Director of Canine Operations (Conservation) (JB5879)

Director of Canine Operations (Conservation) (JB5879)

Location: Port Alfred, Eastern Cape

Job Type: Permanent

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.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced qualifications or certifications in K9 handling and training (DH-5: military, police, detection, or protection)
• Demonstrated experience managing professional canine programs
• Comprehensive understanding of canine behaviour, psychology, and ethical training methodologies for high-drive working breeds
• Veterinary science, animal biology, or related academic/professional background (strongly preferred)
• Proven experience designing, implementing, or managing complex operational facilities or structured training programs
• Strong leadership, supervisory, and team management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working in remote, semi-wilderness, or physically demanding environments
• High level of physical fitness and adaptability
• Background in anti poaching, wildlife management, law enforcement, or security operations (advantageous)
• Ability to serve as a credible public spokesperson in formal and media settings
• Willingness to reside onsite in the Eastern Cape

Duties and Responsibilities Facility Planning and Development

• Lead the full design, construction oversight, and operational planning of the canine facility
• Define infrastructure requirements including kennels, training areas, veterinary spaces, and accommodation
• Liaise with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure compliance with welfare, safety, and conservation standards

Breeding and Acquisition Program

• Establish and manage a sustainable breeding and acquisition strategy for tracking, detection, and protection dogs
• Identify suitable breeds and define genetic and performance criteria
• Maintain comprehensive health, lineage, and performance records

Training and Certification Framework

• Design and implement a structured, multi level training curriculum for dogs and handlers
• Ensure dog handler teams achieve certification standards for operational readiness and field deployment

Handler Recruitment and Development

• Oversee recruitment, selection, and training of canine handlers
• Promote local community engagement and gender inclusivity
• Implement mentorship and structured professional development programs

Canine Health and Welfare Management

• Maintain the highest standards of animal welfare
• Supervise daily care, exercise routines, and dietary management
• Establish veterinary partnerships and oversee medical record keeping
• Implement preventive healthcare protocols and emergency response procedures

Staff Supervision and Leadership

• Recruit and manage trainers, kennel technicians, and support staff
• Set performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews
• Foster a disciplined, collaborative, and respectful work environment

Operational and Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage annual operating budgets
• Approve expenditures and ensure financial accountability
• Produce operational and financial reports for senior management and funding bodies

Coordination with Conservation Operations

• Integrate canine units into broader wildlife protection and anti poaching strategies
• Coordinate deployment with rangers, ecologists, and law enforcement teams

External Representation and Partnership Development

• Represent the program to donors, government agencies, academic institutions, and external stakeholders
• Participate in conferences, outreach initiatives, and media engagements
• Strengthen strategic partnerships to enhance program impact

Compliance and Record Management

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and international best practices in animal welfare and working dog management
• Maintain detailed records of training progress, deployments, certifications, and performance evaluations

Please do not apply using Scanned CVs, no supporting documentation is required at this point, this will be requested later.

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