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