SESG - Senior Prison Officer - Canine Handler - March 2025

About this role

• Multiple positions available in the Security and Emergency Services Group 
• Rare canine handling opportunity, working across multiple prison locations
• Multi-purpose Canine Handler - working across Barwon South West and hybrid Loddon/Metropolitan Remand Centre
• Passive Alert Detection Canine Handler - working hybrid Loddon/Metropolitan Remand Centre location only
• Work with a high-performing and passionate team
• Start on a base salary of $80,862, with an additional 7.5% allowance and a further 10.5% if in possession of a canine as part of your role. This excludes penalty rates and additional allowances
• Five weeks paid leave per year

About the business unit

The Security and Emergency Services Group (SESG) provides security and emergency response services to Victoria's correctional system.

SESG oversees many portfolios, including emergency and incident response, high security person escorts, state-wide training services, barrier control, search and canine services and the management of firearms.

About the role

Canine handlers train and work alongside dogs to provide operational support within SESG. You will also house an operational canine at your home, with Corrections Victoria providing all food and housing supplies.

As a canine handler, you will:

• Support SESG operational activities, including incident and emergency response and escorts.
• Be part of a high-quality service that ensures the safety and security of people in custody, staff and visitors across Victoria's corrections system.
• Participate in a range of security activities, including barrier control, searches, patrols, escorts, intelligence collection and more.
• Contribute to a positive, safe and healthy workforce culture built on professional excellence, teamwork and safe work practices.
• Operate various security equipment.
• Investigate, collate and prepare reports.

You will also be required to work flexible hours – including every second weekend and some public holidays – and attend to urgent work as required.

To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

Information sessions

Attending one of our optional information sessions is a great opportunity to learn more about the SESG. You will be able to speak with current staff and ask any questions you have about the role and recruitment process.

REGISTER HERE

Scheduled sessions:

Wednesday 9 April 6:30pm – SESG Metropolitan Remand Centre

Wednesday 16 April 6:30pm – SESG Western Plains Correctional Centre

About you

As an ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Some understanding of SESG's operations and procedures or professional experience working in safety or security.
• A high standard of fitness or the ability to attain a level of fitness that would withstand the physical demands of the role.
• A dedication to achieving high standards, working as part of a team.

A Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Custodial) or similar is desirable.

Eligibility

• Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident
• A full and current Victorian driver's licence, or a minimum P2 driver's licence
• Prior to commencement you will be required to obtain a current Australian Statement of Attainment for the First Aid unit HLTAIDO11 Provide First Aid
• All other required qualifications will be provided through SESG training.

Recruitment process

Candidates will be required to proceed through several recruitment stages to be successful. These stages are outlined below.

• Online application
• In-person interview
• Health assessment
• Verification checks See the ‘How to apply' section below for more details
• Pre physical fitness assessments 
  This assessment measures your fitness to ensure you are fit to progress to the next stage and will consist of 3 intense stages. Some tests may involve wearing a gas mask. Completion of these fitness requirements does not guarantee an invitation to assessment centre. To best prepare, ensure you can complete:
• 6.5 on a beep test
• 1 min 15 second wall sit
• 20 cadence push-ups
• 20 cadence sit-ups
• 1 min 30 second prone bridge plank
• lift and squat 20kg x 20 reps 

• Assessment Centre Attend a five-day assessment, which will include canine handling, practical scenarios, as well as written and physical assessments. Attendees will not be paid but will be provided free accommodation and meals. This assessment will be held in Ararat.

We recommend reviewing the further information available in recruitment process attachment.

How to apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, which may include reference checks, national police checks and misconduct screening. Depending on the role, other checks may include VicRoads checks, drivers licence checks, medical checks, Working with Children Checks, and a Declaration of Private Interests (for executive and responsible officer roles).

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Important notes:

• The senior prison officer position is uniformed.

• There is a total smoking ban for all Victorian prisons; staff and prisoners cannot smoke or have tobacco-related products in any area of the prisons.

• Facial Hair Policy: All prison officers will be required to be clean shaven for the purposes of wearing, if required in an emergency, the donning of a breathing apparatus.