Head Trainer - Accredited Field Guide Training College - Limpopo Kendrick Recruitment is searching for an exceptional, experienced and inspiring Head Trainer for a well-established, FGASA and CATHSSETA-accredited field guide training college set within a luxury private game reserve in Limpopo - one of South Africa’s most respected field guide training institutions. As a senior member of the college’s leadership team, the Head Trainer will take full responsibility for all training-related functions - from curriculum development and quality assurance through to student mentorship, stakeholder engagement and the administrative management of the training department. This role is for a seasoned professional with extensive field guiding experience, a genuine passion for conservation education and the proven ability to lead and inspire a training team.
Minimum Requirements:
- FGASA Professional Trails Guide qualification - essential
- FGASA-endorsed Trails Mentor - essential
- Minimum 5 years’ field guiding experience in a 5-star environment - essential
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a senior training or mentoring role - essential
- All relevant rifle proficiencies and competencies - essential
- Valid First Aid Level 2 certificate - essential
- FGASA and/or CATHSSETA Assessor registration - highly advantageous
- ETDP Facilitator and/or Assessor qualification - advantageous
- FGASA ARH Assessor - advantageous
- In-depth knowledge of FGASA standards, protocols and curriculum requirements
- Strong computer literacy including MS Office suite (Excel, Teams, Loop, SharePoint) - essential
- Excellent communication, presentation and leadership skills
- Strong organisational and administrative ability
- Practical knowledge of bushcraft, survival, wildlife tracking and 4x4 driving
- Comfortable living and working in a remote, live-in bush environment
- Stable work history with outstanding, contactable references
Key Responsibilities:
- Training Leadership
- Lead the training team to deliver comprehensive, immersive and engaging courses preparing students for professional careers as field guides
- Deliver theoretical and practical training sessions across all key disciplines
- Provide mentorship to students and junior trainers, promoting continuous professional development within the team
- Curriculum Development
- Design and continuously improve training modules across nature guiding, ARH, trails, wildlife tracking, hospitality and conservation
- Ensure all curriculum meets FGASA standards, statutory requirements and current industry demands
- Engage creatively with training content and methodology to keep delivery current and engaging
- Quality Assurance
- Monitor the quality of all training programmes and ensure alignment with the college’s vision and FGASA guidelines
- Conduct regular assessments and evaluations of training methods and outcomes
- Maintain full CATHSSETA compliance including assessment submissions, student reports and all required documentation
- Student Support
- Engage with students throughout their learning journey, providing guidance, feedback and encouragement
- Identify learning challenges and adapt training approaches to accommodate individual needs, including sponsored students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
- Conduct 5-day mentored trails programmes for the college
- Administration & Operations
- Manage training schedules, student records, operating equipment and all examination and assessment administration
- Allocate resources effectively to ensure the smooth delivery of the curriculum
- Coordinate with external training providers and plan for external courses and assessments
- Assist the Camp Manager with training-related administrative duties and reporting
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaise with FGASA, governing bodies, game reserves and conservation organisations to stay current with policies and trends
- Build relationships that create opportunities for student placements and strategic industry partnerships
- Health & Safety
- Ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff during all training activities, particularly in the field
- Adhere to strict safety protocols, risk management procedures and emergency plans
Package:
- Highly competitive salary with company benefits
- Live-in: Accommodation and meals provided
- Start date: ASAP