Principal Trainer

Phoenix Recruitment Limited; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Job summary

Field Guiding Academy near Thabazimbi seeks a Principal Trainer to lead the training team and oversee all training systems for the College’s training department, ensuring smooth operation and excellence in FGASA-aligned standards.

The ideal candidate has extensive Field Guide experience in a 5-star environment, proven training leadership, and FGASA-aligned qualifications, with a minimum of 5 years’ field guiding and 2 years in senior training roles.

Qualifications

• FGASA Professional Trails Guide qualification is required.
• FGASA-endorsed Trails Mentor is essential.
• FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) is advantageous.
• ETDP Assessor and Facilitator qualifications are advantageous.
• FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling Assessor is advantageous.
• Valid First Aid Level 2 certificate mandatory.
• All rifle proficiencies and competencies must be current.
• Minimum 5 years’ field guiding experience with 2+ years in senior training.
• Strong knowledge of SA wildlife, conservation and eco-tourism.

Responsibilities

• Lead the training team to deliver comprehensive courses for professional Field Guides.
• Design and continuously improve training modules to FGASA standards.
• Deliver theory and practical training and mentor students and junior trainers.
• Ensure quality across training programmes and assess outcomes.
• Support student welfare, including sponsorships and learning challenges.
• Assist Camp Manager with training schedules, records and reports.
• Engage external providers and plan for courses and assessments.
• Maintain relationships with FGASA, governing bodies and conservation orgs.
• Uphold health and safety during all field activities and exercises.
• Conduct 5-day mentored Trails programmes.

Skills

FGASA Professional Trails Guide

FGASA Mentor

FGASA Nature Site Guide

ETDP Assessor

ETDP Facilitator

Rifle Handling Assessor

First Aid Level 2

Field guiding

Leadership

Curriculum development

Mentoring

Health & Safety

Communication

Education

FGASA qualifications (Professional Trails Guide, FGASA Mentor)

ETDP Assessor qualification (advantageous)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

Teams

SharePoint

Loop

Job description

Field Guiding Academy based close to Thabazimbi looking for a Principal Trainer to form part of the College’s small, dynamic leadership team.

The Principal Trainer will be responsible for all training‑related aspects of the Field Guide College, including the implementation and management of effective systems to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the training department.

Strong organisational and administrative skills are essential, as effective management of the department is a key component of the role. This includes the management of training schedules, reporting, operating equipment (OE), and all administrative duties relating to examinations, assessments, and the submission of assessment results and associated documentation.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience as a Field Guide within a 5* environment, coupled with proven training experience and relevant FGASA‑aligned qualifications, with a minimum qualification of Professional Trails Guide.

Being a recognised FGASA Mentor is essential, while being a FGASA and CATHSSETA Assessor will be highly beneficial.

Duties

Training Leadership

Lead the training team to deliver comprehensive, immersive, and engaging courses that prepare students for professional careers as Field Guides.

Curriculum Development

Design and continuously improve training modules to meet FGASA standards and industry demands, ensuring that students gain relevant skills in:

• Nature guiding
• Advanced Rifle Handling
• Trails
• Wildlife tracking
• Hospitality
• Conservation

Instruction & Mentorship

Deliver theoretical and practical training sessions, providing mentorship to both students and junior trainers.

Promote continuous professional development within the training team.

Quality Assurance

Monitor the quality of all training programmes, ensuring alignment with the College’s vision, mission, and FGASA guidelines.

Conduct regular assessments and evaluations of training methods and outcomes.

Student Support

Engage with students throughout their learning journey, providing guidance, feedback, and encouragement to enhance both their academic and practical performance.

Identify learning challenges, particularly among sponsored students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, and adapt training approaches to accommodate individual learning needs and special requirements.

Administration

Assist the Camp Manager in maintaining training schedules, student records, and reports.

Manage the allocation of resources to ensure the effective delivery of the curriculum.

Engage with external training providers and plan effectively for external courses, training programmes, and assessments.

Stakeholder Engagement

Liaise with industry stakeholders, including FGASA, relevant governing bodies, game reserves, and conservation organisations, to remain up to date with policies and industry trends.

Develop and maintain relationships that create opportunities for student placements, industry exposure, and strategic partnerships.

Health & Safety

Ensure the safety and well–being of students and staff during all training activities, particularly during field exercises.

Adhere to strict safety protocols, risk‑management procedures, and emergency procedures.

Mentored Trails

Conduct 5‑day mentored Trails programmes for the College.

Requirements

FGASA Professional Trails Guide qualification.

FGASA‑endorsed Trails Mentor – essential.

FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) – advantageous.

ETDP Assessor – advantageous.

ETDP Facilitator – advantageous.

FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling Assessor – advantageous.

Valid First Aid Level 2 certificate.

All relevant rifle proficiencies and competencies.

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in field guiding, with at least 2 years in a senior training or mentoring role.

In‑depth understanding of South African wildlife, conservation practices, and eco‑tourism operations.

Proficient knowledge of FGASA standards, protocols, and curriculum requirements.

A passion for wildlife conservation and education.

Adaptability to diverse field conditions.

A strong commitment to developing the next generation of professional Field Guides.

Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage, educate, and inspire students.

Strong leadership and team‑management skills.

Practical knowledge of

• Bushcraft
• Survival
• Wildlife tracking
• 4x4 driving

Strong organisational and administrative skills

Computer literate, with a strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, including:

• Excel
• Teams
• Loop
• SharePoint