Field Guide (Trails Certified) | Mm

Hoteljobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 137,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-out

Shared accommodation (R3,000/mo)

4/1 work cycle

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment presents a Field Guide position at a luxury safari lodge in Hoedspruit, Mpumalanga. The role focuses on conducting professional game drives, guiding guests, and delivering engaging interpretation of wildlife and environment.

The successful candidate will have FGASA, DEAT/EDTEA registration where applicable, a valid PDP, and First Aid certification. Accommodation is subsidised, with a 4/1 work cycle and a strong emphasis on guest experience.

Qualifications

• FGASA qualification and guiding experience.
• Valid first aid certification.
• DEAT/EDTEA registration where applicable.
• PDP advantageous/required depending on lodge requirements.
• Strong knowledge of South African wildlife, fauna and flora.

Responsibilities

• Conduct morning and afternoon game drives on private reserves.
• Lead day trips into the Kruger National Park.
• Host guided tours along the Panorama Route.
• Manage guest transfers as required.
• Deliver informative, engaging, and safety-conscious guiding across outings.
• Maintain vehicle and equipment standards.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Wildlife knowledge

Guest service

Observational skills

Safety awareness

Professional appearance

Team player

Independence

Storytelling

Education

FGASA qualification

First Aid certification

Valid driver’s license

DEAT/EDTEA registration

PDP advantageous

Job description

This role suits a guide who is comfortable navigating both private reserve terrain and wider regional touring, offering guests a well-rounded experience across game drives and scenic exploration.
Core Criteria:

• DEAT registered
• Kruger National Park registered
• NQF2 minimum
• Valid PDP
• Strong knowledge of the Greater Kruger and surrounding private reserve areas
• Excellent guest interaction and communication skills
• Reliable, professional, and able to work independently

Candidate Responsibilities:

• Conduct morning and afternoon game drives on private reserves
• Lead day trips into the Kruger National Park
• Host guided tours along the Panorama Route
• Manage guest transfers as required
• Deliver informative, engaging, and safety-conscious guiding across all outings
• Maintain vehicle and equipment standards

On Offer:

• Salary: R13,500 per month
• Live-out
• Shared accommodation available at a cost of R3,000 per month (2-bedroom house within a secure wildlife estate)
• 4/1 work cycle

• Valid DEAT/EDTEA registration , where applicable.
• PDP advantageous/required depending on lodge requirements.
• Previous experience as a Field Guide within a game reserve or safari lodge preferred.
• Strong knowledge of South African wildlife, fauna and flora.
• Excellent verbal communication and storytelling skills.
• Strong guest-relations and customer-service skills.
• Passion for wildlife, conservation and the safari industry.
• Professional and confident personality.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Comfortable working outdoors and in a remote/bush environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Wildlife and environmental knowledge
• Guest-service orientated
• Good observational skills
• Strong safety awareness
• Professional and presentable
• Reliable and responsible
• Adaptable and flexible
• Team player
• Passionate and enthusiastic
• Able to work independently
• Strong storytelling and presentation abilities

Minimum Requirements

• Qualified Field Guide.
• Relevant guiding qualification.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Valid DEAT/EDTEA registration , where applicable.
• PDP advantageous/required depending on lodge requirements.
• First Aid qualification advantageous.
• Previous experience as a Field Guide within a game reserve or safari lodge preferred.
• Strong knowledge of South African wildlife, fauna and flora.
• Excellent verbal communication and storytelling skills.
• Strong guest-relations and customer-service skills.
• Passion for wildlife, conservation and the safari industry.
• Professional and confident personality.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Comfortable working outdoors and in a remote/bush environment.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Wildlife and environmental knowledge
• Guest-service orientated
• Good observational skills
• Strong safety awareness
• Professional and presentable
• Reliable and responsible
• Adaptable and flexible
• Team player
• Passionate and enthusiastic
• Able to work independently
• Strong storytelling and presentation abilities

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate should be friendly, enthusiastic, patient, professional and passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences . They should have a genuine love for the African bush and wildlife and be willing to go the extra mile to ensure guests have an unforgettable safari experience.

Field Guide – Luxury Safari Lodge – Hoedspruit, Mpumalanga

Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and passionate Field Guide to join a luxury safari lodge in Hoedspruit, Mpumalanga.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified guide who is passionate about wildlife, conservation and delivering memorable safari experiences to guests. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting engaging game drives while maintaining a high level of professionalism and guest service.

Key responsibilities

• Conducting professional and informative game drives for lodge guests
• Providing engaging interpretation of the local wildlife, ecology and environment
• Ensuring guest safety and comfort throughout all activities
• Sharing knowledge of fauna, flora, tracks, spoor and animal behaviour
• Creating memorable and personalised guest experiences
• Assisting with bush walks and other guest activities where required
• Maintaining high standards of guiding and lodge presentation
• Ensuring all vehicles and guiding equipment are clean, safe and well maintained
• Assisting with general lodge duties when required
• Maintaining professional relationships with guests and fellow team members

Requirements

• FGASA qualification and relevant guiding experience
• Valid first aid certification
• Valid driver's licence
• Previous experience within a luxury safari lodge environment
• Strong knowledge of wildlife, conservation and the local environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Passionate, enthusiastic and guest-focused approach
• Professional appearance and conduct
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays

Position details

• Location: Hoedspruit, Mpumalanga
• Property: Luxury Safari Lodge
• Position: Field Guide
• Salary: Negotiable depending on experience

Relief Lodge Manager:

• Ensuring that the lodge is recognised as an award-winning and world-leading lodge.
• Upholding the brand and overall operational standards.
• Ensuring an overall world-class guest experience.
• Front of House duties
• Room Checks
• Check in and induction
• Administration
• Hosting
• Month end duties
• Anchoring the lodge when the lodge manager is on leave/away
• Assisting with all Health and Safety protocols.
• Assisting with the maintenance system.
• Assisting with team-related issues.
• Monitor, control, and record stock levels for all departments.
• Timeous support and communication with other departments across the business.

Requirements:

• Grade 12
• A formal hospitality qualification
• At least 5 years in an anchor or relief manager role and / or assistant lodge management role.
• Drivers license essential.
• Proven track record of successfully leading a large team (leading, motivating coaching etc).
• Excellent at building guest rapport.
• Excellent communicator.
• Proven track record of achieving results | goals.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make quick but sound decisions.
• Emotional Intelligence.

Field Guide:

Duties:

• Partner with your Tracker and the Lodge Management team to ensure our guests have a world-class safari experience
• Take your guests on game drives and bush walks
• Along with the team, host meals with our guests
• From time to time, you may be required to assist with maintenance around the lodge

Requirements:

• A minimum of 2+ years experience as a Field Guide within a high-end, luxury safari lodge
• FGASA Level 1 / 2
• DEAT
• Back Up or Full Trails will be an advantage
• First Aid
• Advanced Rifle Handling
• Valid PDP License
• Clear Criminal Record
• SAPS competency
• All legal requirements
• Guest-centric
• Solutions orientated
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to build rapport with your Tracker and the Guiding team