Director of Canine Operations (Conservation) at Kontak Recruitment

• 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