Detector Dog Handler (Compliance Officer)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Establish DOCs wildlife crime detector dog programme at the border.
• House and train our new detector dogs.
• 18-month external secondment/fixed term | Vehicle included.

Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa  | Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature spaces and species across Aotearoa.

Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.

He angitūtanga | About the role

The Wildlife Crime Team at the Department of Conservation are responsible for detecting and preventing the exploitation of protected species. As the Compliance Officer - Wildlife Crime, you'll work collaboratively within DOC's Wildlife Crime Team to detect and deter wildlife crime.

You will be responsible for training, housing and handling up to two wildlife crime detector dogs ensuring that your charges meet global best practice and operating standards.  These dogs are used in the detection of native wildlife (e.g geckos and skinks), and exotic specimens (e.g traditional medicines) being smuggled across our borders.

This is a highly collaborative role where you'll be working with a team of investigators and our external partners at the front line of operational compliance and law enforcement work. This role will enable you to work across a variety of environments including mail and freight facilities, ports and airports across Aotearoa.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• A minimum of 3 years' experience of detector dog training within a regulatory agency.
• Comfort in handling and working with a range of animals.
• Ability to house up to two dogs - kennel, run and fully equipped vehicle provided.
• a full, New Zealand driver licence.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. 

You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

The salary range for this position is $79,656 to $100,639 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Interviews for this role are scheduled to take place on the third week of March.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that overs the whole period of employment.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 2 March 2025.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Dylan Swain, Team Lead Wildlife Crime, at dswain@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1843821