7 conservation natural resources jobs found

Lajuma Research Centre offers opportunities to study the diverse lepidoptera species of the Soutpansberg Mountains, a unique environment with varying vegetation communities. The Soutpansberg region supports a remarkably diverse butterfly fauna, reflecting its varied microclimates and vegetation types. Long-term monitoring at the Lajuma Research Centre contributes to understanding species distribution, seasonality, and habitat associations.  Internship Overview Interns assist with butterfly surveys, species identification, and habitat documentation. The internship offers field experience in entomological sampling techniques and ecological monitoring. Key Activities: Conducting visual encounter surveys and habitat assessments Recording species presence and abundance Assisting with data management and reporting Fieldwork Requirements All fieldwork is carried out on foot, often over uneven terrain and in variable weather. Students should...

The Lajuma Research Centre is set within a landscape of deep valleys, forested cliffs, mountain streams, and waterfalls. This variety of habitats—including montane grasslands, woodlands, thickets, and groundwater forests—supports significant biodiversity and ongoing ecological research. The GIS Mapping Internship allows students to apply spatial analysis skills in a field-based conservation context while supporting multiple long-term research projects. Description This internship focuses on using ArcGIS (not provided) or QGIS to support ecological and conservation work on the reserve. Students will be involved in mapping key features of the landscape and integrating spatial data into research projects. The position combines technical GIS work with outdoor field experience, offering practical training while contributing to conservation research. Activities may include: Mapping the reserve’s camera trap grid, hiking trails, streams, waterfalls, and infrastructure...

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...

Ongoing monitoring of free-roaming cheetahs within a 27,000-hectare (66,700-acre) nature reserve in Limpopo, South Africa, provides a basis for investigating their movements and population ecology. By combining photographic records and spatial information, the project contributes to our understanding of how individual cheetahs use the landscape and how their movements and activity patterns change over time. Research Focus: Monitoring cheetahs through camera trap surveys Identifying individual animals from distinctive coat patterns Maintaining and expanding photographic identification records Recording locations and movements to investigate spatial use of the reserve Examining patterns in habitat use, activity, and distribution Processing and interpreting data collected through ongoing monitoring Working with a long-term dataset allows interns to contribute to an ongoing monitoring programme while developing a practical...

Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre is situated within a 27,000-hectare (66,700-acre) bushveld ecosystem in Limpopo, South Africa, providing the setting for this project investigating African civet ecology.  African civets are nocturnal and largely solitary animals, making them a particularly interesting species to study through remote monitoring techniques. The project aims to build a better understanding of where civets occur within the reserve, which habitats they use, when they are most active, and how their presence varies across the landscape. Camera trap data collected over time provides an opportunity to investigate these patterns and contribute to a better understanding of civet ecology within a natural savanna environment. Research Focus: Monitoring African civets using camera traps positioned across the reserve Check, maintain, and relocate camera traps where required Reviewing photographic records to identify civets and document their...

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...