The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is a nonprofit organisation that works to conserving threatened species and ecosystems in southern Africa to the benefit of all people.
EWT seeks to appoint a Wildlife in Trade Programme Canine Trainer to be based in Modderfontein, Johannesburg.
In order to capacitate the candidates to become dog handlers and trainers for the purpose of supporting anti-poaching efforts the successful candidates will be mentored and coached by appropriately qualified and experienced canine professionals, whose training standards are equivalent to those accepted internationally. Successful learners will be accredited to provide training to dogs and handlers in the canine anti-poaching and wildlife contraband detection sector across South Africa.
Responsibilities:
- The positions will require extensive travel to reserves across South Africa to assist with ongoing training and evaluation of the EWT Conservation Canines in reserves and cargo facilities
- Training in basic canine handling, care and management will be provided through an emersion process where the learners will be based at large working kennel and involved in their day to day activities
- The learners will be required to write the relevant exams and complete practical exams that will lead to a formal qualification in dog handling
- Extensive experience will be gained in the management of kennels, handling various breeds and temperaments of canines
- The canine training will involve man-tracking for anti-poaching purposes and detection of various products like ammunitions and wildlife contraband
- The learners are expected to have a keen interest in wildlife, conservation and wildlife trade and be willing to learn about key issues
- Learners should aspire to a career in the Conservation Canine sector
- Will be responsible for the welfare and day to day care of the EWT assigned Conservation Canines
Requirements:
- RSA citizen
- Valid Driver’s License
- An affinity for domestic dogs
- Matric certificate
- Written and spoken English, another official language would be advantageous
- Basic MS Word, Outlook and Excel required
- Ability to use mobile technology, e.g. WhatsApp, phone camera, etc.
- No criminal record or any offenses pending
- Willing to work hard, long hours under tough conditions and get ‘hands dirty’
Interpersonal skills:
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage time and multiple priorities to completion
- Very adaptable and able to work in a rapidly changing environments
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to communicate well
- Maintain professional demeanour, appearance, and attitude while conducting the daily activities
- Must be able to work as a team and alongside teammates
- Able to do extensive travel for extended periods
- Maintain equipment and keep accurate records
- Ability to work long hours in physically tough conditions, such as outdoors in heat, cold, rain and in Big five country
- Physically fit and be able to carry and lift awkward items, weighing up to 10kgs
- May have to lift and carry dogs weighing up to 35kgs and stand for long periods in all weather conditions
- Requires constant use of hands and fingers to feel, handle and operate the dogs and equipment
- Requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, running, squatting, bending and kneeling
To apply, submit your CV and a detailed motivation letter of why you are the best candidate for this position to Emma Chisare, Human Resources Department at [email protected]
The Endangered Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants who have not been contacted within 10 days of the closing date must please assume that their applications were not successful.
The EWT reserves the right not to make an appointment.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
More Information
- Job City Johannesburg