Detector Dog Handler - Customs Officer - Christchurch

Step into a Unique Career - Become a Detector Dog Handler with NZ Customs

Are you ready for a role that's anything but ordinary?

Join our elite Detector Dog Unit (DDU) in Christchurch, as a Customs Officer and work side-by-side with a highly trained Customs dog to help protect Aotearoa's borders.

This is your chance to be part of a specialised team where every day brings new challenges and the opportunity to make a real impact.

You'll play a vital role in detecting and preventing cross-border crime, all while building a powerful bond with your canine partner.

As a Detector Dog Handler, you'll be part of our Operations Support Group, playing a vital role in protecting Aotearoa by detecting and intercepting prohibited items at the border.

You'll support frontline enforcement and collaborate with specialist teams such as Investigations and the Customs Maritime Unit.

Working alongside your highly trained canine partner, you'll screen aircraft, passengers, cargo, ships, and premises to detect items like illicit drugs and undeclared cash.

The bond between handler and dog is at the heart of this role — building trust, communication, and teamwork is essential.

Before joining the Detector Dog Unit, you'll complete core Customs Officer training, followed by an intensive 10-week detector dog training course.

Upon successful certification, you'll become part of an operational dog team, ready to deploy across a range of environments.

This is a shift-based role (6 days on, 3 days off), and your dog will live with you — becoming part of your life both on and off duty.

You may also be asked to care for a second dog when colleagues are on leave, so a genuine commitment to animal welfare is key.

Public engagement is also part of the job — from school visits to participating in Dog Squad or Border Patrol filming, you'll represent Customs with professionalism and pride.

About you | Ko wai koe

To thrive in this role, you'll need to be able to demonstrate the following :

Action-oriented - You stay motivated in challenging situations and know how to keep your dog engaged and focused

Sound decision-making - You assess risks, prioritise safety, and make confident decisions — often independently — guided by our core value : we do what's right

Strong relationship skills - You communicate clearly, build trust across teams and with the public, and handle differing views professionally

Flexibility - You're comfortable with shift work, weekends, public holidays, and short-notice travel.

Your day may involve moving across multiple operational areas

Physical fitness - You'll be on your feet most of the day and must maintain OST Level 2 certification and pass annual refresher fitness testing.

You'll also need :

A suitable property to safely kennel a detector dog at home.

(Secure fencing of at least 1.5m high, with a designated toileting area, is required)

What to Expect in the Selection Process

If you're shortlisted, you'll go through a comprehensive assessment designed to ensure you're ready for the demands of the role.

This includes :

A practical assessment day to test your operational readiness

A panel interview to explore your experience and suitability

Fitness testing, including :

Beep test (Level 5.1)

Strength and skill assessments

Swimming 50 metres and treading water for 3 minutes — in overalls

Psychometric testing to assess your cognitive and behavioural fit

Drug testing in line with Customs' safety standards

To work for the New Zealand Customs Service, you must be able to meet the following requirements :

Be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident

Residing in New Zealand at the time of application

Have resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years

Hold a full Class 1 NZ Driver's licence at the time of application

Successful applicants are also required to pass a medical assessment, drug test and have a clear Police record.

• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years but have been absent from New Zealand for a period of 6-9 months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries : either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA then you will be required to provide overseas Police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru

Please apply online.

You will be asked about your relevant experience and interest in the role.

You will also be required to undertake practical exercises - where you will be asked to upload recordings of yourself completing them as part of your application.

Any other information can be obtained by contacting : Supervising Customs Officer Detector Dog Unit - Matt Loader by email

Timeline for shortlisted candidates :

27 Nov 2025 (CHC) - Participate in a Practical Assessment Day

If you successfully progress to the next stage :

28 Nov 2025 (CHC) - Attend panel interview

Early Dec 2025 - Complete medical

13 Jan 2026 - Undertake fitness test

Date to be arranged following interviews- Premises check

Feb / Mar 2026 - start training in Auckland

Applications for this role close Sunday 19 Oct at 5pm

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