Assistant Head Guide

SUMMARY:
A High-End Luxury Safari lodge is looking for an ASSISTANT HEAD GUIDE

POSITION INFO:
Job Description

Assist the Head Guide in overseeing, training and monitoring all Field Guide functions according to the standards of FGASA and the company's 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.

KEY FOCUS AREAS

• Safari Experience in the absence of the Head Guide, 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.
• Ensure efficient allocation for all game drives, back-up drives and stand-by duties.
• As one of the two registered responsible persons for the company firearms, assist in obtaining and maintaining valid departmental licenses, and in ensuring efficient and safe weapon handling and proficiency of the entire department.
• Assist in overseeing the workshop function and vehicles maintenance.
• Attend 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.
• Assist in effective incident management in the event of emergency or evacuation, including medical emergencies, fire, and flood.
• Training, Development & Mentorship
• To assist the Head Guide in the following tasks:
• Mentor, train, develop, motivate, and guide the team (including NJM Students/Trainee Field Guides) towards achieving and maintaining required/higher qualifications.
• General Service & Guest Care
• Ensure all guest information available is collected and communicated prior to arrival.
• Collect guest information while speaking to guests; inform the Management to record and act on guest preferences.
• Ensure all guest complaints are reported to your Head of Department/Management immediately.

• Must have FGASA NQF4 Lead Trails Guide.
• ARH and Rifle Proficiency, First Aid Level 2, Driver’s License and Pr-DP.
• Previous experience as Senior Guide or Assistant Head Guide.
• 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 company Guiding culture.
• Guest focus philosophy, living the company brand and driving the company 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.
• Excellent attention to detail with excellent hygiene principles.
• 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.

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Guest focus philosophy, living the company’s brand and driving the company’s 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 & solution seeking 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, ability to receive constructive feedback openly.