Canine Program Manager

Wild Dreams Hospitality; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

A wildlife conservation organization is looking for a leader for its anti‑poaching unit in South Africa. This live-in position requires strong experience with operational dogs, mentoring handlers, and ensuring canine welfare. Candidates must have relevant qualifications, a valid driver's license, and be willing to work in a remote environment. The role includes overseeing daily operations, supporting handlers, and maintaining operational readiness of the canine unit, with salary to be discussed based on experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with operational or working dogs.
• Experience supervising or mentoring canine handlers.
• Strong understanding of working dog welfare and conditioning.
• Competency in canine first aid.
• Relevant qualification and/or professional canine training.
• Fluent in English.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to live and work in a remote environment.
• Experience in anti-poaching or conservation will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the canine unit.
• Mentor and support handlers.
• Ensure canine welfare and performance standards are maintained.
• Maintain operational readiness of all dogs.
• Assist with programme development and reporting.

Skills

Experience with operational or working dogs

Supervising or mentoring handlers

Understanding working dog welfare

Competency in canine first aid

Fluency in English

Valid driver’s license

Education

Relevant qualification in canine training

Job description

This is a field-based leadership role within an anti‑poaching unit, suited to a candidate with strong working dog experience who can oversee daily operations, mentor handlers, and maintain high standards of canine welfare and performance.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience working with operational or working dogs (detection, tracking, SAR, military, or similar)
• Experience supervising or mentoring canine handlers
• Strong understanding of working dog welfare and conditioning
• Competency in canine first aid
• Relevant qualification and/or professional canine training
• Fluent in English
• Valid driver’s license
• Willingness to live and work in a remote environment
• Experience in anti‑poaching or conservation will be advantageous

Candidate Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the canine unit
• Mentor and support handlers
• Ensure canine welfare and performance standards are maintained
• Maintain operational readiness of all dogs
• Assist with programme development and reporting

Salary: To be discussed depending on experience

This is a live‑in position