Aramness
Website:
aramness.com
Job details:
Aramness Gir is looking for an experienced and passionate Head Naturalist to lead our Naturalist and wildlife experiences team.
This is a leadership role for someone who understands that a great safari is about much more than wildlife sightings. It is about storytelling, interpretation, anticipation, discovery, hospitality and creating a meaningful connection between the guest and the wilderness.
The Head Naturalist will be responsible for maintaining and elevating the quality of our safari experiences while developing the team, creating new experiences and working closely with the lodge operation to deliver an exceptional guest journey.
Key Responsibilities
Naturalist & Safari Leadership
Lead and mentor the Naturalist team.
Maintain high standards of safari interpretation, wildlife knowledge and guiding.
Conduct and oversee high-quality safaris and wilderness experiences.
Develop strong storytelling around Gir's ecology, wildlife, landscape and communities.
Ensure responsible wildlife viewing and adherence to conservation and park protocols.
Continuously improve the quality and consistency of safari delivery.
Team Development
Train and mentor naturalists and experience leaders.
Establish regular knowledge-sharing and field-training sessions.
Develop individual capabilities within the team.
Build a culture of learning, curiosity and continuous improvement.
Identify and nurture promising local talent.
Experience Development
Develop new nature, wildlife and cultural experiences around Gir.
Review existing experiences and identify opportunities for improvement.
Work with the Experiences and Lodge teams to conceptualise, test and operationalise new products.
Create experiences that go beyond conventional game drives.
Develop experiences that are authentic to Gir and aligned with the Aramness philosophy.
Guest Experience & Hospitality
Personally engage with guests and act as an ambassador for Aramness.
Support camp hosting and evening guest engagement.
Understand individual guest interests and help curate their wilderness experience.
Work closely with the Lodge team to ensure seamless coordination between safaris and the overall guest journey.
Respond confidently to guest questions, feedback and special interests.
Research & Interpretation
Maintain and continuously expand knowledge of Gir's biodiversity, ecology, conservation history and cultural landscape.
Encourage the team to develop deeper subject knowledge.
Introduce new interpretation techniques, storytelling approaches and educational material.
Keep the naturalist team current with relevant wildlife and conservation developments.
Operations
Work closely with the Lodge Manager and Experiences leadership on daily operations.
Assist in planning naturalist schedules, safari allocation and experience delivery.
Ensure equipment, vehicles and experience resources are maintained and ready.
Maintain appropriate records and reporting related to naturalist and experience operations.
Ensure all activities meet safety, operational and regulatory requirements.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who combines deep field knowledge with genuine hospitality and leadership ability.
The ideal candidate will have:
Significant experience as a Naturalist / Wildlife Guide in a quality wildlife lodge or safari operation.
Strong knowledge of Indian wildlife, ecology and conservation.
Excellent communication and storytelling skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead, train and mentor a team.
Experience in developing wildlife or nature-based experiences.
Strong guest-handling and hospitality skills.
A passion for learning and sharing knowledge.
Ability to work collaboratively with lodge and operations teams.
Professional maturity, initiative and ownership.
A genuine interest in conservation and responsible tourism.
Formal qualifications in wildlife, natural history, ecology or related fields are an advantage. International guiding qualifications such as FGASA or equivalent will be valued.
The Right Candidate
The person we are looking for should be more than an excellent wildlife spotter.
We are looking for someone who can lead a team, host a guest, tell a story, create an experience and build a culture of learning.
Someone who can take ownership of the Naturalist function today and help shape the evolution of wildlife experiences at Aramness tomorrow.
What Aramness Offers
An opportunity to work within one of India's distinctive luxury wildlife hospitality environments.
A platform to develop innovative wildlife and nature-based experiences.
Opportunity to work closely with a multidisciplinary hospitality and Experiences team.
A role with significant scope for learning, creativity and professional growth.
The opportunity to contribute to the development of a growing wildlife hospitality brand.
Interested candidates can share their CV along with a brief note outlining their experience in wildlife hospitality, team leadership and experience development.
Click on Apply to know more.
