Clanwilliam: Assistant Head Guide posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Assistant Head Guide to join a luxury wilderness reserve in the Western Cape. The successful candidate will support the Head Guide in delivering exceptional guest experiences while ensuring the smooth running of the guiding department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assume full responsibility for the operation and administration of the guiding department in the absence of the Head Guide

• Conduct guided guest experiences and activities on foot, in vehicles, canoes, or bicycles

• Interpret the natural and cultural environment for guests, including fauna, flora, archaeology, ethno-botany, geology, and the night sky

• Ensure all guiding activities minimise environmental impact

• Assist with guest lodge check-in, orientation, wake-up calls, and organisation of activities

• Pack cooler boxes, check supplies, and liaise between guests and lodge departments (Maintenance, Gardens, Spa, Administration, Rangers, Heritage Centre, Marketing)

• Operate, maintain, and clean 4×4 vehicles and other company equipment

• Design and implement conservation, social responsibility, marketing, and guest activity projects

• Compile guest itineraries and programmes

• Assist with reserve management tasks, including game capture, monitoring programmes, maintenance, veld management, and problem animal control

• Oversee personnel administration, timekeeping, stock, and inventory management

• Ensure compliance with legal and statutory requirements, including THETA, DEAT registration, PDP license, and first aid certification

• Maintain the highest standards of guest safety, comfort, and satisfaction

Requirements and Skills:

• Valid drivers license with PDP and First Aid Certificate

• DEAT registration in the Western Cape

• Preferably 35 years experience as a Field Guide in a 4- or 5-star establishment

• FGASA Level 2 qualification preferred

• Strong knowledge of Western Cape fauna, flora, and Bushman rock art

• Experience as Senior Guide or Assistant Head Guide advantageous

• Physically and mentally fit with excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English

• Proficient in operating canoes, re-curve bow & arrow, mountain bikes, fly fishing equipment, telescopes, and 4×4 vehicles

• Basic 4×4 maintenance skills and understanding of photography fundamentals

• Knowledge of luxury lodge guiding standards and the high-end travel market

• Computer literate in MS PowerPoint, Excel, and Word

• Guest-focused, proactive, adaptable, and committed to staff development

• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and time management skills

• Attention to detail and excellent hygiene standards

Package:

• Free self-catering shared on-site accommodation

• 50% Discovery Medical Aid or medical consultations

• Provident Fund contribution of 7.5%

• Free laundry and Wi-Fi

• Work cycle: 24 days on, 8 days off