Head Guide KZN 25k-35k DOE

🌿 HEAD FIELD GUIDE – BIG 5 GAME RESERVE (KZN)

Salary: R25,000 – R35,000 (Live‑In) Location: KwaZulu‑Natal

A prestigious Big 5 reserve in KwaZulu‑Natal 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 world‑class guest experiences aligned with the lodge’s 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 off‑road tracking protocols, road clearing, and bush maintenance in partnership with reserve management.
• Liaise with ecology, monitoring, and anti‑poaching teams when required.
• Contribute high‑quality 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 multi‑skilled 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 Driver’s 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.
• 4×4 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 guest‑centric mindset.
• South African citizen or valid work permit.

🌍 WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

A Head Field Guide who is:

• Passionate about wildlife, conservation, and guest education.
• Calm under pressure, solutions‑driven, 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 (experience‑dependent)
• Live‑in accommodation
• Additional benefits discussed during interviews

Please forward applications to cameron@cedar-wood.co.za