Head Guide Kzn 25K-35K Doe

? HEAD FIELD GUIDE BIG 5 GAME RESERVE (KZN) Salary: R25,000 R35,000 (LiveIn) Location: KwaZuluNatal A prestigious Big 5 reserve in KwaZuluNatal is seeking an exceptional Head Field Guide to lead its guiding department and uphold the highest standards of guest experience, safety, and conservation excellence. This is a senior leadership role suited to a calm, confident, highly skilled professional with deep bush knowledge and a passion for mentoring others. ? KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Lead; mentor, and develop a team of Field Guides and Trackers. Oversee guide rosters, training, assessments, and ongoing skills development. Personally host VIPs, media, and repeat guests on game drives and walking safaris. Ensure worldclass guest experiences aligned with the lodges guiding standards. Collaborate closely with lodge teams to tailor experiences to guest interests and needs. Maintain strict safety protocols for all guided activities. Oversee the care, maintenance, and readiness of game drive vehicles, rifles, and field equipment. Manage offroad tracking protocols, road clearing, and bush maintenance in partnership with reserve management. Liaise with ecology, monitoring, and antipoaching teams when required. Contribute highquality content for marketing and social media platforms. Maintain accurate administrative records including sightings logs, training files, and reports. Support wider lodge operations through teamwork, flexibility, and a multiskilled approach. ? MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FGASA Professional Field Guide (NQF4 minimum; NQF5 preferred). Valid Trails Guide qualification with Dangerous Game endorsement (advantageous). Valid Advanced Rifle Handling for dangerous game. Valid First Aid Level 2 or higher. Valid RSA Drivers License + PrDP . Minimum 8 years guiding experience ; including 3+ years in a senior or Head Field Guide role at a Big 5 reserve. Strong leadership and mentoring ability. Own rifle (or willingness to acquire one) and quality binoculars. 4x4 driving and recovery skills. Basic firefighting skills. Excellent knowledge of mammals, birds, tracking, botany, astronomy, and general ecology. Photography skills (advantageous). Strong computer literacy and reporting ability. Excellent communication skills; a second language is beneficial. Physically fit, resilient, and able to work long hours in demanding bush conditions. Professional appearance, humble confidence, and a guestcentric mindset. South African citizen or valid work permit. ? WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR A Head Field Guide who is: Passionate about wildlife, conservation, and guest education. Calm under pressure, solutionsdriven, and highly professional. A natural leader who inspires excellence in others. Dedicated to delivering rare, meaningful, and memorable safari experiences. ? PACKAGE Salary: R25,000 R35,000 (experiencedependent) Livein accommodation Additional benefits discussed during interviews