MELISSA STRYDOM
Wild Life Guide
Meyerton,Gauteng
Summary
Adept at staff and operations management, I spearheaded process improvements at Emerald Resort and Casino, enhancing team efficiency and guest satisfaction. My strategic planning abilities and strong leadership skills led to significant achievements, including the development of innovative tour routes and a focus on safety, resulting in zero incidents.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal World Supervisor
Emerald Resort and Casino
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows for 18 staff (animal caretakers, reception, curio shop, guides and casual staff)
- Monitored all aspects of animal care taking, food preparation, medical treatment.
- Responsible for ordering, stock control for reception, curio shop, tuck shop and animal feed.
- Performance management and upliftment.
- Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
- Appointed Health and Safety Representative and Evacuation Officer for Emerald Resort and Casino
Animal Caretaker and Volunteer Co-ordinator
Fera Care / Nova's Legacy
12.2021 - 09.2022
- Monitored animal health to quickly recognize signs of illness and injury, seeking necessary medical attention.
- Fed and watered animals to provide necessary nutrients and keep pets healthy.
- Administration of medication / treatments including running sub-cutaneous drips.
- Checked animal enclosures to maintain clean living spaces for pets and prevent spread of disease.
- Maintained equipment and facility to keep animal care environment and tools in good working order.
- Trained new volunteers on volunteer program goals and objectives.
- Conducted tours
- Supervising staff, overseeing projects, general administration duties
Branch Manager Richards Bay and Empangeni
Nixography Photography
08.2020 - 12.2021
- Managed both the Richards Bay and Empangeni branches
- Attended to photoshoot enquiries, requests and bookings.
- Decor set up
- Main / and or back photographer and videographer for weddings, corporate events and functions.
- Photo editing
Guest Experience Manager and Head Guide
Lions Rock (Four Paws)
12.2019 - 07.2020
- Welcoming and orientation of guests including safety briefing of their surroundings and emergency assembly points
- Resolved guest complaints promptly, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills and commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Ensuring all rooms were correctly turned over with the utmost attention to detail and were in pristine condition.
- Managed all aspects of the guiding department including game drive allocation, compilation of guide duty and task rosters and checking of guide vehicles for safety and cleanliness
- Daily walk through of accommodation and pool area and reporting of any maintenance and clean up issues to be attended to as quickly as possible.
- Organize guest activities, restaurant set up and Cave dinner decor set up and hosting
-
Assistant General Manager / Head Guide
Thandeka Lodge
08.2017 - 02.2018
- Assisted with general management
- Enhanced communication among team members through promoting an open dialogue about challenges and opportunities for improvement.
- Maintained detailed records of all transactions, ensuring accuracy in accounting reports required for tax purposes or audits.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to maintain proper stock levels and minimize spoilage or wastage in kitchen, bar, curio shop, spa, guiding necessities and housekeeping amenities
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving concerns in a timely manner.
- Monthly shopping for all lodge departments.
Head Guide
Ivory Tree
05.2016 - 12.2016
- Managed 16 guides and 20 vehicles.
- tailored recommendations.
- Checked tour vehicles for cleanliness, safety and functionality.
- Developed new tour routes for diverse interests, attracting a wider range of clientele.
- Compiled rosters, registers, logs and daily drive lists.
- Created engaging narratives for each tour stop, captivating audiences with compelling storytelling techniques.
- Enhanced guest experiences by providing expert guidance and
Head Guide & Volunteer Co-ordinator
HESC
04.2015 - 11.2015
- Managed unexpected challenges with flexibility and creative problem-solving, maintaining seamless experiences for guests.
- Utilized strong communication skills to effectively convey complex topics in a digestible manner to diverse audiences.
- Improved overall guest satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and implementing appropriate solutions as needed.
- Maintained safety standards during excursions, resulting in zero accidents or incidents.
- Managed drive lists and guest allocations
- Trained new guides on company policies, procedures, and best practices, leading to consistently high-quality tours across the team.
- Managed finance and budget control as well as administrative tasks
Education
Small Business Management (National Senior Cert)
Maluti FET College
Bethlehem, South AfricaFGASA Level 1
Shamwari (Talon)
04.2001 -
Skills
Staff management
Process improvement
Operations management
Process improvement
Timeline
Animal World Supervisor
Emerald Resort and Casino
09.2023 - 06.2024
Animal Caretaker and Volunteer Co-ordinator
Fera Care / Nova's Legacy
12.2021 - 09.2022
Branch Manager Richards Bay and Empangeni
Nixography Photography
08.2020 - 12.2021
Guest Experience Manager and Head Guide
Lions Rock (Four Paws)
12.2019 - 07.2020
Assistant General Manager / Head Guide
Thandeka Lodge
08.2017 - 02.2018
Head Guide
Ivory Tree
05.2016 - 12.2016
Head Guide & Volunteer Co-ordinator
HESC
04.2015 - 11.2015
FGASA Level 1
Shamwari (Talon)
04.2001 -
Small Business Management (National Senior Cert)
Maluti FET College
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