Head Gamekeeper Full Time NEW

RECRUITMENT NOTICE
Head Gamekeeper, Griffith Island Club
Griffith Island Club is recruiting for the position of Head Gamekeeper for their private club operations in
Ontario, Canada, to replace the existing Head of Game, who is relocating to a new position after several
successful years in post.
The 2300 acre Griffith Island Club is the premier private hunting destination in North America, delivering
world class experiences to its’ Members and their guests.
The Club is operationally ‘open’ from May until mid-December in each year.
The position offered is a full time, permanent, year-round role.
The game bird hunting season runs from mid-September until winter shutdown in December.
The Club boasts a luxury private lodge, world class dining, private Members’ lounge, 2700’ runway, fleet of
watercraft, hunting dog kennels, along with full infrastructure and logistic support. A permanent and
seasonal peak sta% team of 34 deliver on all operational areas.
Experience and Educational Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years gamekeeping experience, with at least two years
supervisory and leadership experience. You will hold a recognized qualification in game and habitat
management, (or demonstrate extensive proven industry experience), hold a recognized qualification in
deer management, have experience in the use of farm machinery, farming practices, and the preparation of
game cover crops.
You will be able to demonstrate experience of raising large numbers, (in the region of 30,000), gamebirds,
including pheasants and partridges.
An understanding of North American hunting culture will be a distinct advantage, as will experience in the
management of Whitetail Deer and Turkeys.
You must be able to produce regular reports and recommendations, relevant to a modern world class
operation and be familiar with budget preparation and delivery.
You will be motivational and have an impeccable professional image, you will lead by example, enthusing
your team to deliver. English written and spoken is required.
You must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
The Role: To act as Head Gamekeeper to the Griffith Island Club supporting the
implementation of the gamebird and habitat management program, and to
contribute towards the implementation of Griffith Island Club policies and
procedures.
This is a key role with some direct staff supervision responsibilities.
This is a full-time permanent role with a full review after twelve months in post.
This is a challenging and diverse role with some supervisory responsibilities and requires high levels of
motivation and integrity to succeed. As an experienced member of the team at Gri%ith Island Club, you are
expected to always demonstrate professionalism in support of implementing Board directives and directly
supporting the Senior Management & Supervisory Teams. You will be one of the key role models at the club
and will be expected to supervise some team members to ensure full compliance with club policies and
procedures to deliver the Clubs’ operational objectives.
NOC: 82030
Specific Duties:
• Reporting to the General Manager (& Griffith Island Club Game Committee), you will deliver the
clubs game bird and habitat management program
• Deliver on Member expectations in line with a world class hunting and shooting facility
• Working closely with Senior Management adhere to plans and budgets on all aspects relating to
game bird and habitat management
• Ensure delivery of safe and interesting hunts aligned to Member expectations
• Be primarily responsible and accountable for all game related activities including the general
caring, health and release of game birds and the health of deer and turkey populations and their
harvest
• Raise pheasants and partridge, including breeding (from incubation of eggs through to mature
birds), presenting birds of the highest quality and appearance
• Lead on, and take responsibility for, lawful predator control activities (necessary and on-going) to
minimize stress to, and loss of livestock
• Support Senior Managers and other Supervisors in ensuring hunt safety, guide training, guide
evaluation and the conduct of hunts, including the correct handling of contractually provided
trained hunting dogs.
• Working with the Senior Management Team, and the Head of Game & Habitat Management support
the design, layout, cultivation and planting of game cover crops.
• Supervise the sta% allocated to performing gamekeeping activities with management responsibility
for Hunting Guides in season
• Follow all Griffith Island Club policies and procedures as directed by the ‘Executive’ and Club
Management and participate in their implementation and development
• Ensure full compliance with all Federal and Provincial licensing requirements and legislation
related to the management of game birds in captivity and specifically Ontario Hunting Regulations.
• Ensure all equipment, vehicles and store facilities specifically relating to game and habitat
management are kept in a good state of repair and are always presentable
• Collect and collate accurate gamebird and habitat management data to provide relevant and
accurate briefings and formal reports to Senior Managers, the Game Committee and Board of
Directors
• Attend regular ‘Head of Department’ meetings with the Management Team and attend Game
Committee meetings where required
• Support the Senior Management Team
• Deputize for Senior Managers in their absence
• Operate all watercraft essential to Griffith Island Club operations
Compensation and Benefits:
– Annual salary (paid biweekly) will be commensurate with experience and is expected to be in the
region of $62-67000.00 (Canadian Dollars)
– You will receive 15 days annual paid holidays (plus statutory days) and benefits as per GIC policy
– A dental and health care (including vision) plan is provided
– On island accommodation and all meals are provided
– Club owned, shared mainland accommodation is available on a biweekly rental basis
– As this role is supervisory in nature, you will be exempt from overtime entitlements in accordance
with Provincial Employment Standards.
– Annual employment reviews will occur with management and the Board of Directors.
– You will report directly to the General Manager.
– You will be eligible to participate in the sta% gratuity plan.
– There is an opportunity to participate in the Supervisory Bonus plan. Payments are expressly not
guaranteed under this plan and remain completely at the sole discretion of Management and the
Board of Directors. Receipt of a supervisory bonus in one year does not create an entitlement to a
bonus in a subsequent year. Any bonus declared is payable only if you are actively employed by
Griffith Island Club on the date that such bonus is paid.
– Employment policies at Griffith Island Club may be reasonably amended from time to time. It is the
responsibility of all employees to comply with all our policies, including but not limited to Health &
Safety, confidentiality, and proper and ethical conduct always.
The expected start date will be 1st April 2027, subject to the successful candidates’ availability.
Contact: Steve Woodhall, General Manager. [email protected] or 519-534-5999 (main o%ice)
Address: Griffith Island Club, 250863 Big Bay Side Rd. Georgian Bluffs, ON N0H 2T0.