SUMMARY:
Head Guide Trails
POSITION INFO:
The Head Guide is to assume full responsibility for maintaining the overall operation and administration of the Guides and Safari department, including individual, family and kids' safari experiences, safety, excellent guest and staff relations, hosting of guests, and all equipment, vehicles and assets.
KEY FOCUS AREAS
- Oversee, train and monitor all Field Guide functions according to the standards of FGASA and the Guiding culture, including guest introductory and safety orientations, guided game drives and interpretive bush walks, tracking, identification of spoor, delivering informative lectures on relevant ecological topics, and drinks stops and other bush events.
- Ensure efficient allocation for all game drives, back-up drives and stand-by duties.
- As the registered responsible person for the company firearms, assume full responsibility for obtaining and maintaining valid departmental licenses, and for ensuring efficient and safe weapon handling and proficiency of the entire department.
- Oversee the workshop function and vehicles maintenance.
- Chair and record departmental meetings, and attend other meetings as required.
- Assist in managing the lodge social media platforms, ensuring consistent delivery of relevant and appealing information with the broad aim of increasing knowledge of the wildlife and operating area.
- As one of the main incident coordinators, ensure effective incident management in the event of emergency or evacuation, including medical emergencies, fire, and flood.
Training, Development & Mentorship
- Mentor, train, develop, motivate, and guide the team (including Field Guide College Students/Trainee Field Guides) towards achieving and maintaining required/higher qualifications.
- Compile feedback and progress reports to the Field Guide College Head Trainer on the Field Guide College Placement Guides.
- To earmark and develop individuals who show potential to grow into positions within the greater Family Collection.
- To implement training and mentorship plans, facilitating the use of brand appointed internal and external trainers and identifying potential mentors within the department.
- As part of the greater Family Collection, facilitate inter-property training for employees who would benefit from training at other Family Collection properties.
- To provide effective leadership through professional man-management and encouragement of all subordinates, including mediation.
- To take part and assist in organizing regular Head Guides forums and Mentorship Workshops.
- To drive and monitor the effective implementation and execution of Performance Management and Succession Planning processes.
- To carry out regular, meaningful performance appraisals conducted in such a manner that effective, open, two-way communication is maintained. To follow up and ensure that the agreed action and developmental plans identified at these appraisals are being affected.
Conservation
- Work closely with the Reserve Conservation Team to support and promote conservation initiatives across the reserve. This role actively builds and fosters strong, collaborative relationships with conservation, management, and operational teams to ensure aligned objectives and shared knowledge.
- Participate in regular meetings, contributes insights from guiding operations, and stays actively engaged in all aspects that influence the guest experience-from conservation messaging and wildlife management to daily reserve activities. Through leadership, communication, and collaboration, the Head Guide ensures that conservation values are meaningfully integrated into guest interactions and guiding standards.
General Service & Guest Care
- Ensure all information available on guests is collected and communicated prior to arrival.
- Collect guest information while speaking to guests; inform Management to record and act on guest preferences.
- Ensure all guest complaints are reported to Management immediately.
REQUIREMENTS - QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Minimum FGASA Level 2 and Trails Guide ( Essential )
- ARH and Rifle Proficiency, First Aid Level 2, Driver's License and Pr-DP.
- Previous experience as Assistant Head Guide or Head Guide.
- Sound knowledge of planning, budgeting and departmental administration.
- Sound knowledge on the applicable / relevant property and company procedures for the department, according to the standards of FGASA and the Guiding culture.
- Excellent attention to detail, excellent hygiene principles.
- Guest focus philosophy, living the brand and driving the experience.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), practicing honest communication.
- Team player with positive attitude, enthusiasm, and emotional control.
- Excellent time management and self-discipline, interpersonal & problem-solving skills.
- Proactive, use initiative and creative flair when required.
- Committed and loyal, adaptable, and flexible.
- Must work accurately under pressure.
- People skills - tolerance, patience, and care.
- Leadership skills with passion for development and skills transfer.
MAXIMIZING YOUR IMPACT AS A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY COLLECTION
