Drug Detection Officer

DDOs exemplify behaviours which demonstrate respect, integrity, good judgement, self-discipline and initiative.

DDOs are able to work effectively as team members, respond to directions and instructions, while building positive working relationships. Being able to operate within a structured environment with limited supervision.

Working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, DDOs are able to recognise, respect and work with gender, social and cultural differences, including with Aboriginal people. In support of that, highly developed communication skills are essential for a DDO.

DDOs are required to maintain their own health and fitness and that of the detection dog allocated to them. DDOs may be required to bend and change directions without notice whilst moving briskly depending on the actions of the dog under their control. They are also required to be able to lift items of up to 25 kg, for example, an injured dog into a vehicle, electronic drug detection devices or bags of dog food.

A fitness assessment is conducted as part of the recruitment process and then bi annually throughout the DDOs career.

DDOs are provided with gym clothing and time is allocated whilst on duty for health fitness training.

The current commencement salary for a DDO is $90,558 per annum, with increments up to $98,747 per annum. Employer contribution to superannuation is an additional 10%.

An additional allowance specific to DDOs, to the value of 10.5% of the officer’s annualised salary also applies for the feeding, home kennelling, transportation and safety and security of the allocated detection dog.

Flexible working conditions / Shift work

DDOs typically work 10 hour day shifts which includes alternate weekends and public holidays, on occasions DDOs may be required to work outside of these hours due to operational requirements. Rosters are prepared and posted several weeks in advance. There is a requirement for intrastate travel by airplane with or without a dog.

Generous leave entitlements

• 6 weeks of annual leave
• Personal leave
• Parental leave (paid and unpaid)
• Purchased leave (ability to purchase additional annual leave on a pro-rata basis)
• Long service leave upon completion of 7 years continuous service

Other benefits

• Uniform supplied (including boots, socks, jackets and hats and gym equipment)
• Job security
• Promotional and career development opportunities

A rewarding and challenging career.

To be eligible for employment as a DDO, you must:

• Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or have permanent residency status within Australia
• Possess a valid C-Class driver’s license
• Possess a “Provide First Aid” qualification, which at the time of appointment must have 9 months validity remaining
• Obtain clearance through the Department’s criminal history and integrity screening assessment process.

If you are successful and selected to fill a vacancy, you will initially commence your training and employment as a Probationary DDO for a period of 9 months. Commencing at the DDU at the Hakea Prison Complex, you will complete a 10-week Basic Detector Dog Course. Then followed by a 3 week Essential Training Program at the Corrective Services Training Academy which will provide you with the fundamental skills to safely work in a custodial facility. Following initial training you will undergo approximately 8 weeks of operational transition and familiarisation. On completion you will be deemed a fully operational DDO.

Training and maintenance of the DDU teams (DDO and dog) skills is a daily occurrence and all teams are required to participate in bi annual assessments to demonstrate competency.