Principal Field Guide Trainer at MORE Family Collection

Job Description

• The Principal Trainer is a senior position within the Field Guide College, responsible for leading, developing, and delivering high-quality training programs for aspiring field guides.
• The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in field guiding, wildlife conservation, and guiding education.
• They will oversee curriculum design, mentor trainers, and ensure compliance with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) standards, as well as local and international best practices in nature guiding and eco-tourism.

KEY FOCUS AREAS

• Training Leadership: Lead the training team to deliver comprehensive, immersive, and engaging courses that prepare students for professional careers as field guides.
• Curriculum Development: Design and continuously improve training modules to meet FGASA standards and industry demands, ensuring that students gain relevant skills in nature guiding, advanced rifle handling, trails, wildlife tracking hospitality, and conservation.
• Instruction & Mentorship: Deliver theoretical and practical training sessions, providing mentorship to both students and junior trainers. Promote professional development within the team.
• Quality Assurance: Monitor the quality of all training programs, ensuring alignment with the college’s vision, mission, and FGASA guidelines. Conduct regular assessments and evaluations of training methods.
• Student Support: Engage with students to support their learning journey, offering guidance, feedback, and encouragement to enhance their academic and practical performance. Identify learning challenges, especially with sponsored students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, and adjust to accommodate special needs.
• Administration: Assist the camp manager in maintain training schedules, student records, and reports. Manage the allocation of resources to ensure effective delivery of the curriculum. Engage with external training providers and plan effectively for external courses and assessments.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with industry stakeholders, including FGASA, relevant governing bodies, game reserves, and conservation organisations to stay updated on policies, industry trends and create opportunities for student placements and partnerships.
• Health & Safety: Ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff during all training activities, particularly during field exercises. Adhere to strict safety protocols and emergency procedures.

REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in field guiding, with at least 2 years in a senior training or mentoring role.
• In-depth understanding of South African wildlife, conservation practices, and eco-tourism operations. Proficient knowledge of FGASA standards, protocols and curriculum requirements.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and education, adaptability in diverse field conditions, and commitment to developing the next generation of field guides.

Qualifications:

• FGASA Professional Trails Guide qualification.
• FGASA endorsed trails mentor.
• FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) and ETDP assessor (advantageous)
• ETDP Facilitator (advantageous)
• FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling assessor (advantageous)
• Valid First-Aid certificate
• All relevant rifle proficiencies and competencies

• Skills:
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and inspire students.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Practical knowledge of bushcraft, survival, wildlife tracking, and 4x4 driving.
  • Proficiency in using technology for training and record-keeping.

MAXIMIZING YOUR IMPACT AS A MEMBER OF THE MORE FAMILY COLLECTION

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Guest focus philosophy, living the MORE brand and driving the MORE experience.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), practicing honest communication.
• Team player with positive attitude, enthusiasm, and emotional control.
• Excellent time management and self-discipline, interpersonal & solution seeking skills.
• Proactive, use initiative and creative flair when required.
• Committed and loyal, adaptable, and flexible.
• Must work accurately under pressure.
• People skills – tolerance, patience, and care, ability to receive constructive feedback openly.