Assistant Head Guide (Full Trails)

Bright Placements (PTY) Ltd; Pongola; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright Placements (PTY) Ltd in KwaZulu-Natal, Pongola, seeks an experienced Field Guide for a luxury safari lodge. You will lead guided walking safaris, supervise guides, mentor juniors, and ensure guest safety while showcasing wildlife, ecology, and conservation.

Essential qualifications include FGASA Level 2, Full Trails Guide (Lead Trails Guide), valid First Aid, PrDP, SA driver’s licence, firearm competency where required, and ARH is advantageous.

Qualifications

• FGASA Level 2 qualification is essential.
• Full Trails Guide qualification (Lead Trails Guide).
• Valid First Aid Certificate (Level 2 or higher preferred).
• Valid PrDP (Professional Driving Permit).
• Valid South African driver’s licence.
• Firearm competency (where required by reserve regulations).
• ARH (Advanced Rifle Handling) certification is advantageous.

Skills

Guiding skills

Leadership

Wildlife knowledge

Communication

Decision making

Safety awareness

Vehicle operation

Computer literacy

Organisational skills

Guest interaction

Job description

Minimum Qualifications

• FGASA Level 2 qualification (essential).


• Full Trails Guide qualification (Lead Trails Guide).


• Valid First Aid Certificate (Level 2 or higher preferred).


• Valid PrDP (Professional Driving Permit).


• Valid South African driver's licence.


• Firearm competency (where required by reserve regulations).


• ARH (Advanced Rifle Handling) certification is advantageous.

Experience Required

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience as a Field Guide within a luxury safari lodge or private game reserve.


• Previous experience conducting guided walking safaris.


• Supervisory or leadership experience within a guiding team.


• Experience mentoring and training junior guides.


• Sound knowledge of wildlife behaviour, ecology, and conservation.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent guiding and interpretive skills.


• Strong leadership and team management abilities.


• Extensive knowledge of South African flora, fauna, birds, reptiles, and ecosystems.


• Excellent communication and guest interaction skills.


• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.


• High level of safety awareness and emergency response capability.


• Vehicle operating and basic maintenance knowledge.


• Computer literacy for reports and guest communication.


• Excellent organisational and planning skills.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.


• Professional, mature, and responsible.


• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.


• Calm under pressure with sound judgement.


• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.


• Flexible and adaptable.


• Physically fit and capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions.


• High attention to detail.


• Strong commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to work weekends, public holidays, and rotational shifts.


• Ability to live on-site if required.


• Excellent spoken and written English; additional languages are advantageous.


• Valid passport (advantageous for cross-border reserves).


• Clean disciplinary and driving record.

Preferred Competencies

• Luxury lodge guiding experience.


• Experience with wildlife photography assistance.


• Knowledge of reserve management systems.


• Experience in conservation projects and wildlife monitoring.


• Ability to assist in lodge operations when required.


• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental compliance standards.