MGS - Ministry of Defence Guard Service - Dog Handler - Shift Worker - Middle Wallop

Job summary

Join the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS)

Be part of the front line protecting the UK’s most critical Defence sites. Play a vital role in national security.

At the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS), we safeguard the UK’s Defence estate, protecting personnel, assets, and critical locations from crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage. Our Gold Standard Security Service is built on professionalism, trust, and excellence— and we’re looking for dedicated Security Officers to join us.

Who We Are

The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) provides high-quality security services at over 170 MOD sites across the UK, including high-profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall, and His Majesty’s Naval Bases in Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde.

Why Join Us?

A meaningful career – Play a crucial role in national security and defence.

Career development – Access specialist training, funded qualifications, and internal progression opportunities.

Job security – Be part of a well-established organisation with over 30 years of service.

A strong team culture – Work alongside professionals who value integrity, vigilance, professionalism, helpfulness, and teamwork.

Our Vision & Values

Our goal is to be recognised as an outstanding provider of security services, guided by our core values:

Integrity – Always do the right thing, treat others fairly.

Vigilance & Preparedness – Stay alert, ready to respond.

Professionalism – Maintain high standards, continuously improve.

Helpfulness – Provide excellent service, leave a positive impression.

Teamwork – Work collaboratively, support colleagues, and protect Defence.

Job description

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 27 hours per quarter) alongside the upkeep of all relevant paperwork.
• Annual certification & 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.

Excellent communication and organisational skills are required, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

This role involves patrolling large areas, standing for periods, staying alert and responding quickly when needed, so a good level of physical fitness is essential.

Shift Pattern & Flexibility

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 be an average of 48 hours in a calendar week; this will be 12 hour shifts each week rostered between Sun – Sat. 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.

Training & Development

We are committed to ensuring you have the skills and confidence to succeed in your role.

New starters will complete a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by structured on-the-job training. One of the elements of the Foundation Course is Emergency First Aid at Work, where you will learn key life skills in emergency first aid. Dog handlers will also be required to attend and pass a 3-week Patrol Dog Handlers Foundation Course.

You will have access to ongoing professional development, including an annual programme of online learning. Our dedicated Workforce Development Team will support your training needs, ensuring you continue to build expertise throughout your career.

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 [email removed]

Person specification

What We’re Looking For

There’s no single background that makes someone right for the Ministry of Defence Guard Service. Our officers come from a variety of careers including security, military, retail, hospitality, care, logistics, teaching, customer service, or after a career break.

As this role involves working closely with dogs, applicants must have a spleen to be eligible for the position.

What matters is how you work, not where you’ve worked.

We’re looking for people who can:

Remain calm, polite and respectful in busy situations,

Pay attention to detail and report anything unusual,

Follow procedures consistently,

Learn quickly and adapt to changing circumstances,

Communicate clearly with people from all backgrounds,

Be reliable, punctual and professional,

Support colleagues and work well as part of a team.

You don’t need previous security experience, but dog handling experience is desirable — full training and uniform are provided.

How to Apply

Your CV should clearly demonstrate:

Previous roles and key responsibilities

Skills relevant to this role

Examples of reliability, communication, teamwork and following procedures

Any relevant training, qualifications or transferable experience

Your CV will be used to assess your suitability, so make sure it is clear, accurate and up

to date.

Licences

Full UK Manual Driving Licence
Evidence of qualification/Licence/Membership will be required