Assistant Head Guide

Craven Cottage CC; Pongola; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven Cottage CC is seeking an experienced Field Guide to lead the Guides Department in the absence of the Head Guide and to deliver exceptional guest experiences on the reserve. You will coordinate game drives, guided walks and guest activities while ensuring environmental stewardship and safety.

You will also manage lodge check-in, act as a communications bridge between guests and lodge departments, and assist with reserve management, stock controls and admin tasks.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent required.
• FGASA Level 2 qualification required.
• Full Trails qualification required.
• Valid First Aid Certificate required.
• DEAT registration is required.

Responsibilities

• Assume full responsibility for the Guides Department in the Head Guide's absence.
• Conduct guided guest experiences and activities on the reserve.
• Coordinate game drives, guided walks, back-up drives and stand-by duties.
• Ensure guiding activities minimize environmental impact.
• Assist with guest lodge check-in and orientation.
• May perform wake-up calls and organize guest activities.
• Prepare and manage cooler boxes and hotbox checks.
• Act as liaison between guests and lodge departments.
• Operate and maintain 4x4 company vehicle.
• Maintain responsibility for company vehicle and equipment.
• Design and implement conservation, CSR, marketing, guest activity and new product development projects.
• Prepare guest itineraries and programs.
• Assist with reserve management tasks and stock/inventory reporting.
• Maintain compliance with legal and statutory requirements.
• Ensure guest safety, comfort and enjoyment.

Skills

Communication

English fluency

Customer service

Computer literacy

Education

Grade 12

FGASA Level 2

Full Trails

First Aid Certificate

DEAT registration

Tools

MS PowerPoint

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

Duties

• In the absence of the Head Guide, assume full responsibility for the Guides Department
• Conduct guided guest experience and activities on the reserve
• Ensure efficient allocation for all game drives & guided walks, back‑up drives and stand‑by duties
• Ensure that all guiding activities are conducted in such a manner as to cause the least amount of damage to the environment
• Complete or assist in guest lodge check‑in and orientation
• You may also be required to do wake‑up calls and oversee the organisation of all guest activities
• Responsible for packing your cooler‑boxes and checking the ‘hotbox’ in the morning
• Facilitate as the communicator between the guest and the appropriate lodge departments
• Operate, maintain and clean 4x4 company vehicle
• Assume full responsibility for your company vehicle and any other company issued equipment
• Design and implement projects including conservation, social responsibility, marketing & promotion, guest activity and new product development
• Compilation of guest itineraries & programs
• Assist with reserve management tasks
• Personnel administration & timekeeping
• Assisting with stock and inventory management and reporting
• Operate within the legal and statutory requirements
• Responsible for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of your guests

Requirements

• Grade 12
• At least 3-5 years previous experience as a Field Guide in a 4/5* establishment
• FGASA Level 2 qualification
• Full trails qualification
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English
• Previous experience as Senior Guide or Assistant Head Guide will be advantageous
• Valid driver’s license and PDP
• Valid First Aid Certificate
• DEAT registration
• Physically and mentally fit
• Basic 4x4 maintenance skills
• A thorough knowledge of all aspects of field guiding
• Good knowledge of luxury travel market
• Computer literate in MS Power Point, MS Excel and MS Word