Assistant Stables Manager

About Antelope Park Private Game Reserve

Antelope Park is a renowned recipient of the World Travel Awards for Zimbabwe's Leading Private Game Reserve. Spanning more than 3,000 acres near Gweru, it offers a diverse safari experience with comfortable lodging, homemade meals, and close interactions with Africa's iconic wildlife. The reserve also hosts volunteering programs aimed at wildlife conservation and community development through local educational and social initiatives. Visitors and volunteers can enjoy horseback safaris, guided game drives, and up-close encounters with elephants, rhinos, and lions. The park blends conservation, community engagement, and hospitality to deliver a meaningful destination for guests and team members.

Role Overview

The Assistant Stables Manager is a full-time position requiring on-site presence in Gweru. This role plays a vital part in supporting stable operations and all equine-related activities. Responsibilities include feeding, grooming, exercising, and health monitoring of horses, maintaining cleanliness and safety of facilities and equipment, coordinating horseback safaris and riding schedules, and supporting guides and instructors. The Assistant Manager supervises stable personnel, keeps detailed records of equine care and utilization, and enforces safety standards for guests, volunteers, and staff. Additional duties involve training newcomers, coordinating with veterinarians, and ensuring excellence in animal welfare and visitor experience.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proficient in horse handling and care—feeding, grooming, exercising, and basic equine health assessment
• Experienced in stable maintenance, including mucking out, tack upkeep, and facility management
• Skilled in organizing riding events and horseback safaris with an emphasis on guest safety and experience quality
• Capable leader with experience supervising, delegating tasks, and mentoring staff
• Effective communicator with ability to interact with a diverse mix of guests, volunteers, and team members
• Knowledgeable in safety protocols and risk management in outdoor, wildlife-related environments
• Physically fit with stamina to work extended hours in varying weather conditions
• Background in hospitality, wildlife tourism, or conservation work is preferred
• Competent in recordkeeping and organizational duties for horse and activity logs
• Prepared to reside on-site in Gweru and work on weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts as required