GIS Mapping Internship - Wildlife Conservation - South Africa

Are you a student or recent graduate with exceptional GIS or QGIS skills? Do you want to use your expertise to contribute to wildlife conservation while working in a breathtaking natural environment? The Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre (BBRC) is offering an exciting 3-month internship where you can make a meaningful impact while refining your technical and research skills.

About Us:

The BBRC is located on a 27,000-hectare conservation reserve—boasting 17 antelope species and two of the Big Five—dedicated to biodiversity research and preservation. Our work spans diverse projects, including giraffe population monitoring, bird habitat research, vegetation studies, and documenting wildflowers, butterflies, and other insects. We’re now seeking someone to enhance our mapping efforts and support our research with GIS technology.

The Role:

As a GIS intern, you’ll play a vital role in creating and refining detailed reserve maps, as well as updating project-specific maps and layers. This is a unique opportunity to merge technical expertise with conservation efforts. 

Your role will include:

• Map Creation & Updates: Use GIS or QGIS to bring more detail to our reserve maps and create layered maps for individual research projects.
• Data Integration: Collaborate with researchers to integrate project-specific data into the GIS framework, such as tracking wildlife movements or habitat preferences.
• Project Support: Join ongoing mini-projects, applying your GIS expertise to enhance research on biodiversity, vegetation zones, or species distribution.
• Knowledge Sharing: Provide input on how GIS tools can improve the efficiency and impact of our conservation efforts.

What Makes This Internship Special:

In addition to using and improving your GIS skills, you’ll have the chance to:

• Work in an environment surrounded by untouched natural beauty and incredible wildlife.
• Join fieldwork alongside researchers, integrating GIS tools into practical conservation projects.
• Contribute directly to meaningful biodiversity research in a largely understudied region.

What We’re Looking For:

• A student or recent graduate skilled in GIS or QGIS.
• A passion for conservation and an interest in applying GIS to support wildlife research.
• Experience in creating detailed maps and managing spatial data.
• A proactive approach to work, with strong problem-solving skills.

Duration of Stay:

Flexible | We recommend a commitment of 2 to 4 months to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Please note that a monthly conservation fee is required, which covers the following:

• Conservation Fees: As you’ll be staying on a wildlife reserve, a portion of your fee will go towards supporting the protection and care of the land and the species that inhabit it.

           Comfortable accommodation will be provided during your stay.

• Transportation: Pick-up from and drop-off at the Polokwane airport, weekly or bi-weekly town trips for students to restock supplies, and daily drives around the reserve.

This fee ensures that your experience contributes to both your well-being and the vital work of preserving the reserve.