Job Title
K9 Unit Lead, Project Kenyir
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Company
Description
Panthera is the only organization in the world that is devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems. Utilizing the expertise of the world’s premier cat biologists, Panthera develops and implements global strategies for the most imperiled species. Representing the most comprehensive effort of its kind, Panthera partners with local and international NGOs, scientific institutions, local communities, governments around the globe, and citizens who want to help ensure a future for wild cats. For more on Panthera, visit .
Panthera has been present in Malaysia through partners for almost a decade. In the beginning of 2020, Panthera incorporated an office in Malaysia - Panthera Wild Cat Conservation Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (PWCCM).
Panthera’s Project Kenyir (formerly known as Project Harimau Selamanya) started in 2014 and has been focused on the monitoring and protection of the Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni), as well as all other wild cat species in the Kenyir-Taman Negara Core Area in Terengganu. The project’s main objectives are to stabilize and recover the population of tigers and other wild cats in the landscape following the Panthera’s Regional Development Strategy for South and Southeast Asia in Malaysia.
Project Kenyir’s Cerberus Unit is a novel pilot-run tracking dog project that aims to test and understand the use of sniffer dogs to facilitate wildlife counter-poaching initiatives in Malaysia. This is Malaysia’s first and only tracking canine unit developed in 2019 to assist in counter-poaching work in the Kenyir and Taman Negara Terengganu area. The tracking dog is trained to track poachers and detect snares to aid ranger teams in their efforts to locate active poaching camps and clear snares in the vast forest landscape.
- The Main Objectives Of This Initiative Are
- To understand the strengths and limitations of tracking dogs in counter-poaching work in the tropical forest landscape of Malaysia/Southeast Asia through robust research so that it may benefit the scientific and wildlife conservation community in the region.
- To document the project’s process so that it may better inform other conservation projects, donors, and stakeholders in utilizing tracking dogs for counter-poaching work.
- To assist the counter-poaching ranger teams to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of tracking poachers in Panthera’s project sites.
As K9 Unit Lead for Panthera’s Cerberus Unit, s/he shall lead the research and evaluation of the tracking unit’s utility in wildlife protection work in the landscape with the abovementioned objectives. S/he will do so by adhering to the code of conduct and standard operating procedures of PWCCM. As an employee of PWCCM, s/he will uphold the organisation’s values and operating principles and maintain a professional work etiquette at all times. S/he may be required to assist with other projects of Panthera in other field sites from time to time for transfer of knowledge, skills and experience, at the discretion of the Malaysia Country Manager as and when needed.
There is an added advantage for candidates who have a background in environmental/biodiversity conservation work as well as have an interest to work with dogs and lead their own research projects. S/he will report to the Kenyir Project Coordinator / Cerberus K9 Advisor.
Responsibilities
- Execute any assigned project activities according to the project. These include, but are not confined to, the following:
- Satisfactorily complete training as a tracking dog handler.
- Be fully responsible for the housing, grooming, life, welfare, health and safety of your sniffer dog, as outlined in the Health Handbook.
- Carry out the necessary training and research activities with the tracking dog beyond the training period to upkeep the performance and competency of the tracking team.
- Take lead in conducting research on sniffer dogs for wildlife protection work.
- Provide tracking services to governmental and non-governmental agencies when opportunities arise.
- Engage with and conduct demonstrations as part of outreach activities with relevant stakeholders to raise awareness on Panthera’s efforts in wild cat conservation.
- Manage and maintain the project financial accounts, which includes forecasting the K9 operational budget and timely monthly expense reporting.
- Work with the Kenyir Assistant Coordinator to upkeep the project’s inventory and oversee purchase, repairs and maintenance of equipment and vehicles relating to K9 unit.
- Establish and maintain good relations with partners and stakeholders of the project.
- Maintain log of every operation, training and research activity conducted and produce summaries and reports accordingly.
- Work with Project Coordinator, Problem Analyst, and any other members of the team to conduct analysis of the research data.
- Contribute to the monitoring, research and analysis aspects of this project.
- Assist to produce financial and operational reports for stakeholders, funders and for internal use.
- Assist in producing relevant documentation (scientific papers, awareness materials, project reports, Powerpoint slides, resource materials, etc.) where necessary.
- Ensure that all assigned activities are consistent with the schedule and all outputs are delivered on time and at the desired quality.
- Be involved in the decision-making process for those decisions related to sniffer dog health, welfare, behavior, retirement, and euthanasia.
Essential Duties
- The essential job functions of the Canine Caretaker of Project Kenyir are as follows:
- Establish and maintain good relations with partners and stakeholders of the project.
- Ensure professional conduct within the team as well as with parners and stakeholders of the project, including government representatives.
- Ensure that all assigned activities are consistent with the schedule and all outputs are delivered on time and at the desired quality.
- Be familiar and comply with the policies and guidelines set out in the Panthera Employee’s Handbook ensuring that the code of conduct & ethics and ‘Patrol Standard Operating Procedures’ are followed at all times.
- Be familiar and comply with Panthera’s programmatic vision, objectives and plans, and intellectual property rights.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable national laws and regulations of Malaysia.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Education and degree
- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences related, research methods, social sciences, administration, and economical sciences.
- Required Traits, Skills & Experience
- Minimum 2 years of working experience preferably in environmental/conservation programs
- A citizen of Malaysia
- Excellent English and Bahasa Malaysia language skills
- Strong computer skills, including MS Office skills; MS Excel skills
- Good knowledge of scientific research methods.
- Some knowledge of the conservation and policy environment in Malaysia
- Ability to communicate effectively with varying audiences
- Driving license (D) required
- Attention to detail
- Fit and able to track/hike in the forest for up to 5 days
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Adaptable and able to work in a multicultural team
- Preferred Traits, Skills & Experience
- Experience owning or working with dogs in any capacity.
- Previous experience conducting scientific research.
- Ability to work independently to reach the objectives of the program.
- Comfortable working and living in rural areas and trekking in the forest.
- Experience working with communities or field.
- Experience in governing bodies of Non-Profit Organizations
- Working Conditions And Physical Requirements
- Be based in the field house in Kenyir, Terengganu with regular trips to the forest for training and research.
- Potential of being based or deployed at other project sites.
Qualification
Vacancy type
Working Arrangements
On-site (as required)