Have you seen Aviation Security’s Explosive Detector Dog teams on TV’s Dog Squad and thought that’s your dream job? For the first time in many years we are recruiting external applicants for our dog handler roles. If you love the thought of having a four-legged teammate and enjoy working in a busy environment, then this could be the job you’ve been waiting for.
Aviation Security has 30 detector dog teams working at airports across the country and loving their jobs. Our dogs are trained and specialised in detecting explosives, and together with their handlers they contribute to keeping New Zealand skies safe and secure.
Monique Masoe, National Manager of our Explosive Detector Dog Unit (EDDU) says our dog handlers play an active role in aviation security and are vital in the airport environment.
“There are various areas of the airport the EDDU teams work in to ensure passenger bags, cargo and goods are searched for explosives prior to entering the sterile area of the airport. Our handlers receive a lot of on-going training and testing together with their dog to be able to work at their best within the operation.”
The job of a handler and dog team is to detect explosives, so we need people who are calm under pressure and good at noticing their surroundings.
“Ideal candidates are people who have been around dogs before and who have a reasonable level of fitness because you are on your feet for most of the shift. People who are self-disciplined, self-motivated, and can work on their own do well as dog handlers.
“Our dog handlers take their dog home with them so you need a backyard that can accommodate a kennel. You need to be willing to make your dog part of your life outside of working hours, although it’s important to remember the dog is a working dog and not a family pet,” says Mrs Masoe.
Aviation Security is currently recruiting for dog handlers at Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington and Auckland airports, applications close 15 May. The starting salary is $62,343 base + $16,559 allowance, handlers also have the use of a work vehicle to transport their dog to and from work and should not have a pet dog already at home. The EDDU teams work rotating shifts.
To find out more about the job click here(external link)
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