​A field guide job is first and foremost hosting visitors, but there are other responsibilities as well. They might assist park rangers or game rangers doing conservation work. They could also be responsible for administration at the lodge, handling reservations, guest requests and more. Field guides in protected areas like Kruger National Park might have additional responsibilities including conservation or camp management. Field guide duties depend largely on the particular lodge, reserve or park where the guide is based. Entry-level field guides will often shadow or assist senior field guides until they’re ready to guide on their own. You must gain practical knowledge and skills before becoming a fully-fledged field guide and moving from Nature Site Guide NQF2 to NQF4. The job is also very physically demanding and requires long hours; field guides typically rotate working multiple weeks in a row with a week or two off between cycles. Overall, field guide jobs are extremely rewarding and exciting. Field guides meet people from all over the world who are interested in wildlife and nature, and share their specialised knowledge with them. Field guides see amazing animal interactions and observe interesting behaviour. While it may be challenging, it’s also fulfilling.