Kennel Assistant

Role overview

This position is based at Hamworthy Barracks in Poole, Dorset, supporting a small, driven civil service and military team that plays a key part in force generation training. The post is centred on the care, welfare, and day-to-day support of Military Working Dogs (MWDs), along with the maintenance of related equipment and kennel facilities.

The role reports through the Canine Support Cell Chief Instructor to the OC 9-G and is a full-time appointment of 37 hours net per week. Flexibility may be considered for part-time arrangements or job share where the needs of the department allow.

Main duties

You will help keep the MWD kennels, supporting infrastructure, and associated equipment in good working order so the environment remains safe and healthy for both dogs and staff. The role also involves ensuring the dogs maintain appropriate fitness and receive suitable nutrition.

You will support timely canine health checks and make sure any prescribed medicines are given correctly. In addition, you will assist with the management of CSC stores so essential items remain serviceable and consumables are available for training and operational use.

Working expectations

The responsibilities listed are intended to reflect the role as it currently stands and are not exhaustive. You may be asked to take on reasonable changes or other tasks of a similar level when required. All staff in the post must complete Civil Service mandatory learning and stay up to date with any job-specific training identified for the role.

Person requirements

The successful candidate should be able to work with limited supervision, use initiative and sound judgement, and carry out some parts of the role independently. Strong interpersonal ability is important, along with the capacity to work well in a compact team.

You should also bring good organisation, remain effective in a high-pressure setting, and be willing to complete role-specific training and work paid or unpaid overtime when needed.

Essential requirements

• Ability to deliver work to the required standard both independently and as part of a small team.
• Willingness to attend the Kennel Managers course at the Defence Animal Centre.

Desirable background

• Prior experience working with animals, especially dogs.
• Certificate in Hydrotherapy for small animals.

Selection and assessment

Selection will use the Civil Service Success Profiles approach, with assessment based on behaviours and experience. Applicants must submit a 500-word statement explaining how their skills, experience, and achievements make them suitable for this role.

At sift stage, candidates will be assessed against Managing a Quality Service, Working Together, Changing and Improving, and Making Effective Decisions. If application volume is high, an initial sift may focus on Managing a Quality Service. Candidates who progress to interview will answer behaviour-based questions on Managing a Quality Service and Working Together, together with questions about relevant skills and experience.

Behaviours assessed

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions

Pay and benefits

The salary for this role is £24,549. The Ministry of Defence also contributes £7,111 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Employer pension contribution is 28.97%.

• Role-specific learning and development.
• Flexible working options where the role allows.
• An inclusive workplace culture that supports diversity.
• 25 days of annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year to 30 days after 5 years of service, pro rata.
• 8 public holidays per year, plus leave for the King’s birthday.
• Hybrid working where the role permits.
• Opportunity to be considered for Reward and Recognition.
• Family-friendly policies, including parental and adoption leave.
• Professional and personal skills development.
• At least 15 days of special leave in a rolling 12-month period for volunteer reserve commitments.
• Special paid leave of up to 6 days per year for volunteering.

Workplace facilities

Hamworthy Barracks offers a range of onsite amenities, including a gymnasium, swimming pool, community centre, convenience shop, food outlets, and limited parking. The command team has stated that this is a demanding environment, and the aim is to support a healthy work-life balance.

Additional notes and conditions

• No relocation expenses will be paid.
• External recruits new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
• Interview travel costs will not be reimbursed.
• Pay-related allowances are under review and may change.
• Moving to the MOD from another employer will end access to childcare vouchers, including moves between government departments, though other schemes such as Tax-Free Childcare may be available.
• Smoking and the use of tobacco products are not permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment, subject to limited local exemptions.
• The department may invite applicants to complete a voluntary, anonymous recruitment satisfaction survey.
• Applications must be truthful and based on the applicant’s own experience; misuse of AI or plagiarism may lead to withdrawal of the application or disciplinary action.
• This vacancy is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• Successful interview candidates must declare outside interests, which will be reviewed before any formal offer is made.
• The department operates a zero-tolerance policy on bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation.
• Applicants dismissed for unacceptable behaviour within the last five years, or who would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had they stayed, will not be considered.
• Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

About the command

Cyber and Specialist Operations Command brings together specialist capabilities across Defence to support the UK at home and abroad. It forms part of the wider Defence structure alongside the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, and is currently undergoing a transformation programme that may lead to changes in some posts as business needs evolve.