Assistant Head Guide
Bright Placements (PTY) Ltd · Pongola
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Start free — we apply for you →Minimum Qualifications
• FGASA Level 2 qualification (essential). • Full Trails Guide qualification (Lead Trails Guide). • Valid First Aid Certificate (Level 2 or higher preferred). • Valid PrDP (Professional Driving Permit). • Valid South African driver's licence. • Firearm competency (where required by reserve regulations). • ARH (Advanced Rifle Handling) certification is advantageous. Experience Required
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience as a Field Guide within a luxury safari lodge or private game reserve. • Previous experience conducting guided walking safaris. • Supervisory or leadership experience within a guiding team. • Experience mentoring and training junior guides. • Sound knowledge of wildlife behaviour, ecology, and conservation. Knowledge & Skills
• Excellent guiding and interpretive skills. • Strong leadership and team management abilities. • Extensive knowledge of South African flora, fauna, birds, reptiles, and ecosystems. • Excellent communication and guest interaction skills. • Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities. • High level of safety awareness and emergency response capability. • Vehicle operating and basic maintenance knowledge. • Computer literacy for reports and guest communication. • Excellent organisational and planning skills. Personal Attributes
• Passion for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. • Professional, mature, and responsible. • Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills. • Calm under pressure with sound judgement. • Positive attitude and strong work ethic. • Flexible and adaptable. • Physically fit and capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions. • High attention to detail. • Strong commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Other Requirements
• Willingness to work weekends, public holidays, and rotational shifts. • Ability to live on-site if required. • Excellent spoken and written English; additional languages are advantageous. • Valid passport (advantageous for cross-border reserves). • Clean disciplinary and driving record. Preferred Competencies
- Luxury lodge guiding experience.
- Experience with wildlife photography assistance.
- Knowledge of reserve management systems.
- Experience in conservation projects and wildlife monitoring.
- Ability to assist in lodge operations when required.
- Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental compliance standards.