Assistant Head Guide

Job Description

Assistant Head Guide

Clanwilliam, Western Cape | Wilderness Reserve | Salary Negotiable DOE | Live-In

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 4x4 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 driver’s license with PDP and First Aid Certificate

DEAT registration in the Western Cape

Preferably 3–5 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 4x4 vehicles

Basic 4x4 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

Requirements

experience