Jeff Gush

Experience

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  SADF

  Jan 1982 - Jan 1985

  Platoon Sergeant
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  Okavango Wilderness Safaris

  Jan 1991 - Jan 1993

  Manager/Guide Mobile Safari Department

  • Manager of a complete mobile safari department and it’s vehicles and equipment.• Conducting and guiding 14 day mobile camping safaris through Botswana with up to 15 guests.• Responsible for all guest safety on these safaris.• Responsible for all of the cooking of all meals for our guests.

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  EXPLORE Inc.

  Jan 1993 - Jan 1998

  Head Specialist Guide

  • Responsible for marketing and sales trips in the USA with various agents and prospective guests.• Head Specialist guide to major institutions such as Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, the American Museum of Natural History and the Institute of Human Origins.• Group and guide leader of numerous mobile safaris throughout Botswana and Namibia and Zambia• Assisted the Chicago Brookefield Zoo and Dr Pieter Kat on the study of genetic biology dynamics of lion populations in Botswana. Show less

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  Malachite Safaris

  Jan 1998 - Jan 2002

  Co Director

  • Operated as a contractor to completely re-build Gweta Lodge in central Botswana.• Part time management of Gunns Camp in the Okavango delta,• Specialist safari guide to numerous safari operators.

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  Emayani and Tulia Beach Lodges

  Jan 2002 - Jan 2003

  General Manager

  • The full management of 2 beach lodges concurrently.• The management of 14 staff members.• The control of all guest arrivals and departures.• The control of all stocks and the supervision of all re-supplies.• The supervision of a 4 person chef team.• The planning of menus for guests.• Assistance in a turtle conservation program.

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  Gazelle Desert Adventures

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2013

  Owner/Operator

  • Freelance specialist safari guide and mobile safari operator.• 5* luxury safari lodge relief manager.• Manager of Meno-a-Kwena safari camp for 10 years• Guide leader of multiple trans Okavango kayaking safaris.

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  Navutu Stars

  Jun 2013 - Jun 2015

  General Manager

  • The complete management of 44 staff members.• The maintenance and refurbishing of 10 luxury beach villas to a high standard.• The control of all stocks and records with department heads.• The supervision of a 4 person office team.• The supervision of a 3 person maintenance and mechanical team• The control of all guest arrivals and departures• Hosting of guests at different meal times.• Conducting guest briefings on arrivals.• Supervision of a 6 person kitchen team.• Planning and scheduling of all menus.• Training of new staff members on service etiquette.• Acting as a deep sea fishing guide to all guests Show less

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  Maqai Eco Surf Resort

  Jun 2016 - Jun 2017

  General Manager

  • The complete management of a team of 18 staff members.• The co-ordination of all guest arrivals and departures.• The continuous maintenance of 9 beach cabins to a high standard.• The management of 4 chefs and menu planning for all guest menus• The management of 4 boats in the transport division.• The maintenance of all outboard engines• The continuous hosting of all guests.• Regular community liaison.• The management of stocks and re-supplies.• Acting as surf instructor to all guests.• Conducting deep sea fishing trips for guests.• Conducting jungle walks with guests• Conducting snorkeling activities for guests. Show less

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  Central African Wilderness Safaris

  Feb 2018 - Dec 2019

  Lodge Manager, Projects & Maintenance Manager, Guide Manager

  • The leadership of 18 staff members of a 16 bed luxury lodge.• Taking full responsibility for the coordination of all departments. • Guest arrivals and departures and logistical planning.• Supervision of housekeeping.• Supervision of all levels of standards.• Supervision and control of all financial transactions.• Implementation of stringent maintenance requirements.• Monitoring of Food and Beverage standards in conjunction with the F & B manager.• Coordination of guides and guide allocation to guests.• Nightly hosting of all guests during dinner times.• Preparation of monthly reports.• Reporting directly to the owner Directors.• Management of a department of 14 nature guides• Planning of a yearly study curriculum for nature guides.• Practical and theoretical testing of guides skills.• Management of all major building projects.• Supervision of all local contractors.• Control and ordering of all project materials. Show less

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  Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari Hotel

  Dec 2019 - Mar 2020

  General Manager

  Responsible for all aspects of the operation including guest and employee satisfaction, human resources, financial performance, revenue generation and delivering a return on investment to ownership.• Led the Department Heads in the development and implementation of the hotel‐wide strategies.• Interfaced with all customers on a regular basis to obtain feedback on quality of product, service levels and overall satisfaction.• Analyzed service issues and identified trends. Facilitated the development of creative solutions to overcome obstacles and ensures implementation to continually improve guest satisfaction results.• Set goals and expectations for Department Heads. Coaches team by providing specific feedback to improve their individual performance and that of their departments.• Ensured that regular on‐going communication takes place throughout the property to recognize performance, set expectations and create awareness of business objectives.• Identified opportunities to increase profits and create value by challenging existing processes, encouraging innovation and driving necessary change.• Ensured capital expenditure funds are being used to address the priorities outlined in the business strategy. Show less

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  Kasanka Trust Ltd

  Jul 2020 - Dec 2020

  Tourism Manager

  Committed to the upgrading of infrastructure and service levels for our local and international visitors, and to create a higher awareness and implementation of our conservation and community outreach programs.

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  African Parks Network

  May 2021 - Oct 2021

  Tourism manager
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  Octopus resort

  Mar 2022 - Jan 2023

  General Manager

  Island resort management

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  Etu Moana boutique beach villas

  Jan 2023 - Jan 2025

  General Manager