A luxury lodge in the Kruger National Park is seeking an experienced Head Field Guide with a minimum of 7 years’ experience in a Big 5 Game Reserve and Luxury Lodge environment. The Head Guide plays a pivotal role in the success of a lodge operation, as they engage extensively with guests throughout a significant part of each day. The safari experience is often the primary motivation for guests visiting Africa. Consequently, the guide’s professionalism and ability to convey knowledge in a safe yet immersive manner significantly shape the overall guest experience.
An essential part of the lodge team, the Head Guide’s duties include, but are not restricted to:
- Managing the guiding department.
- Overseeing and disciplining staff in the guiding department.
- Staff training and development.
- Assisting the Marketing team in managing social media content and submitting the monthly newsletters.
- Performing all administrative duties pertaining to the guiding department.
- Allocation of Guides to daily game drives.
- Staff scheduling and rosters.
- Managing daily game drives and bush walks.
- Following up on CarTrack and monitoring Guide Movements.
- Assisting around the lodge in other departments if needed.
- Light concession work – trimming of branches and light road maintenance.
- Operational Stock control.
- Compiling weekly and monthly reports.
- Having thorough technical knowledge and understanding of vehicles, operations and equipment – strong mechanical background will be beneficial.
- Performing Duty Manager shifts when necessary – hosting guests and ensuring safety.
Minimum Requirements:
- A valid and current South African guide’s licence and valid PrDP special driver’s licence.
- Self-disciplined, punctual and respectful. Mature and responsible.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for international guests with diverse cultures. Must have an outgoing hosting personality.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for staff, being respectful of their culture. A basic knowledge of an African language is recommended.
- Must be familiar with basic vehicle maintenance in order to communicate with the maintenance team to troubleshoot problems.
- Must be familiar with how to drive in a variety of on- and off-road conditions.
- Must be familiar with radio etiquette and able to ensure that radio conversations are kept short and direct, with no unnecessary chatter.
- Good initiative to cope with difficult situations in a remote environment.
- A valid first aid training certificate to handle trauma care, with Wilderness certification.
- Well-spoken, well-groomed and presentable.
- Strong leadership skills – be an effective manager of the Guiding Team.
- High standards of service excellence and a passion for the hospitality industry, environmental management and wildlife preservation.
Education and Experience:
- NQF 4 qualification or higher.
- Full Lead Trails and at least 3 years’ experience with guiding on foot (VPSA, ARH).
- A minimum of 7 years of work experience on a Big 5 Game Reserve, with a minimum of 5 years working in a Luxury Lodge environment.
- A level 2 FGASA qualification or higher with theory and practical completed.
- Registered with DEAT and THETA in terms of improving his/her qualifications.
- Track & Trails guide certificate.
- Valid first aid certificate.
- SASSETA Certificates.
- A valid South African Driver’s license and PDP experience.
Skills Required:
- Leadership.
- Guiding Skills.
- Wildlife Knowledge.
- Geology, Geography, and History.
- Basic Food and Beverage Service.
- Tracking and Bushcraft.
- Guest Engagement.
- Safety and Risk Management.
- Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance.
- Passion for Nature.
- Fluency in English is essential, and proficiency in additional languages may be advantageous for catering to diverse guest demographics.
- Problem-solving.
- Decision-making.
- Training and Development.
- Conflict Resolution.
- Financial Acumen.
- Experience in Wildlife Photography will be beneficial.
- Computer literate.
- Basic understanding of Labour Law and Disciplinary Procedures.
- Ability to keep calm in stressful situations.
Level: Junior Management