Assistant Head Guide - Pongola

HotelJobs; Pongola; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs seeks an experienced Assistant Head Guide for a luxury lodge near Pongola. You will support the Head Guide in leading, training and supervising guides to ensure premier guest experiences through guided drives and walks.

Responsibilities include coordinating game drives, upholding environmental standards, assisting with guest check-in, and liaising with lodge departments. A strong 4x4 background and DEAT registration are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years as a Field Guide in a luxury lodge.
• Excellent English communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license and PDP; First Aid certificate.
• DEAT registration.
• Physically and mentally fit with good 4x4 knowledge.

Responsibilities

• In the absence of the Head Guide, assume full responsibility for the Guides Department.
• Conduct guided guest experiences on the reserve (drives and walks).
• Coordinate game drives, back-up drives and stand-by duties.
• Ensure guiding activities minimize environmental impact.
• Assist with lodge check-in and guest orientation.
• Act as liaison between guests and lodge departments.
• Operate and maintain the 4x4 company vehicle.
• Assist with stock, inventory, and reserve management.
• Ensure guest safety, comfort and enjoyment.

Skills

Field guiding

FGASA Level 2

Good communication

Driver's license

Education

Grade 12

Tools

MS PowerPoint

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

Luxury Game Lodge based close to Pongola is looking for a passionate and experienced Assistant Head Guide to assist the Head Guide in overseeing; training and ensuring exceptional guest experiences through guided nature drives and guided walks as well as monitoring all Field Guide functions according to company standards.

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