Head Field Guide

SUMMARY:
SCOPE AND GENERAL PURPOSE
The Head Guide is responsible for overseeing all guiding operations within the reserve and ensuring the delivery of exceptional safari experiences in line with the standards of a luxury five-star lodge environment.
The role involves leading and managing the team of Field Guides, coordinating safari activities, ensuring guest safety, and maintaining the highest standards of wildlife interpretation and conservation ethics.
The Head Guide acts as a senior ambassador for the reserve and lodge, ensuring that guests receive an informative, engaging, and safe safari experience while promoting conservation awareness and environmental responsibility.
This role also includes guide training, operational planning, vehicle and equipment oversight, and coordination with other departments to ensure seamless guest experiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Safari Operations Management
Oversee the daily operation of all safari activities, including game drives and guided bush walks.
Coordinate safari schedules and guide allocations to ensure efficient operations.
Ensure safari activities operate in accordance with reserve policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
Ensure that all guiding activities maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Monitor guest feedback relating to safari experiences and implement improvements where necessary.

Guest Experience and Hosting
Lead and conduct game drives and bush walks when required.
Ensure all guides deliver engaging, informative and memorable safari experiences.
Provide guests with accurate and insightful interpretation of wildlife, ecosystems and conservation practices.
Host VIP guests and conduct specialised safaris where required.
Conduct site inspections and educational experiences for travel partners and media guests.
Ensure safari experiences meet the standards expected of a luxury five-star lodge.

Guide Leadership and Staff Management
Lead, mentor and supervise the team of Field Guides and Trainee Guides.
Provide training and development to guides to improve guiding knowledge, presentation skills and guest interaction.
Conduct regular guide assessments and performance evaluations.
Ensure all guides maintain valid certifications, including FGASA, DEAT, First Aid and rifle competency.
Assist in the recruitment and onboarding of new guides.
Ensure guiding staff adhere to lodge standards, professional conduct and guiding ethics.

Training and Development
Develop and implement a structured training programme for trainee guides.
Conduct regular field training sessions covering wildlife identification, tracking, ecology and conservation, guest interpretation, guiding ethics and safety.
Conduct regular guide briefings and debriefings.
Encourage continuous professional development within the guiding team.
Drive with junior guides at least once a month to ensure high standards are maintained and conduct on drive is of a five-star standard.

Wildlife Monitoring and Conservation
Monitor wildlife sightings and animal movements within the reserve.
Maintain accurate records of wildlife sightings and conservation observations.
Assist with wildlife management initiatives when required.
Promote responsible guiding practices that protect wildlife and the natural environment.
Ensure compliance with conservation regulations and reserve policies.

Vehicle and Equipment Management
Oversee the management and maintenance of all safari vehicles.
Ensure daily vehicle checks are conducted before safari activities.
Ensure vehicles remain clean, well maintained and operational.
Liaise with the Maintenance Department regarding vehicle servicing and repairs.
Ensure all guiding equipment is properly maintained, including radios, binoculars, first aid kits, rifles and ammunition, and all other OE.
Conduct a monthly stock take with all guides for OE.

Safety and Risk Management
Ensure the safety of guests and guides during all safari activities.
Implement and monitor safety procedures for all guiding activities.
Conduct safety briefings for guides and guests where necessary.
Ensure all guides carry appropriate safety equipment.
Manage emergency situations in the field.
Participate in emergency response planning and evacuation procedures.

Operational Coordination
Coordinate safari operations with other lodge departments, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage and Maintenance.
Ensure safari schedules align with guest itineraries and lodge operations.
Draw up a roster, monitor and assist with tyre dragging of roads on the lodge.
Conduct monthly OE stock takes.
Draw up, monitor and assist with the cleaning roster for Abendrhue.
Conduct weekly accommodation checks at Abendrhue.
Assist in planning special guest experiences such as bush breakfasts, sundowner safaris, bush braais, private safaris and bush picnics.

ACTIVITY OVERSIGHT
Ensure all guides are trained in and adhere to SOPs for activities including game drives, guided bush walks, dam safaris, bush picnics and bush braais.
Additional reserve activities include horse trails, quad bike adventure trails, the Ground Hornbill Project and picnics.

REPORTING AND ADMINISTRATION
Maintain records of safari operations and guide activities.
Compile guiding department reports where required.
Monitor guide schedules and duty rosters.
Report vehicle usage, maintenance issues and operational concerns.
Assist in compiling wildlife reports and photographic records.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND MARKETING SUPPORT
Encourage guides to contribute wildlife photography for lodge marketing.
Ensure guides submit weekly photographs to the Wildlife Services Coordinator.
Assist marketing teams with wildlife information or photographic content when required.

INDUSTRY AWARENESS
Stay informed of trends in safari tourism and guiding standards.
Maintain professional memberships with guiding associations.
Attend relevant workshops and training programmes.
Recommend improvements to guiding operations and guest safari experiences.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
The Head Guide must maintain the highest level of professionalism and leadership.
Conduct themselves according to FGASA guiding ethics.
Promote a culture of respect toward guests, colleagues and the natural environment.
Act as a role model within the guiding team.

PERSONAL PRESENTATION
Maintain a professional appearance at all times.
Wear appropriate guiding uniform and safety equipment.
Adhere to lodge grooming and dress code standards.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
Participate in fire drills and emergency preparedness exercises.
Ensure guiding activities meet all safety and legal requirements.

OCCASIONAL DUTIES
The Head Guide may be required to undertake additional duties related to wildlife management, guest experiences and lodge operations as requested by management.

LIMITS OF AUTHORITY
No aesthetic changes without permission.
May not make statements to the press or any outside parties, including legal representation or Operations and Management.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Early mornings, late evenings, weekends and public holidays are required.
Extended hours may be required depending on guest activities and operational needs.

POSITION INFO:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS DEAT \/ Nature Conservation Registration Valid South African Driver's Licence Valid Professional Driving Permit (PDP) Valid First Aid Certificate, Level 2 preferred FGASA Level 2 or higher qualification Advanced Rifle Competency (SAPS) SASSETA Certification, where applicable Valid International Driver's Permit, if applicable Minimum 5 years' guiding experience in a game reserve environment Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a guiding department preferred