EDD Trainer

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

An EDD Trainer role at the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand is a full-time, on-site position in Wellington that delivers a national Explosive Detector Dog training and assessment program for handlers, courses at Trentham and Auckland Airport, with nationwide readiness. Candidates must have proven detector dog training across levels, including puppy development, solid knowledge of how dogs learn, and mentoring. You should be prepared to travel nationwide, respond to emergencies on short notice, hold a clean NZ driver’s license and be medically fit. Salary ranges from 83,600 to 102,302, plus a dog handlers allowance and a company vehicle. Apply online by February 15, tailoring your CV and cover letter to show relevant experience and accessibility needs.

About us

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation. 

As the industry evolves, so do we, through innovative technology, new ways of working, and a team of people who are passionate about what they do. Now’s the time to get on board. We are building a forward-thinking, modern CAA, and we need people who want their work to matter. People who thrive on challenges, value collaboration, and want to make a positive impact every day. 

If you are ready to grow your career while helping keep one of New Zealand’s most vital sectors safe and secure, this is your opportunity. 

About the role

The Explosive Detector Dog (EDD) Trainer is part of a national team of Trainers, who develop and deliver a national training and assessment programme for all operational EDD Teams (Handlers, Team Leaders and dogs).

The Trainer is responsible for delivering EDD Courses that have been planned in the EDD Learning Delivery and Standards team. Courses are held mainly at the Police Dog Training Centre at Trentham, and at Auckland Airport; this includes assisting with the Readiness Assessment for EDD Handlers and dogs.

The role is also responsible for undertaking Regular Assessments of all operational EDD Teams, providing national coverage in association with the other Trainers.

The Trainer is required to manage and develop potential explosive detector dogs or puppies to contribute to the supply of quality detector dogs to the operation.

About you

To be successful, you will have proven experience training detector dog teams at all levels, including initial, continuation/developmental training, and preferably puppy development. You should also demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of how dogs learn, plus overall care and management of working service dogs over the course of your career to date.

As an experienced operational Dog Handler, you should demonstrate an understanding of positive reinforcement and marker training principles. Additionally, you would be able to effectively mentor and deliver quality training to others.

In addition, to be eligible for a career with EDD you should:

• Be medically and physically fit and willing to undertake a medical assessment by a licensed aviation medical practitioner.
• Have a full clean New Zealand driver’s license.
• Be able to be recalled at short notice to respond to emergency incidents.
• Be able to travel to various AvSec stations around New Zealand to conduct training and assessment sessions and run initial dog courses which may involve periods away from home.

What we offer

• The starting salary for the DAA Trainer within People and Capability Group is between $83,600 and maximum of $102,302.  Starting salaries are to be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.
• A dog handlers allowance of $17,553
• The opportunity to join a team of passionate people focussed on our primary outcome of ‘safe and secure skies to help New Zealand fly’.
• A company  vehicle.

If you are passionate about dog training and being at the frontline of keeping Aotearoa’s skies safe, we want to hear from you! 

Apply Now

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and a Cover Letter clearly demonstrating how you meet the requirements of this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

For more information on the role please view the position description or contact the Recruitment team at [email protected]

Applications close Sunday 15 February.