Senior Field Guide Ec 16K Neg

HotelJobs; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Meals on duty

Uniform

Training opportunities

Tips from international clientele

Job summary

HotelJobs seeks a Senior Field Guide for a Luxury Big 5 lodge in the Eastern Cape. You will deliver exceptional safari experiences, uphold safety standards, and mentor junior guides, working as part of a dedicated guiding team.

The role requires FGASA Field Guide (NQF2/Level 1) with Full Trails or Back-Up Trails, VPDA, rifle competency, First Aid, a valid PrDP and registration with DEAT/LEDET. English fluency and professionalism are essential.

Qualifications

• FGASA Field Guide (NQF2/Level 1) or higher required.
• Full Trails or Back-Up Trails qualification essential.
• VPDA certification required.
• SAPS Rifle Competency + Advanced Rifle Handling.
• First Aid Level 1 certification.
• Valid Driver’s License + PrDP.
• DEAT/LEDET registration or ability to register immediately.
• Minimum 3–5 years guiding experience in a Big 5 reserve.
• Strong English communication and guest-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Conduct morning and afternoon game drives in a Big 5 environment.
• Lead walking safaris per FGASA Trails standards (Full Trails or Back-Up).
• Host guests with warm, engaging, personalised service.
• Provide interpretation on wildlife, ecology and conservation topics.
• Maintain guiding equipment, vehicles, rifles, and walk gear to lodge standards.
• Ensure guest safety at all times, including dangerous-game encounters.
• Assist with lodge hosting, guest arrivals and guest relations.
• Support conservation initiatives and uphold reserve rules and ethics.
• Mentor junior guides and contribute to training.
• Maintain sightings logs and department admin.

Skills

Communication skills

English language

Hosting guests

Safety awareness

Education

FGASA Field Guide (NQF2/Level 1)

Full Trails Guide or Back-Up Trails

VPDA (Viewing Potentially Dangerous Animals)

SAPS Rifle Competency + Advanced Rifle Handling

First Aid Level 1

Driver’s License + PrDP

DEAT/LEDET Registration

3–5 years Big 5 guiding experience

Job description

Role Overview

Senior Field Guide Luxury Big 5 Game Lodge – Eastern Cape, South Africa. The lodge is seeking an experienced, guest‑centric Senior Field Guide to join its guiding team. The ideal candidate will deliver exceptional safari experiences, uphold strict safety standards, and contribute positively to the lodge’s conservation ethos. A Full Trails Guide qualification or Back‑Up Trails is required. This role suits a mature, confident guide with strong bush knowledge, excellent hosting skills, and the ability to mentor junior guides when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high‑quality morning and afternoon game drives in a Big 5 environment
• Lead walking safaris in accordance with FGASA Trails standards (Full Trails or Back‑Up)
• Host guests professionally, ensuring warm, engaging, and personalised experiences
• Provide accurate, insightful interpretation of wildlife, ecology, and conservation topics
• Maintain guiding equipment, vehicles, rifles, and walk gear to lodge standards
• Ensure guest safety at all times, including during dangerous‑game encounters
• Assist with lodge hosting, guest arrivals, and general guest relations
• Support conservation initiatives and uphold reserve rules and ethical guiding practices
• Mentor junior guides and contribute to ongoing training and development
• Maintain sightings logs, vehicle checklists, and other departmental admin

Minimum Requirements

• FGASA Field Guide (NQF2 / Level 1) or higher
• Full Trails Guide or Back‑Up Trails qualification (essential)
• VPDA (Viewing Potentially Dangerous Animals)
• SAPS Rifle Competency + Advanced Rifle Handling
• Valid First Aid Level 1
• Valid Driver’s License + PrDP
• DEAT/LEDET Registration or ability to register immediately
• Minimum 3–5 years guiding experience in a Big 5 reserve
• Strong communication skills and excellent command of English
• Professional; well‑presented, guest‑focused approach
• Physically fit and capable of conducting walks in varied terrain

Personal Attributes

• Confident; calm, and safety‑driven
• Warm; engaging personality with strong hosting ability
• High levels of professionalism and integrity
• Strong situational awareness and decision‑making skills
• Team player with a positive, proactive attitude
• Passionate about conservation, wildlife, and guest education

Package

• Competitive salary (experience‑dependent)
• Excellent tips from international clientele
• Live‑in accommodation
• Meals on duty
• Uniform
• Training and development opportunities