Detector Dog Handler - Customs Officer - Christchurch

New Zealand Customs Service; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A national border protection agency in Christchurch seeks a Detector Dog Handler. This role involves detecting prohibited items at the border, maintaining a strong bond with a canine partner, and engaging with the public. Applicants should be physically fit, adaptable to shift work, and possess a full driver’s license. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to New Zealand's border security efforts.

Qualifications

• Must have a full, clean driver's license.
• A suitable property for safely kenneling a detector dog at home.

Responsibilities

• Detecting and preventing cross-border crime.
• Screening aircraft, passengers, cargo, ships, and premises.
• Building a bond with canine partner.

Skills

Action-oriented

Sound decision-making

Strong relationship skills

Flexibility

Physical fitness

Job description

Overview

Step into a Unique Career - Become a Detector Dog Handler with NZ Customs. Join the Detector Dog Unit (DDU) in Christchurch as a Customs Officer and work with a highly trained Customs dog to help protect Aotearoa's borders.

This role is part of a specialised team where responsibilities include detecting and preventing cross-border crime, and building a strong bond with your canine partner.

About this role

As a Detector Dog Handler, you will be part of the Operations Support Group, helping protect Aotearoa by detecting and intercepting prohibited items at the border. You will support frontline enforcement and collaborate with specialist teams such as Investigations and the Customs Maritime Unit.

Working with your canine partner, you will screen aircraft, passengers, cargo, ships, and premises to detect items like illicit drugs and undeclared cash. The bond between handler and dog is central to the role, with emphasis on trust, communication and teamwork.

You will complete core Customs Officer training, followed by an intensive 10-week detector dog training course. Upon successful certification, you will join an operational dog team ready to deploy across diverse environments.

This is a shift-based role (6 days on, 3 days off). Your dog will live with you and become part of your life on and off duty. You may also be asked to care for a second dog when colleagues are on leave, so a commitment to animal welfare is essential. Public engagement is also part of the job, from school visits to Dog Squad or Border Patrol filming, representing Customs with professionalism and pride.

About you

To thrive in this role, you should 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, often independent decisions 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 are comfortable with shift work, weekends, public holidays, and short-notice travel. Your day may involve moving across multiple operational areas.
• Physical fitness – you will 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 full, clean driver’s licence.
• A suitable property to safely kennel a detector dog at home (secure fencing of at least 1.5m, with a designated toileting area).

What to expect in the selection process

Shortlisted applicants will undergo a comprehensive assessment designed to test readiness for the role. This includes:

• A practical assessment day to test operational readiness
• A panel interview to explore 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 cognitive and behavioural fit
• Drug testing in line with Customs' safety standards

Working for Customs

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

• Be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident
• Reside 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 must pass a medical assessment, drug test and have a clear Police record
• If you are a Citizen or Permanent Resident who has resided in NZ for the last 5 years but have been absent for 6–9 months in the past five years (preferably in Australia, Canada, UK or USA), you may be required to provide overseas Police certificates for those periods

How to apply

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 additional information, contact the Supervising Customs Officer Detector Dog Unit – Matt Loader by email at [e-mail] (will not accept emailed applications).

Timeline for shortlisted candidates

Timeline for shortlisted candidates includes:

• 27 Nov 2025 (CHC) – Practical Assessment Day
• 28 Nov 2025 (CHC) – Panel interview
• Early Dec 2025 – Medical
• 13 Jan 2026 – 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.

Check out our website: Detector Dog Unit