explosive Detector Dog Handler. Training continues regularly and you will develop through additional training, courses and professional opportunities.
**Considerations**
You need to be able to travel at short notice and for varying durations. This starts soon after you join when you will attend a 5-day Basic Training Course in either Christchurch or Auckland, focusing on the legislative requirements of our role. You will then attend a 5-day allocation course in Wellington where you will be paired with an operational dog. Your focused EDD training will commence after that and will involve 9 weeks away in Wellington and Auckland. Ongoing training and operations requirements will require travel and deployments to various airports and locations.
**Application Information**
Please read through the position description for this role to find out if you have the relevant skills and experience to become a successful EDDU Handler.
- Do you have any pet or working dogs at your property? If yes, please provide details.
- Do you own your current property or rent? If you rent, are you able to house a dog?
- Do you live within 50 minutes travel time of the airport and have off-street parking for a work vehicle?
- Is your property fully fenced? If not, what would be your intention if you were to join EDDU?
- What do you believe the care of an Aviation Security Service dog will involve on a daily basis?
- What changes do you believe you will have to make to accommodate the time and responsibility of having an Aviation Security