Head Guide (FGASA level 2 qualified)

Bright Search Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in wildlife tourism is seeking a passionate Lead Field Guide to deliver exceptional safari experiences while leading and mentoring a team of guides. The role requires deep knowledge of wildlife and conservation, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to guest service and safety.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a field guide with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of local wildlife and conservation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead guests on safaris and nature walks, ensuring safety and education.
• Supervise a team of guides and maintain high service standards.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior guides.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Wildlife Knowledge

Mentoring

Safety Awareness

Job description

Lead Field Guide Guest Experiences and Team Leadership

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Lead Field Guide to provide exceptional safari and nature experiences while leading and mentoring our guiding team. This role requires a deep knowledge of wildlife and conservation, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to guest service and safety.

Key Responsibilities :

Guest Guiding and Experiences

• Lead guests on safaris, nature walks, and other outdoor activities, ensuring each experience is safe, educational, and memorable.
• Share expert knowledge of local wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts to enrich guest understanding.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise and support a team of field and junior guides, maintaining high standards of service and safety.
• Schedule shifts, delegate duties, and contribute to staff development and ongoing training.

Training and Mentorship

• Provide comprehensive training on guiding techniques, guest engagement, wildlife interpretation, and safety protocols.
• Mentor trainee guides and evaluate their readiness for independent guiding roles.

Guest Interaction and Service

• Engage professionally with guests, answering questions and customizing experiences to their interests and needs.
• Address any guest concerns or special requests related to activities promptly and effectively.

Safety and Risk Management

• Ensure all excursions adhere to strict safety guidelines and procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and organize emergency preparedness drills regularly.

Vehicle and Equipment Oversight

• Monitor and maintain the cleanliness and functionality of game drive vehicles, guiding equipment, and safety gear.

Conservation and Environmental Stewardship

• Promote responsible tourism and conservation principles to guests and team members.
• Report relevant environmental observations and wildlife activity to management or research teams.

Liaison with Management

• Communicate guest feedback, wildlife sightings, and operational needs to lodge or operations management.
• Assist in planning activities and coordinating guest itineraries.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate records of wildlife sightings, guide logs, vehicle checks, and any incidents.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant guiding regulations, permits, and licensing requirements.

Qualifications :

• Proven experience as a field guide, preferably with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of local wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to train and mentor junior staff.
• Commitment to safety and professional standards.

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