SPECIALIST GUIDE – Ker & Downey Botswana 657 views

KER & DOWNEY BOTSWANA

WE’RE HIRING: SPECIALIST GUIDE

POSITION GRADE: C LOWER | LOCATION: CAMP BASED | DEPARTMENT/SECTION: GUIDING

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• DIRECTLY REPORTS TO: GUIDE TRAINER / ASSESSOR | CAMP/ LODGE GENERAL MANAGER
• ROLES REPORTING DIRECTLY TO THIS ROLE: NONE

STAKEHOLDERS

• Guests
• Camp / Lodge General Manager
• Front of House Manager
• Regulators
• Sales & Marketing Team
• Reservations

JOB PURPOSE

The Specialist Guide is responsible for creating and delivering exceptional private safari experiences for guests. This includes accompanying guests on their entire safari to create a memorable and unique safari experience. Responsible for providing continuity to the guest’s safari journey, ensuring all their needs and preferences are met.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

SAFARI COORDINATION

• Work in collaboration with other departments to create exceptional safari experience for guests. This includes designing customised itineraries which are tailored to customer expectations, preferences and needs.
• Engage with guests to understand their preferences, interests and expectations of the safari on arrival and provide them a warm and friendly welcome.
• Liaise with the allocated guide (if applicable) to coordinate guest activities. Accompany the guide (if applicable) on all guest activities.
• Provide general guiding services where needed.

GUEST SAFARIS

• Lead safari experiences, providing guests with an informative and engaging experience. Offer guests assistance, information and guidance throughout their safari experience.
• Prioritise guest safety during all activities. Implement safety protocols, assess risks and handle emergency situations with due care and professionalism.
• Make sure that all guests are properly briefed on health and safety measures prior to embarking on their safari experience. This includes implementing processes and procedures which the guiding team must adhere to and monitoring compliance to these.
• Keep guests fully informed of upcoming activities and pro-actively make adjustments to schedules and activities to cater for guest preferences and to ensure they have a memorable experience.
• Educate guests on the local ecosystem, history of the area, conservation efforts and the importance of preserving wildlife and habitats.
• Offer insights and information regarding local culture, traditions and history.
• Ensure that the allocated safari vehicle and other safari equipment is maintained and adequately stocked for excursions. This includes making sure that guest refreshments and snacks are packed and guest preferences are met. Where accompanied by a camp guide, support the camp guide with these tasks.
• Prepare beverages and refreshments for guests during their safari experience.
• Liaise with camp management and camp guides to ensure all guests experience the unique “WOW” experiences designed for the camp and tailored to guest preferences.
• Escort or arrange escort for guests to and from their rooms / tents during non-daylight hours.

MARKETING

• Attend Trade Shows on occasion.
• Host journalists and other VIPS.
• Escort booking and marketing agents on camp visits.
• Assist with interviews and content on occasion.
• Provide training on the KDB product to camp staff and agents.
• Support marketing with product related questions.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE

• Certificate / Diploma in Professional Guiding or Nature Guiding.
• Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS ROLE

• Full Professional Guides License.
• Specialist Guides License.
• Firearms Handling Certificate.
• Trails Guide Certificate.
• Specialist Guides Certificates (Photography, Birds, Astronomy, etc.)
• Driver’s License.
• Professional Driving Permit (PRDP).
• First Aid Training / Certificate.
• Strong knowledge of wildlife and national parks laws and regulations.
• Boat safety training.
• Fire training.

TOTAL YEARS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE

• At least ten (10) years guiding experience.

SKILLS & KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE

• Friendly and courteous.
• Professional.
• Outstanding customer service.
• Honesty and sober habits.
• Excellent verbal and written reporting and communication skills.
• Highly organized.
• Proactive nature.
• Patient and adaptable.
• Vehicle maintenance skills.
• Passion for nature, wildlife and environmental conservation.