Mpumalanga: Trails Guide posted by Wild Dreams Hospitality

The guide plays a pivotal role in the success of a lodge operation, as they engage extensively with guests throughout a significant part of each day. The safari experience is often the primary motivation for guests visiting Africa. Consequently, the guide’s professionalism and ability to convey knowledge in a safe yet immersive manner significantly shape the overall guest experience.

Core Criteria:

• A valid and current South African guide’s licence and valid PrDP.
• FGASA Qualification Minimum of NQF 4 with Backup Trails. Lead Trails will be a bonus.
• DEAT Registration (Mpumalanga).
• 3 Years Experience as a Field Guide/Ranger in a Big Five Game Reserve
• Self-disciplined, punctual and respectful.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for international guests with diverse cultures. Must have an outgoing hosting personality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for staff, being respectful of their culture. A basic knowledge of Shangaan or another African language is recommended.
• Must be familiar with basic vehicle maintenance in order to communicate with the maintenance team to troubleshoot problems.
• Must be familiar with how to drive in a variety of on- and off-road conditions.
• Must be familiar with radio etiquette and able to ensure that radio conversations are kept short and direct, with no unnecessary chatter.
• Good initiative to cope with difficult situations in a remote environment.
• A valid first aid training certificate to handle trauma care.

Key responsibilities;

• Lead game drives, bush walks and other activities to provide guests with an immersive and educational wildlife experience.
• Ensure the safety of guests during all safari activities.
• Interact with guests in a professional and friendly manner, providing excellent customer service.
• Answer questions and engage in informative discussions about the wildlife and surrounds.
• Be sensitive to guest’s preferences such as birders, looking for specific species, and try and manage their expectation within the context of what nature delivers.
• Ensure that you are able to adjust your engagement when you have a number of different nationalities and generations on your vehicle/walk.
• Be sensitive to guests who want limited interaction with the guide and those who want more engagement and tailor your response accordingly.
• Hosting guests at meals and/or for drinks, as required by the Camp Manager or your guests.
• Must have a knowledge of the wines and spirits served in the camps and be able to serve them correctly on game drives according to the SOPs for serving wine, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Be familiar with the service of coffee and tea according to the set SOPs.
• Must have a full understanding of the meals served in the bush and be aware of dietary requirements.
• Conduct routine daily checks of your vehicle and equipment in accordance with the Guide’s SOP and the requirements of the Maintenance Department.
• Ensure your vehicle has all the relevant equipment as required by the SOP checklist and that the equipment is in working order.
• Be prepared to handle emergency situations and provide first aid, if necessary, in accordance with the company emergency protocols and first aid training protocols.
• Educate the camp staff on how to behave around dangerous animals.
• Take on driver duties to facilitate smooth camp operations when not guiding by transporting staff between the staff village and main area.
• Assist with guest luggage.
• Assist with guest pick-up and drop-off to and from the airport/gates, even if these are not your assigned guests.
• Assist with staff transfers, as required.

Package:

• The package includes a Provident fund of which the company contributes 5%.
• Position is live in with accommodation provided for single occupant only as accommodation is shared.
• Employees work on 21 days on 7 days off work cycle.
• Pets will not be allowed due to the nature of the environment.
• Uniform and Meals are provided.