Detector Dog Handler - Customs Officer - Auckland

## Mo tenei turanga mahi | About this role

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

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.

Your day may involve moving across multiple operational areas

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

This includes :

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 :

#J-18808-Ljbffr