FIELD GUIDE

〉〉 MAIN DUTIES Offers guided tours in nature with a focus on animal behaviour, tracking and providing information on animals’ sounds and other characteristics. Safeguarding guests is another responsibility.

〉〉 BEST SUITED TO someone who enjoys being out in nature all day, working with people and sharing your passion for animals and nature conservation. While it used to be considered a career more suited to men, this is no longer the case.

〉〉 WHAT TO STUDY To become a field guide you must earn a Nature Site Guide (NQF2) and/or Field Guides Association of South Africa (FGASA) apprentice field guide qualification. But you can further your career through self-study and logging practical hours while working as a field guide in the industry.

You must adhere to certain requirements before being able to get a higher qualification through FGASA.

There are several online and in-person training courses available in SA that offer instruction in advanced tracking and first aid, among other things.

EcoTraining has been involved in training field guides for the local industry since 1993. Contact the organisation at ecotraining.co.za or call 031-752-2532.

〉〉 EARNING POTENTIAL Entry-level guides can expect a salary of between R4 000 and R7 000 a month. It depends on the size, star grading, location and occupancy of the lodge where you work. Senior guides can earn up to R14 000 and head guides up to R18 000. You can also earn tips.

PROS Each day is filled with surprises and new adventure, and many lodges provide staff accommodation, so you’ll save on living expenses.

CONS Working long hours and having to keep people happy day in and day out.