Head Field Guide

**Valor Hospitality Partners** is recruiting for one of our esteemed clients in the Makalali Reserve. They are looking to hire an experienced and dedicated individual for the position of
**Head Field Guide.**

**Responsibilities**:
**Position Specific**:

- Supervise and manage Field Guides accompanying and guiding Guests throughout their stay at the Lodge.
- Ensure Guest safety and satisfaction from arrival till departure.
- Ensure all Field Guides and Trackers perform their tasks according to Standard Operating Procedures.
- Conduct quality checks of Guest satisfaction with bush activities.
- Allocate Safari teams to Guests well in advance.
- Ensure awareness of additional activities such as walks, sleepouts, etc.

**Vehicles**:

- Schedule morning and afternoon bush activities (or walks).
- Ensure excellent condition of game vehicles.
- Ensure all firearms are handled, maintained, and stored according to updated Handling and Safety Procedures at all times.
- Develop and update Rules and Regulations of bush activities and driving.
- 6 x Landrovers (1 x Puma, 5 x Tdis).

**Host Guests and Conduct Bush Activities**:

- When needed, conduct bush activities with Guests as required.

**Train Field Guides and Trackers**:

- Ensure that all staff are trained according to standards.

**Meetings and Management Liaison**:

- Attend meetings and liaise with management when required.
- Schedule the field guiding department according to occupancies efficiently.

**Schedule Staff and Control Off-Days**:

- Staff scheduled according to organizational requirements.
- Maintain staff efficiency.

**Wildlife Management Projects**:

- Set up wildlife management projects, including surveys and monitoring of wildlife.
- Investigate matters relating to Game Reserve management as notified by Field Guides or Trackers.

**Supervision and Training**:

- Provide daily supervision and training of Field Guides and Trackers in various skills.

**Develop Time Schedules**:

- Communicate with Field Guides and Trackers on daily activities and time schedules.

**Preservation and Relocation**:

- Ensure fauna & flora are preserved.
- Capture and relocate potentially dangerous animals.

**Additional Tasks**:

- Adhere to all other tasks as requested by Owner and Management.

**Stock Controls**:

- Responsible for all Stock, Equipment, 1st Aid Equipment, Vehicles, Radios, Rifles, and Ammunitions.
- Regular checks made to ensure serviceability, and Monthly counts done according to SOPs.

**Licenses and Qualifications**:

- Ensure all licenses are kept up to date for Guides (PDP, Rifle Licenses, 1st Aid, etc).
- Ensure upliftment of Guides and Trackers in attaining Levels of guiding and tracking. ALL Trackers need to be fully L1 Guides.

**Liaison and Communication**:

- Regular liaison with the Reserve Warden, including head Guide Meetings and Guide meetings as called for by the Warden.
- Regular communications with the Owner and Ops Manager.

**Organization Related**:

- Report to duty at Lodge on time.
- Ensure timesheets are completed accurately, signed, and handed in timeously.
- Adhere to all operational rules and regulations and the site's rules and regulations at all times.
- Wear the correct uniform for work and maintain uniform quality.

**Requirements and Experience**:

- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Head Field Guide or in a similar role.
- Proven leadership skills and ability to manage a team of Guides and Trackers.
- Extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Makalali Reserve.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Valid PDP, Rifle Licenses, and 1st Aid Certification.
- Level 2 or higher guiding qualification.
- Proficient in scheduling and organizing bush activities.
- Ability to conduct training sessions for Field Guides and Trackers.
- Strong commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental preservation.
- Flexibility to work irregular hours and weekends.
- Ability to handle potentially dangerous situations with calmness and efficiency.