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.

Are you reliable, alert, and passionate about animal care? We’re looking for motivated individuals to join our Gold Standard security service as Kennel Assistants—a vital role supporting the daily welfare and care of our Military Working Dogs (MWDs) across the Defence estate.

You’ll be directly responsible to the MGS Operations Manager, working to clear objectives that support the health and well being of our working dogs, as well as the smooth running of the wider team.

This is a hands-on, physical role that involves cleaning, feeding, and exercising dogs in all weather conditions. You must also maintain a good level of physical fitness, as the role involves prolonged periods of standing, walking large distances, and responding quickly to incidents.

No animal-handling experience is required, and full training will be provided through a paid, Kennel Assistants course at the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

MoD Guard Services is currently undertaking a review of grade structures, pay and conditions, aimed at improving employee experience, wellbeing, and career progression. This review may result in future changes to terms and conditions; however, the requirement for this role remains unchanged.

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 take a look at Youtube using the links below:

• Being a dog handler in the Ministry of Defence Guard Service – https://youtu.be/Xs8lxbhlRiU?si=LwAFhRx-GqfuFsHN
• Working for the Ministry of Defence Guard Service – https://youtu.be/UrLfy2MZXpg

Kennel assistants are responsible for supporting the ongoing welfare, care and management of military working dogs, ensuring high standards of animal well being are being consistently maintained.

The key duties are as follows:

• Maintain the highest standards of animal welfare and hygiene in line with the 5 freedoms, including awareness of bio-security and spotting signs of poor health or stress.
• Carry out thorough cleaning of kennels, surrounding kennel areas, and associated equipment, ensuring a consistently high standard of hygiene is maintained.
• Feed and exercise Military Working Dogs at set times, understanding the unique behaviours and needs of each dog. You’ll prepare meals, follow routines, and support dogs of all sizes and temperaments across different terrains.
• Spot and report any health issues or changes in a dog’s behaviour to your Chain of Command and Veterinary Training Squadron without delay.
• Confidently handle, restrain, and assist dogs during veterinary inspections and when giving medication or treatment.
• Play an active role in maintaining a culture of safe working practices, raising concerns or suggestions as soon as they arise.
• Use your time and resources wisely—always looking for ways to improve how we work and deliver value across the Defence estate.
• Attend and successfully complete any relevant military working dog or veterinary related courses as required, with full support to enhance your professional development and contribute to the continual up skilling of our team.

Please note, due to the nature of this role, individuals who have had a splenectomy are not eligible to apply. This is due to the increased risk of infection associated with the absence of a spleen.

Full UK Driving Licence

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

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

Alongside your salary of £24,549, Ministry of Defence contributes £7,111 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.