South Africa: Senior Field Guide posted by HotelJobs

Set within a pristine and intimate wilderness setting, this exclusive luxury safari lodge offers a refined yet authentic bush experience where personalised service and conservation-led tourism are at the heart of every guest interaction. We are seeking an experienced and guest-focused Senior Field Guide to join this luxury safari lodge team. This role is suited to a well-rounded guide who delivers exceptional, immersive safari experiences while also being capable of stepping into a lodge management role during management leave periods. The ideal candidate is passionate about the natural world, confident in leadership, and able to combine strong guiding, storytelling, and guest hosting with operational oversight. Key Requirements Minimum 35 years experience in a luxury safari lodge environment FGASA Level 2 (NQF 4) DEAT / NDT Registration Valid First Aid Certificate Valid PDP License Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) Strong birding knowledge and interpretive guiding skills Proven off-road driving and vehicle management experience Clear criminal record and all legal requirements in place Core Responsibilities Guiding & Guest Experience Conduct twice-daily game drives and/or guided walks, tailored to guest interests Deliver engaging, interpretive experiences focused on: Big 5 and large predators General game and ecosystems Birdlife (400+ species) Provide insight into endangered species such as black rhino, cheetah, and pangolin Offer high-level storytelling and interpretive guiding, enhancing guest connection to nature Host guests during meals and lodge activities, ensuring a luxury-level experience Ensure strict adherence to guest safety and guiding standards Operational & Team Support Work closely with Lodge Management and Farm Manager to ensure smooth daily operations Maintain safari vehicles, equipment, and guiding standards Assist with basic lodge and farm maintenance when required Support team collaboration and uphold service standards across departments Relief Lodge Management Duties (When Lodge Managers are on leave) Oversee day-to-day lodge operations and staff coordination Ensure exceptional guest experience across all touchpoints Act as the primary on-site host and problem solver Handle guest queries, special requests, and service recovery where needed Supervise housekeeping, maintenance, and guiding teams Assist with basic administration, stock control, and operational reporting Maintain a calm, professional leadership presence at all times Personal Attributes Strong leadership ability with a guest-first mindset Passionate about nature, conservation, and storytelling Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Reliable; responsible, and adaptable Hands-on; proactive, and solutions-driven Physically fit and comfortable in a remote bush environment Strong team player with mentoring capability Employment Details Start Date: ASAP Schedule: 6 weeks on / 2 weeks off Salary: R10,000 per month Accommodation: Unfurnished accommodation provided Uniform: Provided Additional Notes This role is ideal for a guide looking to grow into a management position while maintaining a strong presence in the field. Candidates with a background in luxury lodges, guest hosting, and value-added skills such as photography or mentoring will be particularly well suited.