Overview
Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Join the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) to protect Defence from threats such as crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage by providing the highest quality of security services through professionalism, excellence, and trust. We are looking for a Dog Handler to join our Gold Standard security service and play a crucial role to the business requiring animal handling and training skills, patience, resilience, and alertness. Our Dog Handlers must have strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations. They must also be comfortable working with dogs in a hands-on capacity and willing to support security operations across the Defence estate. If you can demonstrate this from past or current experiences, we want to hear from you and see this detailed in your CV.
This is a shift working position at 48 hours per week including breaks. The successful candidate will be expected to work nights, weekends, bank holidays etc as stipulated by the shift pattern agreed at the Unit depending on site requirements. This will include being rostered in a flexible manner (termed a flexible week) within the shift roster. During the flexible week, the working days and shifts will routinely be stipulated in advance but may be changed at short notice (no less than 48 hours). The exact shift pattern will be explained in full during the interview. Our Dog Handler\'s main responsibility is to work with specially trained dogs to help detect and prevent crime, ensuring the safety and protection of Defence employees, visitors, and property.
Responsibilities
* Responsible for the overall welfare of all Military Working Dogs on site, training and caring for them.
* Handling dogs during exercises and tasks.
* Observing and assessing behavioural patterns in dogs and reporting to relevant persons.
* Exercising dogs as needed; using dog-training techniques to correct problematic behaviour and reward positive behaviour.
* Daily upkeep and cleaning of kennels and all play and exercise equipment.
* Carry out Continuation training (a minimum of 9 hours a month) alongside upkeep of relevant paperwork.
* Annual licensing & testing; continuation of training and upkeep of paperwork.
* Collaborate closely with Dog Evaluation Officers and Kennel Supervisors.
* Assume overall responsibility for the safety and security of designated areas.
* Patrol on foot with a Military Working Dog (up to 10 miles per shift) on all terrains and in all weather conditions; patrol in MOD vehicles within designated areas in line with security procedures.
* Identify potential security risks and respond accordingly.
* Control vehicular and pedestrian access to site; issue passes and escort visitors as appropriate.
* Searching of vehicles, baggage, personnel, buildings, and open areas.
* Complete incident reports on breaches of security or defects and maintain daily logs.
* Respond to emergencies and incidents promptly and in accordance with policy.
* Assist employees and visitors with any concerns; escalate emergencies to law enforcement as required.
* Operate and monitor security systems (CCTV and alarms) and communicate effectively by telephone and radio.
Training and Qualifications
All new starters will participate in a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by on-the-job training. Potential dog handlers will also be required to attend and pass a 3-week residential Patrol Dog Handlers Foundation Course. There will also be opportunity for further development courses. Additionally, we offer an annual programme of mandatory online training, along with a dedicated Workforce Development Team to support you with your training needs.
Licences
* Full UK Driving Licence (must be held at point of application and be in date).
Behaviour and Interview Process
We\'ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Working Together
* Managing a Quality Service
* Communicating and Influencing
At interview you will be assessed against the following behaviours:
* Working Together
* Managing a Quality Service
* Communicating and Influencing
Notes on Application and Compliance
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; all examples and statements must be truthful and taken from your own experience. Plagiarism may result in withdrawal of the application. Application sifting is scheduled for the week commencing 06/10/2025. Interviews are planned for the week commencing 20/10/2025 via Microsoft Teams. We may hold candidates on an active reserve list for 12 months. See also potential for lower graded roles or alternative arrangements if reserves are not appointed.
The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours. Candidates with prior relevant dismissals within the last five years or who resign under adverse circumstances may be ineligible. Pre-employment checks will be carried out. The role is not open to sponsorship under the points-based system unless business-critical. Outside interests must be declared and may require mitigations. A Civil Service pension with a generous employer contribution applies, along with other benefits; full details are available via the Discover My Benefits page. Medical checks and security clearances are required for successful applicants.
Security and Benefits
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet security requirements. See our vetting charter and baseline security standards. The MOD provides security services at over 170 sites, with a range of benefits and learning opportunities. The department is conducting pay-related allowances reviews. This post does not offer relocation assistance.
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