Senior Instructor - Juvenile Development - Detector Dog Program

Job Req ID ABF-135242
Location VIC
Classification APS Level 6 - $90,199.00 and $103,770.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)
Employment Type Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time
Flexible work Onsite
Contact Officer Brett Matthews 03 8362 6008
Applications close on 03/11/2024 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.
About our opportunity This process is being used to fill 1 vacancy. A merit pool may be established and used to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months.
About our team National Operations | Operational Coordination & Planning | Tactical Capability | Detector Dog Program
The position is part of the Detector Dog Program (DDP) section of the Australian Border Force (ABF). It sits in the Technical Support on Operations Branch of the Operational Coordination and Planning Division. The Technical Support on Operations Branch is responsible for the ABF's Detector Dog Program, national surveillance capabilities and digital forensics capability.
The Technical Support on Operations Branch:
Plans, delivers and manages essential close support capabilities to frontline operations. Assures that these key capabilities are delivered in effective and efficient ways. Provides leadership, direction, oversight and/or support to ABF capability projects. Provides advice to the ABF Executive on capability needs, issues and opportunities. Section Overview The DDP breeds, develops, trains and deploys high quality detector dog teams for the ABF and partner domestic and international agencies. The teams are deployed to assist in the detection of illicit drugs, firearms, explosives and other controlled substances in/on imported/exported goods, vessels, aircraft and persons.
Our ideal candidate This position is responsible for supervision of dog welfare, development of juvenile dogs, and foundation training of juvenile dogs for the ABF. The position plays a leading role in educating DDP foster carers. 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 occupant of this position undertakes complex activities under limited direction and is responsible for the training of all DDP staff in juvenile dog development.
The occupant of this position has a high-level understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks in which they operate. They provide direction and supervision for dog development philosophies and activities. They supervise a team and have responsibilities for managing staff performance, allocating work and identifying opportunities for on-the-job training.
Duties and responsibilities The role of the DDP Senior Instructor Juvenile Instructor includes:
Supervise, lead, mentor, develop and direct teams that: Develop juvenile dogs to reach their genetic potential. Work intimately with foster carers that assist in developing juvenile dogs. Identify and develop talented candidate detector dogs for the ABF. Establish and maintain professional relationships with internal / external stakeholders across the DDP and partner agencies. Assess suitability of dogs for training within the DDP or other law enforcement or community service agencies. Supervise the well-being of the DDP canine colony - including oversight of nutrition, animal husbandry and animal welfare regimes. Supervise foundation training of candidate detector dog in accordance with DDP methodologies. Conduct research and develop new techniques for developing juvenile dogs and addressing general dog behaviour. Provide high-level technical advice on juvenile dog development to DDP management and partner domestic and international agencies. Assess risks and promote the appropriate methodology in regard to juvenile dog development with Workplace Health and Safety standards. Conduct demonstrations and public education sessions of ABF juvenile dog development. Conduct Quality Assurance on all juvenile development activities in accordance with DDP methodologies. Supervise administrative support for DDP databases that include - file/register administration and International Working Dog Registry (IWDR). Supervise the learning needs of all staff. Ensure self and team apply appropriate legislation, policy and procedure. Additional information Role Requirements Capabilities Coach, mentor and direct staff with the skills of developing juvenile dogs. Understands the work environment and initiates and develops team goals, strategies and work plans. Reviews performance and identifies opportunities for improvement. Responds in a positive and flexible manner to change. Works collaboratively and operates as an effective team member. Communicates in a clear, concise and articulate manner and tailors communication style and message accordingly to the audience. Skills Effectively understands and can demonstrate DDP juvenile dog development and foundation training principles. Builds and sustains positive relationships with team members, stakeholders and clients. Provide effective and constructive feedback and encouragement to others. Knowledge Extensive knowledge of ABF DDP development and training methodologies. Identifies the relationship between organisational goals and operational tasks. Qualifications Mandatory Drivers licence. Desirable Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Successful completion of an Australian Government agency detector dog course. Dog Behaviour Education. Strong written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of ABF operational role at the border. An understanding of ABF legislation and policies. An understanding of Portfolio functions, responsibilities and organisational linkages. How to apply Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs' recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 03/11/2024 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 – 135242 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:
Technical assistance For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:
Email: Phone: 1300 793 883 (within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0444 (outside of Australia) 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
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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