Vacancies

We are currently recruiting for the following vacancies:

• Body Detection Dog Handler
• Tobacco Detection Dog Handler
• Dog Training Assistant
• Free Running Explosive Detection Dog Handler (FREDDs) – London
• Kennel Assistant – Calais, France
• Canine Recruits

VACANCY

Body Detection Dog Handler

Imagine a job that gives you the freedom to work one week on and one week off all year round? If you like the sound of this and would love to work with dogs on a daily basis, then this opportunity to join reputable UK based business Wagtail UK Ltd, is one not to be missed. Your working weeks will be in Northern France where your accommodation will be provided and at the end of each working week you will return to the UK to enjoy your time off.

Who will I be working with?

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.

What will this role of Detection Dog Handler entail?

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, although not be limited to:

• 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

What will I need to be considered for this Detection Dog Handler vacancy?

• 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.

 

What will I receive in return?

Salary:  £30,944.29-£32,279.17 per annum following successful completion of twelve-month probation period. Plus, fully expensed accommodation in France when on shift.

Hours of Work: Seven days per week, working on a one week on, one week off basis

Contract Type: Permanent contract upon completion of probation period and necessary qualifications.

Benefits: On-site parking, Private Healthcare, Company Pension

Location: You’ll be working at client sites in Northern France. Please note that you will need to reside in and return to the UK at the end of your weekly rota.

Please note, due to the nature of the business, there is a strict selection and vetting process involved in the hiring for this position.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter to info@wagtailuk.com 

VACANCY

Tobacco Detection Dog Handler

Wagtail UK Ltd are leading international specialists in detection dogs and dog handler training.

We are looking for a Tobacco detection dog handler to join our award-winning team.

You will deploy to all parts of the country in a company vehicle and be teamed with a highly trained Wagtail Tobacco detection dog. To support of our clients in carryout searches of commercial properties in the detection of illicit and counterfeit tobacco.

You will work from our main office in North Wales, where your dogs will be housed at our kennels. You will receive weekly schedules for taskings with our clients and will need to be able to spend multiple day and nights away from home. This will also include occasional weekend working as well.

Who are we looking for:

• Previous experience with working dogs – military – police – Fire – security – commercial or other similar working dog agencies.

Requirements:

• A natural affinity and confidence around dogs and a strong desire to learn
• Prior experience working with dogs, in a professional or training environment
• Willingness to develop skills and undertake training to continuously progress
• Strong understanding of canine behaviour, animal husbandry and training techniques.
• Be required to conduct continuation training reports on a weekly and monthly basis in maintaining and meet licensing requirements
• Superb organisation skills, to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Hold a full driving licence for a minimum of 12 months
• The ability to rapidly assess situations aligned to operating procedures
• A resilient nature with the ability to work efficiently under pressure
• Team player and with the ability to operate on your own with excellent personal verbal and written communication skills
• A professional manner and smart appearance
• Physical skills like movement, co-ordination and dexterity

Mandatory:

• All applicants must pass an enhanced – DBS check
• Detection Dog handling experience
• Evidence to be provided for the right to work in the UK
• A 5-year checkable work history and proof of identification
• All dog related costs are covered by the business
• Attend a residential training course – All training will be provided free of charge
• Hold a valid full manual driving licence – no more than 3 points
• Be able to spend multiple days and nights away from home – hotel accommodation provided

 

What will I receive in return?

Salary:  £28,500-£30,500 per annum following successful completion of nine-month probation period.

Hours of Work: 40 hour week, some weekends required

Contract Type: Permanent contract upon completion of probation period and necessary qualifications.

Benefits: On-site parking, Private Healthcare, Company Pension

Location: North Wales and all regions of the UK

Please note, due to the nature of the business, there is a strict selection and vetting process involved in the hiring for this position.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter to info@wagtailuk.com 

VACANCY

Dog Training Assistant

Wagtail UK Ltd are an international company that specialises in the training of detection dogs and dog handlers.  We are looking for a training assistant to support with this role.

Based at Wagtail’s training school in Flintshire, North Wales, you will assist our experienced and qualified Trainers and Dog Handlers in the training of these teams.

This role is a unique opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with dogs and wants to specialise and learn in the handling and more importantly the training of our detection dog teams at our amazing training centre and outside areas.

Experience and Skills required:

• Natural affinity and confidence around dogs and a strong desire to learn new skill sets
• Able and willing to work in outside environments
• Competent in handling a wide range of gun dog breeds
• An excellent knowledge of animal husbandry
• Team player and able to work independently, as and when required
• Able to take instruction and retain knowledge
• Full UK Driving Licence – min of 12 months
• Ability to commute to work – due to rural location
• Flexible approach to working hours
• Able to carry out tasks on a computer or hand-held device
• Great team player and be able to operate on your own with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A professional manner and smart appearance
• Excellent time management
• Physical skills like movement, co-ordination and dexterity for this role
• All applicants will be required to pass an enhanced -DBS check
• Evidence to be provided for the right to work in the UK
• A 5 Year checkable work history and proof of identification is required

• All applicants will be required to pass an CTC clearing

 

What will I receive in return?

