Detector Dog Handler - Customs Officer - Auckland

Overview

Join to apply for the Detector Dog Handler - Customs Officer - Auckland role at New Zealand Customs Service .

Step into a Unique Career - Become a Detector Dog Handler with NZ Customs. This role is with the elite Detector Dog Unit (DDU) in Auckland, working as a Customs Officer alongside a highly trained Customs dog to help protect Aotearoa's borders.

This is a specialised team where every day brings new challenges and the opportunity to make a real impact. You will detect and prevent cross-border crime while building a strong bond with your canine partner.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

As a Detector Dog Handler, you’ll be part of our Operations Support Group, 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 with your canine partner, you’ll screen aircraft, passengers, cargo, ships, and premises to detect items like illicit drugs and undeclared cash. The bond with the dog is central to the role, requiring trust, communication, and teamwork. After joining the Detector Dog Unit, you’ll complete core Customs Officer training followed by a 10-week detector dog training course. Upon successful certification, you’ll become part of an operational dog team deployed across diverse environments. The role is shift-based (6 days on, 3 days off) and your dog will live with you, becoming part of your life on and off duty. You may also care for a second dog when colleagues are on leave. Public engagement is also part of the job, including school visits and participating in Dog Squad or Border Patrol filming, representing Customs professionally and proudly.

About you | Ko wai koe

To thrive in this role, please demonstrate the following :

• Action-oriented — you stay motivated in challenging situations and keep your dog engaged and focused
• Sound decision-making — you assess risks, prioritise safety, and make confident decisions independently, guided by our 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 fitness testing

You\'ll Also Need

What To Expect In The Selection Process

If shortlisted, you’ll undergo a comprehensive assessment to ensure you’re ready for the role. This includes :

Working for Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa

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

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 and upload recordings of yourself completing them as part of your application. For any other information, contact : Supervising Customs Officer Detector Dog Unit – Matt Loader by email

Timeline For Shortlisted Candidates

25 Nov (AKL) — Practical Assessment Day. If you progress, you will continue with a panel interview on 26 Nov (AKL); early Dec — medical; 13 Jan — 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.

Additional

Check out our website : Detector Dog Unit

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