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Defence policy requires that all Military Working Dogs receive at least 80 minutes of exercise time per day, split into two approximately equal periods. In addition, two daily feeds and kennel cleans are mandated requirements. The total daily care requirement for dogs within the regiment equates to about 4 hours, every day of the year. Effective kennel cleaning ensures hygienic living conditions thereby contributing to infection control and safeguarding Military Working Dogs from environmental pathogens that might otherwise accumulate within the close confines of a kennel.

[1] JSP 950, Volume 12, Part 6, Lft 12-6-1-1 (V1.0 Jul 16).

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

This post requires the ability to feed, groom, handle, and exercise dogs of various breeds, sizes and temperaments. As such, previous experience working in this environment is desirable. This requires you to be responsible for your own health and safety and that of the animals you are providing care for.

The successful candidate will be working outdoors and exercising the Military Working Dogs for up to 10-12 miles per day, in all seasons and weather conditions. The role is physical in nature and can be completed as part of a team or by lone working.

The positions are spilt into 3 shifts (6 days on 3 off) which equates to an average 37 hours per week; a likely shift pattern is:

• 0700-1330 Mon - Sat
• 1100-1730 Tue - Sun
• 0800-1430 Thu - Tue

A Kennel Assistant will be expected to have a basic knowledge of dogs and a comprehensive week-long training package will be delivered by one of our Specialist Instructors to help and assist which will include:

• accurate handling
• safe practices in the kennels
• grooming techniques
• accurate feeding procedures and many other aspects of the job role.

• Make the most of all resources at your disposal (including your own time), looking for opportunities to reduce costs and making improvements for Defence and pursuing them energetically.
• Ensure that the highest standards of welfare and hygiene are maintained in accordance with the 5 freedoms of animal welfare, this includes demonstrating an understanding of bio security and being able to identify and report signs of adverse welfare.
• The cleaning of kennels, kennel areas/equipment, drains etc.
• Ensure that all Military Working Dogs are exercised and fed in accordance with directed practices, at the prescribed times and understanding specific nuances of each dog under their care.
• This includes the preparation and administrating of food, the exercise of Military Working dogs of various breed, size and classification over various terrain.
• Being able to identify abnormalities in a dog’s health and report to the Chain of Command immediately if there are any concerns. This includes presentation, restraint and manipulation of dogs at Veterinary Inspections and the administration of medication, and/or treatment thereafter.
• Understand and contribute to the culture of safe working practices within the Squadron, ensuring that any concerns or ideas about improvements are reported to the Chain of Command at the earliest opportunity.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment by 31st December 2022. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

Job contact :

Name :
Maj Mar Woodward
Email :
[email protected]
Telephone :
0300 157 3321

Recruitment team

Email :
[email protected]