Senior Field Guide.

HotelJobs; Hluhluwe; On-site; ZAR 121,867 - 145,972; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Meals provided

Uniform provided

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking a Senior Field Guide for a luxury safari lodge in KwaZulu-Natal. The role combines top-tier guiding with possible lodge-management duties during leadership leave, delivering immersive safari experiences and guest hosting.

The successful candidate will have 3–5 years in a luxury lodge, FGASA Level 2, DEAT/NDT registration, First Aid, PDP, and ARH. Accommodation and meals are provided, with a uniform supplied. Start ASAP.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a luxury safari lodge environment.
• FGASA Level 2 required; Level 4 advantageous or in progress.
• DEAT/NDT registration is required.
• Valid First Aid certificate is required.
• Valid PDP license and Advanced Rifle Handling are required.
• Strong birding knowledge and interpretive guiding skills are essential.
• Proven off-road driving and vehicle management experience.
• Clear criminal record and all legal requirements in place.

Responsibilities

• Conduct twice-daily game drives and guided walks tailored to guest interests.
• Deliver engaging, interpretive experiences focused on Big 5, predators, and ecosystems.
• Offer high-level storytelling and guest hosting to ensure a luxury guest experience.
• Assist with guest photography guidance and maintain guest safety and guiding standards.
• Work with Lodge Management to ensure smooth daily operations and maintenance of vehicles.
• Support team collaboration and administrative duties as needed.
• Oversee day-to-day lodge operations during relocation of managers when on leave.

Skills

Leadership

Birding knowledge

Guest hosting

Interpretive guiding

Off-road driving

Education

FGASA Level 2

DEAT/NDT Registration

First Aid Certificate

PDP License

Advanced Rifle Handling

Job description

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS

Senior Field Guide. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS We are seeking an experienced and guest-focused Senior Field Guide to join our luxury safari lodge team. This role is suited to a well-rounded guide who delivers exceptional, immersive safari experiences while also being capable of stepping into a lodge management role during management leave periods. The ideal candidate is passionate about the natural world, confident in leadership, and able to combine strong guiding, storytelling, and guest hosting with operational oversight.

Key Requirements

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a luxury safari lodge environment
• FGASA Level 2 (Level 4 advantageous / in progress)
• DEAT / NDT Registration
• Valid First Aid Certificate
• Valid PDP License
• Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH)
• Strong birding knowledge and interpretive guiding skills
• Proven off-road driving and vehicle management experience
• Clear criminal record and all legal requirements in place

Core Responsibilities

• Guiding & Guest Experience
  • Conduct twice-daily game drives and/or guided walks, tailored to guest interests
  • Deliver engaging, interpretive experiences focused on:
  • Big 5 and large predators
  • General game and ecosystems
  • Birdlife (400+ species)
  • Provide insight into endangered species such as black rhino, cheetah, and pangolin
  • Offer high-level storytelling and interpretive guiding, enhancing guest connection to nature
  • Host guests during meals and lodge activities, ensuring a luxury-level experience
  • Assist guests with wildlife photography guidance where appropriate
  • Ensure strict adherence to guest safety and guiding standards
• Operational & Team Support
  • Work closely with Lodge Management to ensure smooth daily operations
  • Maintain safari vehicles, equipment, and guiding standards
  • Assist with basic lodge and farm maintenance when required
  • Support team collaboration and uphold service standards across departments
  • Assist with administrative duties and reporting as needed
• Relief Lodge Management Duties (When Lodge Managers are on leave)
  • Oversee day-to-day lodge operations and staff coordination
  • Ensure exceptional guest experience across all touchpoints
  • Act as the primary on-site host and problem solver
  • Handle guest queries, special requests, and service recovery where needed
  • Supervise housekeeping, maintenance, and guiding teams
  • Assist with basic administration, stock control, and operational reporting
  • Maintain a calm, professional leadership presence at all times

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership ability with a guest-first mindset
• Passionate about nature, conservation, and storytelling
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Reliable; responsible, and adaptable
• Hands-on; proactive, and solutions-driven
• Physically fit and comfortable in a remote bush environment
• Strong team player with mentoring capability

Employment Details

• Start Date: ASAP
• Salary: R12 000, depending on experience
• Accommodation: Unfurnished accommodation provided
• Uniform: Provided
• Meals; medical aid, provident fund: Not included
• Relocation costs: Not covered

Additional Notes

This role is ideal for a guide looking to grow into a management position while maintaining a strong presence in the field. Candidates with a background in luxury lodges, guest hosting, and value-added skills such as photography or mentoring will be particularly well suited. Couples will be considered.