Frankfurt Zoological Society Zambia Currently Recruiting: Specialist Canine Technical Advisor i

• Selection, training, handling, proper control and care of conservation detection and tracking dogs; and selection, training and development of handlers for wildlife crime prevention
• Up to date knowledge of scent theory, search strategy, tracking, canine law enforcement principles, field first aid, positive training methods, canine welfare and enrichment, and kennel care
• Expertise or proven ability to gain knowledge of canine law enforcement methods including road blocks, building, area and vehicle searching, suspect and poacher tracking in villages and bush, techniques for working with investigations, police, wildlife law officers and government authorities
• Maintain clear and consistent communication (phone, email, Skype, in-person meetings) with other staff, partners, and agencies and assist handlers in computer skills and communications
• Supervision and maintenance of daily care of dogs (feeding, exercise, veterinary care, and attention) while in the field / in kennels
• Accompany training ex situ and operational deployments (where applicable)
• Develop, implement and support handler training and certification processes; and build capacity of handlers and support staff through other mediums such as computer, books, and other training opportunities in the region and internationally
• Understand produce, manage and work within project capacity e.g. logistics, schedules, budgets
• Develop donor proposals budget and reports, and management thereof
• Administer, verify and collate training and operational results data
• Promote and employ skills and technology specific to canine wildlife crime units
• Prepare project reports and other written communications

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

• Minimum 10 years canine handling and training experience; or B.A. or B.Sc. in biology, animal behavior, anthro-zoology with minimum 5 years canine handling and training experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, including military or police or other canine law enforcement
• Minimum 3 years field experience, with Africa and/or seasonal experience preferred
• Demonstrated experience in instruction, training or mentoring
• Experience with canine law enforcement
• Ability to travel away from home, often to remote locations and bush for varying periods of time
• Comfortable with a range of field housing conditions – house, tent, communal field stations, and variable internet connection and cell phone reception
• Able to work and live in close proximity with others
• Willingness to work outdoors and convey positive attitude during challenging conditions – rain, heat, cold, frustration, tedium, and other forms of discomfort
• Comfortable with:
  • (safely) collecting animal parts, feces, necropsies
  • paramilitary and police activities and deployments
  • working in the presence of wildlife – carnivores, large herbivores, snakes, insects
• Ability to care for and positively engage with active, high-energy canines, including demonstrable ability to establish strong boundaries when caring for dogs – using a travel crate, correcting bad behavior, etc.
• Provide references which corroborate the following personal attributes in a working environment:
  • reliable
  • detail oriented
  • self-starter and independent worker yet a strong team player
  • able to follow detailed instructions
  • able to troubleshoot and think independently
  • able to work collaboratively with diverse and varied interests, cultures and personalities
  • manage time well
  • demonstrate follow-through and evaluation of progress
  • able to work under pressure and under deadline
  • fast learner with the ability to self-assess and correct
  • strong sense of initiative and able to work creatively and independently with limited supervision but with input from a variety of sources
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal for teaching and transferring information, as well as report writing and dog/handler training curriculum development
• Professionalism when dealing with press, public, and project personnel
• Culturally sensitive to people of other gender, race, religion, nationality
• Ability to thrive under repetition and tedium
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to logistical, schedule and budgetary challenges
• A good sense of humor and lots of patience
• Eagerness to be an integral part of a small staff of dedicated conservation oriented people
• Driver’s license in good standing and able to drive manual transmission in off-road conditions
• Home computer with high-speed internet connection
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Desirable:

• Experience with law enforcement (general)
• First Aid certificate
• Previous experience and initiative working with a conservation-related organization

Physical Demands:

• The employee will spend considerable amount of time outdoors exposed to heat, cold, direct sunlight, rain, and other inclement conditions
• Physical ability to walk up to 8 miles/day or 8 hours/day off-trail, often up and downhill, while having an active medium-large dog and carrying up to 15kgs (occasional backpacking with heavier packs may be required)
• Physical agility to manage unstable footing is required e.g. for manoeuvering around / through /over field obstacles such as uneven ground, rocks, stream crossings, sand, loose soil, mud, etc.
• Position requires stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and reaching on a regular basis to negotiate field obstacles, though these motions are not consistent and repetitive
• Lifting 25kgs waist-high is required on an occasional basis
• This position includes working with dogs and in natural environments and employee may receive insect bites, scratches, bruises, blisters, thorns, and minor cuts on a regular basis
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to be able to talk, hear, type at a computer, grasp, maneuver a leash, throw a ball
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to adjust focus, and peripheral vision

• A competitive salary will be paid based on qualifications and experience.
• Additional benefits include:
  • Housing or housing allowance
  • Medical insurance
  • One return flight allowance per year
  • 24 working days paid leave per annum