Head Guide

Phoenix Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in wildlife management is seeking a Field Guide Manager to oversee training, scheduling, and conservation efforts. The role involves mentoring team members, managing guest care, and ensuring compliance with FGASA standards. Ideal candidates will have FGASA NQF Level 4, leadership experience, and a passion for conservation.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 and FGASA NQF Level 4 required.
• Experience as Assistant or Head Guide is essential.
• Valid driver's license and proficiency in firearms necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee training and monitoring of Field Guide functions.
• Ensure efficient scheduling for game drives and standby duties.
• Lead departmental meetings and manage staff performance.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Conservation Management

Education

Grade 12

FGASA NQF Level 4

Lead Trails Guide

Tools

Firearms

Vehicle Maintenance Tools

Job description

Oversee, train, and monitor all Field Guide functions according to FGASA standards, including guest orientations, guided game drives, interpretive bush walks, tracking, spoor identification, ecological lectures, drinks stops, and bush events.

Ensure efficient scheduling for game drives, backup drives, and standby duties.

As one of the two responsible persons for firearms, maintain valid licenses and ensure safe weapon handling and proficiency across the department.

Oversee workshop operations and vehicle maintenance.

Lead departmental meetings, record minutes, and participate in other meetings as required.

Assist in managing lodge social media to promote wildlife and the operating area.

Serve as a main incident coordinator for emergencies, including medical, fire, and flood responses.

Mentor and develop team members, including trainees, to achieve and maintain qualifications.

Provide feedback and reports to the Field Guide College Head Trainer.

Identify and develop potential future leaders within the lodge collection.

Implement training and mentorship, utilizing internal and external trainers and mentors.

Facilitate inter-property staff training within the lodge collection.

Provide leadership and manage staff performance and succession planning, including appraisals and developmental follow-up.

Conservation:

Assist with road and habitat management, enforce reserve rules, and participate in firefighting and controlled burns.

Gather, analyze, and interpret data related to conservation efforts.

General Service & Guest Care:

Ensure guest information is collected and communicated effectively.

Record guest preferences and report complaints promptly.

Requirements: Grade 12; FGASA NQF Level 4 and Lead Trails Guide; ARH and Rifle proficiency; valid driver’s license and Pr-DP; experience as Assistant or Head Guide; knowledge of planning, budgeting, and administration.