Detection Dog Handler
Up to €32,279 / year ND-JCYG38 Northern France 04-Dec-2025
About Us
Wagtail UK Ltd is an international, multi-award-winning company, specialising in detection dogs and dog handler training. Established in 2003, Wagtail provides detection dogs and related services for government agencies including UK Border Force, HM Revenue and Customs, Police, Trading Standards and Armed Forces. The company specialises in detection dogs for explosives, drugs, tobacco and products of animal origin including ivory, bush meat and pangolin scale, and prides itself on a philosophy to deliver quality without compromise.
Description
Imagine a role offering you the freedom to work one week on and one week off all year round, combining your love for dogs with professional detection work. In this exciting role based in Northern France, you will be part of an esteemed team supporting a high-profile UK Government contract. Your accommodation will be provided during working weeks in France, and you will return to the UK during your time off.
This is your opportunity to join a reputable, internationally recognized company specialising in detection dogs and handler training, working on important issues involving explosives, drugs, tobacco, and animal-origin products. If you have a passion for dogs and enjoy dynamic, impactful work, this role is perfect for you.
Responsibilities
As a Detection Dog Handler, you will be part of a team providing support for a high-profile UK Government contract. Your duties will include:
Wagtail UK Ltd is an international, multi-award-winning company, specialising in detection dogs and dog handler training. Established in 2003, Wagtail provides detection dogs and related services for government agencies including UK Border Force, HM Revenue and Customs, Police, Trading Standards and Armed Forces. The company specialises in detection dogs for explosives, drugs, tobacco and products of animal origin including ivory, bush meat and pangolin scale, and prides itself on a philosophy to deliver quality without compromise.
Description
Imagine a role offering you the freedom to work one week on and one week off all year round, combining your love for dogs with professional detection work. In this exciting role based in Northern France, you will be part of an esteemed team supporting a high-profile UK Government contract. Your accommodation will be provided during working weeks in France, and you will return to the UK during your time off.
This is your opportunity to join a reputable, internationally recognized company specialising in detection dogs and handler training, working on important issues involving explosives, drugs, tobacco, and animal-origin products. If you have a passion for dogs and enjoy dynamic, impactful work, this role is perfect for you.
Responsibilities
As a Detection Dog Handler, you will be part of a team providing support for a high-profile UK Government contract. Your duties will include:
- Providing a high standard of service by carrying out external search exercises on vehicles and communicating to the Search Team for further investigation as necessary
- Carrying out general kennel duties, ensuring all areas are kept clean and sterile
- Ensuring the welfare of each dog in your care, including regular health checks, grooming and bathing, regular exercise and feeding
- Carrying out maintenance duties for all company property, ensuring vehicles are kept fuelled and cleaned regularly
- Completing a range of administrative reports including dog training, health checks, vehicle inspection and incident reports
- Participating in the introduction of new techniques and change in accordance with the needs of the service
Qualifications
To be considered for this role, you will need:
- Proven dog handling experience with search and/or patrol dogs is essential
- A natural affinity and confidence around dogs and a strong desire to learn
- Knowledge of animal husbandry requirements
- Great team player with excellent communication skills
- Full clean driving licence
- Superb organisation skills, with good attention to detail
- Basic IT skills
- A resilient nature with the ability to work efficiently under pressure
- Willingness to develop skills and undertake training to continuously progress
- A professional smart appearance
- Although not essential, the ability to speak French is desirable for this role
