Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Biosecurity Operations Division and the departments’ goal

Detector Dog Operations provides detector dogs and their handlers with the capability to screen imported goods for biosecurity risk material. These services are delivered nationwide, with technical supervisors leading teams to ensure the proficiency of both handlers and dogs is consistently maintained and deployment across multiple pathways is in alignment with the department's business objectives.

We deliver biosecurity and imported food regulatory activities to ensure goods, conveyances, travellers and mail meet Australia's import requirements. We are responsible for operational policy and front-line regulatory control settings to manage biosecurity and imported food risk, through the delivery of screening, assessment and inspection activities, and stakeholder engagement and client contact services.

Cargo Operations South and Detector Dogs Branch delivers regulatory assessment and inspections of goods, across the biosecurity continuum (offshore, at the border and onshore) to verify compliance with Australia's biosecurity and imported food requirements and has a presence in Victoria and Tasmania. The branch is also responsible for national delivery of client contact services, along with biosecurity detector dog program policy, training, and operations.

This is where you play an important role

The Detector Dog Technical Supervisor is a pivotal leadership role within the Detector Dog Operations, responsible for managing and providing technical support to detector dog handlers who safeguard Australia’s biosecurity through the detection of risk items in international travellers, mail and cargo.

As a member of the leadership team, the supervisor contributes to business planning, operational decision-making, and continuous improvement initiatives. They play a key role in aligning frontline operations with broader departmental objectives and strengthening national capability.

Key responsibilities of a Detector Dog Technical Supervisor include but are not limited to:

· Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of a detector dog team in a dynamic regulatory environment, ensuring operational effectiveness and alignment with departmental requirements.

· Supervise and develop handlers and dogs, providing guidance, feedback and oversight to maintain welfare, proficiency, and deployment readiness.

· Apply relevant legislation, policy and biosecurity frameworks while continually developing and maintaining your own skills as both a handler and supervisor.

· Foster a positive team culture that promotes engagement, safety, inclusiveness, respect and continuous professional growth.

· Maintain contemporary expertise in detector dog training principles and their application within a regulatory context, applying this knowledge to guide operational practice.

· Oversee and coordinate training schedules to strengthen workforce capability and ensure readiness to respond to emerging biosecurity risks.

· Communicate and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, negotiating and resolving operational issues in a professional manner

· Exercise sound judgement and delegations in managing day to day operations, escalating complex or sensitive matters as required.

· Provide accurate and timely advice on matters relating to detector dog care, management and deployment.

· Undertake quality assurance of records and data, ensuring accuracy, accountability and compliance with departmental standards.

· Contribute to national leadership priorities, working closely with Detector Dog Operations leadership, capability programs and operational areas to deliver initiatives, and projects.

· Prepare high-quality reports, briefs and documentation to support strategic planning.

· Model APS Values and Code of Conduct, actively promoting a safe and respectful workplace and Work Health and Safety principles and practices.

Click here to see what it’s like to work as one of our Detector Dog handlers and to find out more about Biosecurity.

Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill five (5) vacancies in the section and that the role may be able to be performed from either of the locations listed above. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

What we are looking for:

Our ideal candidate will have:

· Experience or demonstratable knowledge in animal husbandry, handling, or training. This includes an understanding of animal behaviour, welfare and care.

· Operational biosecurity awareness - knowledge of or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge of the department’s role in delivering national biosecurity operations.

· Regulatory and compliance orientation – an understanding of risk management principles and the importance of regulatory compliance in protecting Australia from biosecurity threats.

· Proven ability to apply specialised knowledge and technical expertise to deliver high quality outcomes and strengthen operational effectiveness.

· Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and manage individual and team performance.

· Skilled in managing competing priorities, adapting to change, and optimising individual and team capability to meet service delivery standards.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor style and approach to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders in a regulatory environment.

· Proficient in gathering and analysing information, identifying issues and applying sound judgement in relation to regulations and guidelines.

· Capable of assessing and interpreting data, to draw meaningful conclusions that inform regulatory decisions, operational strategies and continuous improvement.

· Ability to maintain and apply a comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation, policy frameworks and their operational implications.

· Strong ability to foster a cooperative and supportive working environment, building effective relationships across teams and stakeholders.

· Strong digital literacy skills, with the ability to effectively use the department’s systems, tools and devices.

· Demonstrated capability to contribute to, promote, and successfully implement business change initiatives while encouraging a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement.