This senior leadership role is responsible for establishing and leading a newly created canine conservation facility dedicated to advancing wildlife protection through professionally trained working dogs. Based onsite within a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape, the position offers the unique opportunity to conceptualise, design, build, and operationalise a full-scale canine training and breeding facility from inception. The Director will oversee infrastructure development, breeding and acquisition strategy, structured dog-handler training programs, animal welfare standards, staff leadership, financial oversight, and integration of canine units into broader conservation and anti-poaching operations. The role carries significant strategic autonomy within a larger conservation framework and requires strong leadership, technical K9 expertise, operational management capability, and the ability to represent the program to stakeholders, donors, and institutional partners<\/p>\n
Minimum Requirements:<\/p>\n
\tAdvanced qualifications or certifications in K9 handling and training (DH-5: military, police, detection, or protection)
\n\tDemonstrated experience managing professional canine programs
\n\tComprehensive understanding of canine behaviour, psychology, and ethical training methodologies for high-drive working breeds
\n\tVeterinary science, animal biology, or related academic\/professional background (strongly preferred)
\n\tProven experience designing, implementing, or managing complex operational facilities or structured training programs
\n\tStrong leadership, supervisory, and team management skills
\n\tExcellent written and verbal communication skills
\n\tExperience working in remote, semi-wilderness, or physically demanding environments
\n\tHigh level of physical fitness and adaptability
\n\tBackground in anti-poaching, wildlife management, law enforcement, or security operations (advantageous)
\n\tAbility to serve as a credible public spokesperson in formal and media settings
\n\tWillingness to reside onsite in the Eastern Cape<\/p>\n
Duties and Responsibilities:
\nFacility Planning and Development<\/p>\n
\tLead the full design, construction oversight, and operational planning of the canine facility
\n\tDefine infrastructure requirements including kennels, training areas, veterinary spaces, and accommodation
\n\tLiaise with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure compliance with welfare, safety, and conservation standards<\/p>\n
Breeding and Acquisition Program<\/p>\n
\tEstablish and manage a sustainable breeding and acquisition strategy for tracking, detection, and protection dogs
\n\tIdentify suitable breeds and define genetic and performance criteria
\n\tMaintain comprehensive health, lineage, and performance records<\/p>\n
Training and Certification Framework<\/p>\n
\tDesign and implement a structured, multi-level training curriculum for dogs and handlers
\n\tEnsure dog-handler teams achieve certification standards for operational readiness and field deployment<\/p>\n
Handler Recruitment and Development<\/p>\n
\tOversee recruitment, selection, and training of canine handlers
\n\tPromote local community engagement and gender inclusivity
\n\tImplement mentorship and structured professional development programs<\/p>\n
Canine Health and Welfare Management<\/p>\n
\tMaintain the highest standards of animal welfare
\n\tSupervise daily care, exercise routines, and dietary management
\n\tEstablish veterinary partnerships and oversee medical record keeping
\n\tImplement preventive healthcare protocols and emergency response procedures<\/p>\n
Staff Supervision and Leadership<\/p>\n
\tRecruit and manage trainers, kennel technicians, and support staff
\n\tSet performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews
\n\tFoster a disciplined, collaborative, and respectful work environment<\/p>\n
Operational and Financial Oversight<\/p>\n
\tDevelop and manage annual operating budgets
\n\tApprove expenditures and ensure financial accountability
\n\tProduce operational and financial reports for senior management and funding bodies<\/p>\n
Coordination with Conservation Operations<\/p>\n
\tIntegrate canine units into broader wildlife protection and anti-poaching strategies
\n\tCoordinate deployment with rangers, ecologists, and law enforcement teams<\/p>\n
External Representation and Partnership Development<\/p>\n
\tRepresent the program to donors, government agencies, academic institutions, and external stakeholders
\n\tParticipate in conferences, outreach initiatives, and media engagements
\n\tStrengthen strategic partnerships to enhance program impact<\/p>\n
Compliance and Record Management<\/p>\n
\tEnsure compliance with relevant legislation and international best practices in animal welfare and working-dog management
\n\tMaintain detailed records of training progress, deployments, certifications, and performance evaluations<\/p>\n
go to method of application \u00bb<\/p>\n
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