South Africa: Field Guide posted by Wild Dreams Hospitality

About the Role

Wild Dreams Hospitality is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Field Guide to join our team on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. As a key member of our lodge’s operations, you will play a crucial role in creating unforgettable guest experiences while upholding the highest standards of conservation, ethical guiding, and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct professional game drives and safari activities in a Big 5 reserve.
• Ensure guest safety at all times in an unfenced wilderness setting.
• Deliver accurate and engaging interpretation of wildlife behaviour, ecology, tracking, and conservation topics.
• Adapt guiding style to suit varying guest interests, expectations, and experience levels.
• Provide warm, professional, and memorable guest interactions throughout the safari experience.
• Adhere strictly to reserve rules, wildlife viewing protocols, and conservation guidelines.
• Promote responsible tourism and environmental awareness among guests.
• Ensure ethical behaviour around wildlife, habitats, and natural resources at all times.
• Support conservation initiatives, sightings records, and data collection where required.
• Conduct all safari activities in line with lodge SOPs and reserve regulations.
• Maintain clear, professional radio communication and situational awareness.
• Perform pre-drive vehicle and equipment checks to ensure safe operation.
• Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies, incidents, or wildlife-related risks.
• Care for and maintain guiding vehicles, radios, equipment, and guest amenities.
• Participate in daily briefings, sightings updates, and operational debriefings.
• Assist with special activities such as bush walks, photographic safaris, or night drives (where qualified and permitted).
• Work collaboratively with trackers, fellow guides, and other lodge departments.
• Maintain a professional appearance and conduct aligned with lodge standards.
• Act as an ambassador for the lodge’s brand, values, and conservation ethos.

Requirements

• FGASA Field Guide qualification (minimum Level 1; Level 2 advantageous)
• Valid driver’s licence and PDP
• First Aid Level 1 (minimum)
• Previous Big 5 guiding experience (preferred)
• Clear criminal record
• Strong wildlife, ecological, and tracking knowledge
• Safe and confident off-road driving skills
• Excellent communication and storytelling ability
• High level of guest service awareness
• Strong ethical and conservation-driven mindset
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure

Qualifications

• FGASA Field Guide qualification (if achieved)

Salary & Benefits

This is a live-in position with a 3/1 work cycle. Meals are provided, as well as medical aid and a provident fund. The successful candidate will be accommodated in a single room with an ensuite bathroom.