Salary: Range £22,568.00 to £26,436.80 per annum – based on a 40hr week

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday with some weekend working

Location: Based in Flintshire, North Wales at our training centre

Contract Type: Permanent contract upon completion of probation period

Please note, due to the nature of the business, there is a strict selection and vetting process involved in the hiring for this position

To apply please send your CV and cover letter to info@wagtailuk.com

VACANCY

Free Running Explosive Detection Dog Handler (FREDDs) – London

Wagtail UK Ltd are leading international specialists in detection dogs and dog handler training.

We are looking for explosives detection dog handlers to work within a busy aviation cargo environment, where you will join Wagtail UK Ltd in offering a real time detection dog capability for screening cargo for explosives, Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs (FREDDs).

You will deploy to client sites in a company vehicle and be teamed with a highly trained Wagtail FREDD – approved by the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority.

Who are we looking for?

Previous experience with working dogs – military – police – Fire – security – commercial or other similar working dog agencies.

Requirements

• A natural affinity and confidence around dogs and a strong desire to learn
• Willingness to develop skills and undertake training to continuously progress
• Knowledge of animal husbandry requirements

 

• Be required to conduct continuation training reports on a weekly and monthly basis in maintaining and meet licensing requirements
• Superb organisation skills, to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Hold a full driving licence for a minimum of 12 months
• The ability to rapidly assess situations aligned to operating procedures
• A resilient nature with the ability to work efficiently under pressure
• Team player and with the ability to operate on your own with excellent personal verbal and written communication skills – Complete accurately – CAA official documentation
• A professional manner and smart appearance
• Physical skills like movement, co-ordination and dexterity

Mandatory:

• All applicants must pass an enhanced – DBS check
• Evidence to be provided for the right to work in the UK
• A 5 Year checkable work history and proof of identification
• You will need to be able to house/kennel a dog at your home address
• You will be responsible for the care of your dog, including off duty care and kennelling.
• All dog related costs are covered by the business
• Attend a residential training course – All training will be provided free of charge
• Hold a valid driving licence – no more than 3 points

Position Information:

Job Title: Dog Handler – Free Running Explosives Detection Dogs (FREDDS)

Type: Full-time contact – permanent – after a probationary period

Pay Rate: £34,400 per year – Based on a 40hr week with additional overtime available

Benefits: On-site parking, Private Healthcare, Company Pension

Shifts patterns: Day shift – Alternating early and late shifts

– 07:00hrs – 15:00hrs

– 08:00hrs – 16:00hrs

– 16:00hrs – 00:00hrs

These will vary dependent on the regional airport locations

Ability to commute:

• To client’s site and regional airports
• An all-expenses company vehicle will be provided for the role – business use only

Experience:

• Previous services experience (preferred)
• Dog handling experience (mandatory)

Work Location: Clients sites

To apply please send your CV and cover letter to info@wagtailuk.com

VACANCY

Kennel Assistant – Calais, France

Imagine a job that gives you the freedom to work one week on and one week off all year round? If you like the sound of this and would love to work with dogs daily, then this opportunity to join reputable UK based business Wagtail UK Ltd, is one not to be missed. Your working weeks will be in Northern France where your accommodation will be provided and at the end of each working week you will return to the UK to enjoy your time off.

Who will I be working with?

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.

We are seeking a confident and enthusiastic Kennel assistant to join our team of dedicated staff. Previous experience working in a kennel environment is desirable and applicants should be competent handling a wide range of breeds. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with dogs and is used to working in a busy kennel establishment. This is a physically demanding role working in all weathers where your main roles and responsibilities will include:

Kennel Assistant Roles

• Animal Husbandry: Kennel Cleaning, Exercising Dogs, Feeding, administering medication etc.
• Enrichment activities.
• Dog grooming.
• Attending Vet appointments.
• Be competent in completing daily paperwork.
• Ensuring that our high levels of cleanliness are maintained.

Experience and Skills required:

• Experience in an animal boarding establishment
• Preferred experience on an animal studies course focusing on welfare, health, and behaviour.
• Be confident working with a variety of breeds and dogs with various behavioural issues.
• Excellent communication skills and a friendly approachable manner.
• Ability to problem solve and work in a fast-paced environment.
• A candidate who can use Initiative and be willing to have a hands-on approach.
• Proactivity and enthusiasm
• Baseline Personnel Security checks are required for this position.
• UK Driving Licence essential.
• A natural affinity and confidence around dogs and a strong desire to learn.
• 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

Schedule:

• 12 hour shifts

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence – Essential
• Animal care certificate (Desirable)
• Grooming – (Desirable)

 

What will I receive in return?

Salary: £26,000.00 per annum following successful completion of twelve-month probation period. Plus, fully expensed accommodation in France when on shift.

Hours of Work: 12 hours a day, seven days per week, working on a one week on, one week off basis

Location: You will be working at our site in Northern France. Please note that you will need to reside in and return to the UK at the end of your weekly rota.

Your working weeks will be in Northern France where your accommodation will be provided and at the end of each working week you will return to the UK to enjoy your time off.

Contract Type: Permanent contract upon completion of probation period.

Benefits: On-site parking, Private Healthcare, Company Pension

 

Please note, due to the nature of the business, there is a strict selection and vetting process involved in the hiring for this position.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter to info@wagtailuk.com