Job Description

Head Field GuideRole Description and Duties:xc2xb7 A Head Field Guide is a senior position within a wildlife or nature reserve, responsible for overseeing a team of field guides, ensuring the highest quality wildlife viewing experience for guests, maintaining safety standards, and often playing a key role in staff training, conservation efforts, and guest relations within the lodge or reserve; essentially leading the guiding operations and acting as the primary expert on the local ecosystem and wildlife.
xc2xb7 Meticulous in all aspects of managing the guiding department
xc2xb7 Manage, oversee and discipline staff in the guiding department
xc2xb7 Staff training and development
xc2xb7 Assist the Marketing team in managing social media content and submitting the monthly newsletters
xc2xb7 Perform all administrative duties pertaining to the guiding department
xc2xb7 Allocation of Guides to daily game drives
xc2xb7 Staff scheduling and rosters
xc2xb7 Manage daily game drives and bush walks
xc2xb7 Follow up on CarTrack and monitor Guide movements
xc2xb7 Assist around the lodge in other departments if needed
xc2xb7 Light concession work trimming of branches and light road maintenance
xc2xb7 Operational stock control
xc2xb7 Compile weekly and monthly reports
xc2xb7 Have thorough technical knowledge and understanding of vehicles, operations and equipment strong mechanical background will be beneficial
xc2xb7 Perform Duty Manager shifts when necessary hosting guests and ensuring the service shift runs smoothly
Minimum Requirements:
Qualifications & Experience:xc2xb7 NQF 4 qualification or higher
xc2xb7 Full Lead Trails and at least 3 years experience with guiding on foot (VPSA, ARH)
xc2xb7 A minimum of 7 years of work experience on a Big 5 Game Reserve, with a minimum of 5 years working in a Luxury Lodge environment
xc2xb7 A level 2 FGASA qualification or higher with theory and practical completed
xc2xb7 Registered with DEAT and THETA in terms of improving his/her qualifications
xc2xb7 Firearm competency
xc2xb7 Track and Trails guide certificate
xc2xb7 Valid first aid certificate
xc2xb7 SASSETA Certificates
xc2xb7 A valid South African Drivers license and PDP experience
Skills required
xc2xb7 Leadership
xc2xb7 Guiding Skills
xc2xb7 Wildlife Knowledge
xc2xb7 Geology, Geography, and History
xc2xb7 Basic Food and Beverage Service
xc2xb7 Tracking and Bushcraft
xc2xb7 Guest engagement
xc2xb7 Safety and Risk Management
xc2xb7 Vehicle and equipment maintenance
xc2xb7 Passion for nature
xc2xb7 Fluency in English is essential, and proficiency in additional languages may be advantageous for catering to diverse guest demographics.
xc2xb7 Problem-solving
xc2xb7 Decision-making
xc2xb7 Training and development
xc2xb7 Conflict resolution
xc2xb7 Financial acumen
xc2xb7 Experience in wildlife photography will be beneficial
xc2xb7 Computer literate
xc2xb7 Basic understanding of labour law and disciplinary procedures
xc2xb7 Ability to keep calm in stressful situations

Edge Executive