Detector Dog Trainer

About the role

The Ministry for Primary Industries is seeking a Detector Dog Trainer to support its Border Clearance Services programme. Based at the MPI Centre in Māngere, Auckland, you will train and mentor staff and canine handlers to ensure a high level of competency across New Zealand.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical information, instruction and advice to management and frontline staff.
• Mentor and coach Detector Dog Handlers in operational environments.
• Collaborate with the Detector Dog Training and Leadership Teams, fostering open communication.
• Facilitate validation classes and formal assessments to maintain and improve handler competency.
• Develop and maintain training manuals, competency assessments and related documentation.
• Travel to MPI sites nationwide to deliver training and support.

Required profile

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Preferably holds an adult teaching qualification and has animal‑behaviour experience or qualification.
• Demonstrated patience, tact, diplomacy and ability to work in ambiguous situations.
• Experience in training, handling and deploying working dogs, preferably within a government detector‑dog programme.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and display strong interpersonal skills.

Required skills

• Knowledge of detector‑dog handling, dog behaviour and animal‑welfare requirements.
• Experience in training both people and canines.

What we offer

• Ability to purchase extra annual leave.
• Annual wellness payment.
• Bi‑annual paid eye test and contribution toward corrective lenses.
• Career development and internal mobility opportunities.