environmental jobs in south africa

Field Research Experience & Independent Projects - South Africa - About Planning your own research project, testing an idea in the field, or building experience for future studies? WildComm Research Stations offers a supportive field-based research setting within a protected private reserve in South Africa, where you can develop projects, test methods and gain hands-on conservation research experience. What We Offer WildComm is situated on a private reserve, with diverse wildlife, vegetation and complex savanna ecosystems where you can work with access to on-site research equipment and support from experienced conservation professionals. Research Your Own Project Behavioural & movement ecology Population monitoring Vegetation Interdisciplinary conservation projects Build Field Research Experience Test research methods Conduct pilot or exploratory studies Build field and...

Carnivore Conservation Research Assistantship We are excited to offer a unique research assistantship opportunity focused on advancing the understanding of underrepresented predator species in South Africa’s Limpopo region. WildComm is dedicated to conserving biodiversity on private land by creating opportunities for research, education, and hands-on conservation action. Our mission is to demonstrate that private land can deliver both ecological and economic value, supporting wildlife and ecosystems beyond traditional protected areas. By joining WildComm, you’ll be part of a growing network of researchers, students, and conservationists working together to generate vital ecological data, inform evidence-based management, and inspire new models for wildlife conservation. The project focuses on mesopredators, including African civet, genet, and smaller African cats. While large carnivores receive significant attention, these species play vital ecological roles yet remain...

Invertebrates are key indicators of environmental health and represent the majority of biodiversity within the Soutpansberg Mountains. The Lajuma Research Centre supports long-term biodiversity monitoring to document species presence, distribution, and ecological roles.  Internship Overview Interns assist with surveys targeting a range of invertebrate groups, including insects, arachnids, and other terrestrial invertebrates. The project provides broad exposure to field sampling techniques and identification methods. Activities may include: Conducting sweep-netting, pitfall trapping, and active searches Documenting habitat characteristics and microclimates Photographing specimens for identification Assisting with data organisation and reporting Fieldwork Requirements All fieldwork is carried out on foot, often over uneven terrain and in variable weather. Students should be comfortable living remotely, hiking, and have a basic...

Start Date:  April 2027 About This project focuses on small mammal research and species diversity monitoring within a private game reserve. Interns will contribute to species identification, data collection, and ecological monitoring aimed at improving understanding of small mammal diversity, distribution, and habitat use within the reserve. The project framework and methodology are already established; however, interns will take primary responsibility for running the project on a day-to-day basis. Full training is provided at the start of the internship, followed by ongoing guidance and supervision from BBRC staff. This project is suited to motivated interns who are comfortable working independently while contributing meaningful data to long-term biodiversity research. Key Activities: Recording species data including identification, measurements, and other key ecological information Conduct habitat assessments to understand how vegetation and...

Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre (BBRC) invites applications to support our insect biodiversity project on a 27,000-hectare (66,700-acre) wildlife reserve. This is an opportunity to help expand the reserve’s newly established insect species list, contributing to long-term ecological research and conservation.  What You’ll Gain Field Sampling Skills: Learn methods such as pitfall trapping, sweep netting, and microhabitat surveys. List Management: Contribute to the insect species list for the reserve. Research Experience: Participate in baseline biodiversity studies in an area where no formal insect surveys have been conducted before. Why It Matters Our winter surveys already documented over 100 insect specimens across diverse groups. With your involvement, especially during the summer months when insects are most active, this list has the potential to expand, providing a valuable resource for conservation and future ecological studies....

The Lajuma Research Centre, in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo, South Africa, has been a base for wildlife research and conservation for over 20 years. The reserve is home to all five South African primate species, which include the endangered samango monkey ( Cercopithecus albogularis schwarzi ). This project focuses on understanding their behaviour and ecology while supporting the conservation of the forests and wildlife that share this unique mountain landscape. Internship Overview The Samango Monkey Project continues this long-term research by focusing on behavioural and dietary studies. Interns contribute to ongoing data collection that informs both primatology and conservation management. Key Activities: Conducting behavioural observations Recording feeding ecology (fruits, leaves, insects, and other food sources) Documenting vocalizations, social interactions, and troop movements Fieldwork Requirements  All fieldwork...

The Lajuma Research Centre provides a unique opportunity to study an exceptional diversity of birdlife within one of South Africa’s most ecologically varied mountain environments. More than 215 species have been recorded on the reserve, including the purple-crested turaco, narina trogon, cape vulture, violet-backed starling, African fish eagle, crowned eagle, crested guineafowl, and multiple owl species. The landscape encompasses woody grasslands, mountain bushveld, mistbelt forest, riverine forest, and clear mountain streams, offering an ideal setting for comparative research on avian diversity, habitat use, and behaviour. Internship Focus: This internship provides hands-on experience in bird monitoring, species documentation, and ecological field methods. Interns work largely independently while contributing to long-term data collection and broader conservation efforts at the centre. Activities may include: Recording species presence, behaviour, and...