MGS - Ministry of Defence Guard Service - Dog Handler - Shift Worker - DM Glen Douglas

DM Glen Douglas, PO Box 1, ARROCHAR, G83 7AZ

Job Summary
Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Join the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) to protect Defence from threats such as crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage by providing the highest quality of security services through professionalism, excellence, and trust.

We are looking for a Dog Handler to join our Gold Standard security service and play a crucial role to the business requiring animal handling and training skills, patience, resilience, and alertness. Due to the nature of the role and its high-profile locations, it is essential our Dog Handlers have strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, excellent communication and inter-personal skills, and the ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations. Our Dog Handlers must also be comfortable working with dogs in a hands-on capacity and willing to go above and beyond to support security operations across the Defence estate. If you can demonstrate this from past or current experiences, we want to hear from you and see this detailed in your CV.

This is a shift working position at 48 hours per week including breaks. The successful candidate will be expected to work nights, weekends, bank holidays etc as stipulated by the shift pattern agreed at the Unit depending on site requirements. This will include being rostered in a flexible manner (termed a flexible week) within the shift roster. During the flexible week, the working days and shifts will routinely be stipulated in advance but may be changed at short notice, (this should be no less than 48 hours). The exact shift pattern will be explained in full during the interview.

Job Description
The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) provides high quality security services at over 170 MOD sites across the United Kingdom. The MGS has guarded the Defence Estate for over 30 years including high profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall and His Majesty's Naval Bases at Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde. We provide access control, military working dogs, control room operations and other security services. We play a vital role supporting the Defence Mission and work to protect the Defence estate and personnel from crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage threats.

The MGS has over 2,700 employees. MGS Security Officers are often the first point of contact for employees, visitors and contractors on sites and we pride ourselves on our professional, customer-focused culture. Behind our operational workforce is a range of head office roles which support our security professionals to develop and execute the organisations strategy, managing its budget and resources, leading, and developing our staff, maintaining relationships with stakeholders, monitoring and evaluating our performance and identifying new opportunities.

All Are Working Towards Our Vision To Be Recognised As An Outstanding Provider Of Security Services And Our Five Values Underpinning This Vision Include:

• Integrity – Always do the right thing. Respect yourself and others. Treat people fairly.
• Vigilance and Preparedness – Keep careful watch for risks and incidents. Be ready to act.
• Professionalism – Know the job thoroughly. Seek continuous improvement. Maintain high standards.
• Helpfulness - Always be ready to assist people. Leave a lasting positive impression.
• Teamwork – Working with colleagues who are collaborative, respectful, open and trustworthy, who are passionate about excellence and protecting Defence.

There are plenty of opportunities for development, access to funded professional qualifications and specialist training. We are a growing organisation with opportunities to progress your security careers and if you align with our Values, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information about MGS, please look on youtube using the links below:

Being a dog handler in the Ministry of Defence Guard Service -

Working for the Ministry of Defence Guard Service -

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by Resourcing Team 1. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at

The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) provides high quality security services at over 170 MOD sites across the United Kingdom. The MGS has guarded the Defence Estate for over 30 years including high profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall and His Majesty's Naval Bases at Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde. We provide access control, military working dogs, control room operations and other security services. We play a vital role supporting the Defence Mission and work to protect the Defence estate and personnel from crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage threats.

The MGS has over 2,700 employees. MGS Security Officers are often the first point of contact for employees, visitors and contractors on sites and we pride ourselves on our professional, customer-focused culture. Behind our operational workforce is a range of head office roles which support our security professionals to develop and execute the organisations strategy, managing its budget and resources, leading, and developing our staff, maintaining relationships with stakeholders, monitoring and evaluating our performance and identifying new opportunities.

All Are Working Towards Our Vision To Be Recognised As An Outstanding Provider Of Security Services And Our Five Values Underpinning This Vision Include:

• Integrity – Always do the right thing. Respect yourself and others. Treat people fairly.
• Vigilance and Preparedness – Keep careful watch for risks and incidents. Be ready to act.
• Professionalism – Know the job thoroughly. Seek continuous improvement. Maintain high standards.
• Helpfulness - Always be ready to assist people. Leave a lasting positive impression.
• Teamwork – Working with colleagues who are collaborative, respectful, open and trustworthy, who are passionate about excellence and protecting Defence.

