Firearm Instructor & Range Officer

About the Role

We are seeking a qualified ITA-accredited Firearm Instructor and Ranger Officer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering professional firearms training, maintaining high safety standards, and supporting ranger and field operations.

This position requires a disciplined, safety-conscious individual with strong instructional, communication, and outdoor field skills. The ideal candidate will be able to work effectively with trainees from varying levels of experience while maintaining strict compliance with applicable legislation, organizational policies, and range safety procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

Firearms Training

• Conduct accredited and approved firearm training in accordance with applicable standards and legislation.
• Deliver theoretical and practical training to learners.
• Prepare training sessions, lesson plans, assessments, and supporting training material.
• Assess learner competency objectively and maintain accurate training records.
• Ensure all firearm handling and range activities are conducted safely and professionally.
• Inspect training areas and equipment before practical sessions.
• Identify and address unsafe practices immediately.
• Keep up to date with relevant firearms legislation, training standards, and industry requirements.

Ranger & Field Operations

• Conduct patrols and field duties in designated areas.
• Assist with the protection and monitoring of personnel, property, wildlife, and other assigned resources.
• Maintain professional situational awareness while operating in the field.
• Complete patrol reports, incident reports, and operational documentation.
• Assist with emergency and incident response procedures where required.
• Operate and maintain assigned field equipment responsibly.
• Work effectively as part of a ranger and operations team.
• Represent the organisation professionally when interacting with visitors, clients, colleagues, authorities, and members of the public.

Minimum Requirements

• Valid ITA Firearm Instructor accreditation/certification appropriate to the firearms training being provided.
• Relevant firearm competency and/or proficiency certificates as required by applicable legislation.
• Valid legal authority/licensing to possess and handle the relevant firearms.
• Previous experience as a firearm instructor, range officer, ranger, security professional, or similar field-based role.
• Strong understanding of firearm safety and responsible firearm handling.
• Good communication and instructional skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate administrative and training records.
• Physically capable of performing ranger and outdoor field duties.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Willingness to work weekends, public holidays, shifts, or irregular hours when operationally required.
• Ability to pass the organisation's required background, competency, and suitability checks.

Advantageous Qualifications & Experience

• Additional recognised firearm-training qualifications.
• Ranger, conservation, wildlife, or environmental experience.
• First Aid certification.
• Experience in wilderness or remote-area operations.
• Previous experience conducting learner assessments.
• Experience with incident reporting and operational documentation.
• Knowledge of South African firearms legislation and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Previous experience working on a game reserve, private conservation area, training facility, or similar environment.

Skills & Personal Attributes

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Safety-first mindset
• Professionalism and integrity
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence when instructing groups
• Attention to detail
• Strong observation and situational-awareness skills
• Physical fitness and resilience
• Sound judgement and decision-making
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Teamwork and leadership
• Reliability and punctuality
• Respect for firearms, wildlife, colleagues, clients, and the public

Working Conditions

The position may involve:

• Indoor classroom instruction
• Practical range-based training
• Outdoor patrols and field operations
• Walking or driving over challenging terrain
• Exposure to varying weather conditions
• Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays
• Extended periods in outdoor environments

Application Question(s):

• Are you a qualified ITA-accredited Firearm Instructor?
• Are you a qualified ITA-accredited Range Officer?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Johannesburg, Gauteng