Field Guide (with Birding Specialisation & Maintenance Oversight)

Bushwise; Hluhluwe; On-site; ZAR 150 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A premier safari and guiding company in South Africa is seeking a professional Field Guide. The role focuses on delivering exceptional guiding experiences, advanced birding interpretation, and supporting conservation efforts. Responsibilities include conducting game drives and bush walks, engaging guests, and assisting with maintenance projects. Candidates must possess a FGASA Level 1 qualification, valid PDP, advanced birding knowledge, and a commitment to environmental ethics. Join a dedicated team committed to outstanding guest experiences and wildlife conservation efforts.

Qualifications

• Valid Professional Field Guide qualification (FGASA Level 1 or equivalent).
• Valid PDP and driver’s license.
• Advanced birding knowledge with demonstrable birding experience.
• Valid First Aid certification.
• Firearm competency (advantageous depending on operation).
• Proven experience in lodge or reserve operations.
• Basic technical and maintenance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interpretive game drives and bush walks.
• Provide high-level birding interpretation.
• Support conservation initiatives and wildlife monitoring.
• Assist with maintenance project oversight.
• Maintain accurate guiding logs and incident reports.

Skills

Bird identification

Guest engagement

Conservation awareness

Maintenance coordination

Education

FGASA Level 1 qualification or equivalent

Valid First Aid certification

Job description

To deliver exceptional guiding experiences through professional safari hosting, specialised birding interpretation, and active participation in conservation, lodge operations, and maintenance project coordination. The role ensures outstanding guest satisfaction while upholding safety, ecological integrity, and operational standards.

Guiding & Guest Experience

• Conduct interpretive game drives, bush walks, and nature experiences in accordance with safety protocols and industry best practice.

• Provide high-level birding interpretation and specialised birding safaris for novice and advanced guests.

• Deliver engaging ecological, wildlife, and cultural information tailored to guest interests.

• Ensure guest safety, comfort, and satisfaction at all times.

• Host guests in a professional, approachable, and service-driven manner.

Birding Specialisation

• Identify bird species by sight and sound with a high degree of accuracy.

• Maintain up-to-date bird lists and contribute to regional birding records where required.

• Design and lead dedicated birding activities and specialist birding excursions.

• Educate guests on bird behaviour, habitats, migration patterns, and conservation status.

Conservation & Environmental Responsibilities

• Support conservation initiatives, wildlife monitoring, and ecological data collection.

• Enforce environmental ethics and responsible tourism practices.

• Assist with anti-poaching awareness and reserve protection protocols where applicable.

Maintenance Project Oversight

• Assist with the coordination and supervision of general maintenance projects across the property.

• Conduct routine inspections of facilities, vehicles, and infrastructure and report issues promptly.

• Liaise with maintenance teams and management regarding project progress, material requirements, and timelines.

• Support preventative maintenance planning to ensure operational efficiency and safety compliance.

• Assist with sustainability-related infrastructure projects where required.

Operations & Administration

• Maintain accurate guiding logs, vehicle checklists, and incident reports.

• Assist with stock control, vehicle cleanliness, and equipment management.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and operational procedures.

• Support other departments as operationally required.

Requirements

• Valid Professional Field Guide qualification (FGASA Level 1 or equivalent).

• Valid PDP and driver’s licence.

• Advanced birding knowledge with demonstrable birding experience.

• Valid First Aid certification.

• Firearm competency (advantageous depending on operation).

• Proven experience in lodge or reserve operations.

• Basic technical and maintenance knowledge.