There are plenty of opportunities for development, access to funded professional qualifications and specialist training. We are a growing organisation with opportunities to progress your security careers and if you align with our Values, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information about MGS, please look on youtube using the links below:

Being a dog handler in the Ministry of Defence Guard Service -

Working for the Ministry of Defence Guard Service -

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by Resourcing Team 1. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at

Person specification

Our Dog Handler's main responsibility is to work with specially trained dogs to help detect and prevent crime, ensuring the safety and protection of Defence employees, visitors, and property.

The Key Duties Are As Follows:

• Responsible for the overall welfare of all Military Working Dogs on site, training and caring for them.
• Handling dogs during exercises and tasks.
• Observing and assessing behavioural patterns in dogs and reporting to relevant persons.
• Exercising dogs as needed. Utilising various dog-training techniques to correct problematic behaviour and rewarding positive behaviour.
• Daily upkeep and cleaning of kennels and all play and exercise equipment.
• Carry out Continuation training (A minimum of 9 hours a month) alongside the upkeep of all relevant paperwork.
• Annual licensing & testing - Continuation of training and annual licensing alongside the upkeep of paperwork.
• Collaborate closely with Dog Evaluation Officers and Kennel Supervisors.
• Assume overall responsibility for the safety and security of designated areas.
• Patrol on foot with a Military Working Dog (this could be up to 10 miles a shift on all types of terrain and in all weather conditions) and in MOD vehicles, within designated areas in accordance with outlined security procedures.
• Identify potential security risks and respond accordingly.
• Control vehicular and pedestrian access to site ensuring all have the correct credentials, issuing passes and escorting visitors where appropriate.
• Searching of vehicles, baggage, personnel, buildings, and open areas.
• Complete incident reports on breaches of security or defects and maintaining daily logs.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents within designated areas promptly and according to policy.
• Assist employees and visitors with any concerns they may have.
• Escalate emergency situations to law enforcement as required.
• Operating and monitoring security systems; CCTV and alarms.
• Operating and communicating effectively over the telephone and/or radio.

All new starters will participate in a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by on-the-job training. Potential dog handlers will also be required to attend and pass a 3-week residential Patrol Dog Handlers Foundation Course. There will also be opportunity for further development courses. Additionally, we offer an annual programme of mandatory online training, along with a dedicated Workforce Development Team to support you with your training needs.

Licences

Full UK Driving Licence (must be held at point of application and be in date).

Behaviours

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

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

Alongside your salary of £32,530, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,423 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We enable our people to work at the right place, with the right people, at the right time. We believe that if we look after our people, they will be passionate about delivering great things for our customers.

Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD.

• The MOD Discover My Benefits page lists the full set of benefits. Some of the many benefits you will receive include: A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
• A generous annual leave allowance.
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year.
• Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments.
• Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing.
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club, Gym and Cafeterias and Shops.
• Entitlement to apply for Blue Light and Defence Discount Cards.
• Free MGS Security Uniform.
• 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 employer contribution of 28.97%

As part of your induction, you will attend a two-week residential Foundation Security Course to support in achieving your objectives to a high standard Learning and Development Professional and Personal Development of skills.

This post does not offer any assistance with Relocation Allowances.

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.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

At application stage
you will be assessed against the following:

*Experience:*
CV including Job History and Previous Skills. A background, qualification, or interest in the delivery of site security and / or can demonstrate experience in delivering customer service.

*Behaviours:
At interview*
you will be assessed against the following:

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Application sifting is scheduled to take place on week commencing 12/01/2026

Interviews are due to take place on Microsoft Teams and will be conducted week commencing 26/01/2026

We want to offer opportunities to all who are successful at interview for our roles, but this isn't always possible, so we do hold candidates on an active reserve list for 12 months. It is also possible that we may offer similar lower graded role/s to reserve candidates or, if no reserves are appointed, candidates that meet the lower grade criteria in merit order.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Medical - MGS applicants are required to attend an MGS Security Officer Medical Check.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

• Name : MGS RH
• Email : MGS-

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-

Further information

Please see Further Information document attached.