About this role
The Canine Unit shall ensure through training and education that the Customs Agency has access to competent canine resources and quality assurance to maintain and develop operational capability. The unit's mission includes monitoring the external environment, developing, and directing canine operations based on the goals of the organization.
The dog trainers are coordinated by the National Dog Coordinator (NHS), who also holds overall responsibility for the dogs' training, health, and procurement. The Business Developer serves as the bridge to the operational activities. The Canine Unit is organizationally placed under the Customs Agency's Control Department and is led by a unit manager.
About the position
As a dog trainer, you contribute to maintaining and developing quality and functionality within our search dog operations—both locally and nationally. You are an important part of the effort to ensure high competence and uniform methods throughout the Customs Agency.
In this role, you are responsible for conveying knowledge, methods, and work practices within the national frameworks established. You act as NHS’s extended arm to support and develop dog teams—both during training and in operational service.
To create a comprehensive picture of each dog team, you assist with documentation, information, and advice. You continuously assess the operational status and training needs of the dog teams and inform the team leader of the dog handler regularly and before development and salary discussions.
As a dog trainer, you will also serve as a teacher in national training programs and ongoing maintenance training. You actively participate in the development of the organization by contributing to experience sharing and quality work.
The Canine Unit holds regular weekly check-ins, where we share information and plan together to achieve the best possible effect in operational work. In your work, you have support from internal regulations, policies, and strategic decision-making processes.
In parallel with your instructor duties, you may have a service dog and you are a foster parent for subject dogs that are to be evaluated, trained, and potentially certified. You are also responsible for managing training materials and keeping records of these.
The role also involves project management, administration, and travel as part of the job.
We are looking for someone who has:
• Completed and approved basic training in the Customs Agency's law enforcement activities or other training and experience that we assess as equivalent.
• Completed and approved the Customs Agency's dog handler training or other training that we assess as equivalent.
• Completed and approved the Customs Agency's dog unit instructor training or other training that we assess as equivalent.
• Good ability to express yourself well in Swedish and English, both spoken and written.
• Good knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• A valid driver’s license, category B.
It is advantageous if you have:
• Worked as a dog handler in the Customs Agency within the past few years and successfully completed training and courses with good results.
• Good knowledge of the Customs Agency's data systems.
• Documented advanced knowledge in canine behavior and related problem-solving.
• Documented advanced knowledge in search dog training.
• Documented knowledge regarding pedagogical work.
Personal qualities
You should possess good leadership qualities in relation to both dogs and humans. You are open to change and have excellent collaboration skills while also being initiative-driven and capable of working independently. As a person, you are:
- Humble towards the task by being unpretentious.
- Driven, approaching tasks with great motivation.
- Detail-oriented.
- Flexible.
- Creative.
- Outgoing.
Significant emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.
We offer you
By working at the Customs Agency, you have an important job where you contribute to a safe and secure society. We highly value a pleasant work environment and learning from each other, and we strive for you as an employee to have a good balance between work and personal life. With us, you receive secure employment conditions, and our benefits include wellness allowance, subsidized medications, and favorable vacation and pension terms.
Other information
Reference number: TV-2025-25361
Location: Placement according to agreement within the southern area.
Employment form: The employment is a permanent position and begins with a 6-month probationary period, with individual salary setting applied.
Start date: To be considered for employment at the Customs Agency, you must meet high requirements regarding security and confidentiality awareness, suitability, and adherence to applicable laws. This means standing up for democratic values and the government principles that govern the Customs Agency’s operations. Before a decision on employment, you will undergo a drug test and background check. A security screening with record checks according to the Security Protection Act is conducted before employment, as the position is classified in a security class. The Customs Agency is a total defense authority, and upon employment, you may be assigned to warfare in the Customs Agency.
For more information and application
Inquiries regarding the position can be made to unit manager Anna-Karin Edström Lundemo, tel. 08-4565536. For questions about the recruitment process, you may contact the Customs Agency's HR support at tel. 060-67 25