Principal Trainer

Craven Cottage CC; Thabazimbi; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven Cottage CC in Limpopo seeks a seasoned Training Lead to oversee the College's Field Guide program. You will direct the training team, ensure immersive courses, and align with FGASA standards. Responsibilities include curriculum design, mentorship, quality assurance, student support, and stakeholder engagement with reserves and governing bodies.

Travel to field sites may be required. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years field guiding and 2 years in senior training, FGASA

Qualifications

• FGASA and ETDP certifications required for leadership in field guiding.
• Minimum 5 years field guiding with at least 2 years in senior training/mentoring.
• Strong knowledge of SA wildlife, conservation, and eco-tourism operations.
• Excellent communication, leadership and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the training team to deliver immersive Field Guide courses.
• Design and update training modules to FGASA standards and industry needs.
• Deliver theoretical and practical sessions with mentorship to students.
• Monitor training quality and assess outcomes to align with college goals.
• Support students including sponsored ones and address diverse learning needs.
• Assist Camp Manager with schedules, records and reports; manage resources.
• Engage with FGASA, reserves and conservation bodies for partnerships.
• Ensure health and safety protocols during all field activities and exercises.
• Conduct 5-day mentored Trails programmes for the College.
• Plan external training, manage providers and coordinate assessments.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Mentoring

Communication

Presentation

Adaptability

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Safety/compliance

Field guiding knowledge

Education

FGASA Professional Trails Guide

FGASA-endorsed Trails Mentor

FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF2)

ETDP Assessor

ETDP Facilitator

FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling Assessor

First Aid Level 2 certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Teams

Loop

Job description

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