Conservation Futures Intern

Conservation International is seeking two Conservation Futures Interns for a paid, full-time, three-month internship in Acornhoek, Limpopo, South Africa. Interns will engage in fieldwork focused on community-led conservation, restoration, and wildlife monitoring within the Kruger to Canyons landscape. The position involves collaboration with local partners and includes on-site mentorship, accommodation, and support for in-country travel. Interns will also complete online courses from Arizona State University.
Conservation Futures Intern
Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.


POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Kruger to Canyons Landscape


Conservation International (CI) is partnering with Arizona State University in the United States of America, through the School of Conservation Futures (SCF). We will be recruiting two interns for a three-month, field-based internship program in Acornhoek, Limpopo, South Africa. The two interns will work together, while being embedded within the Kruger to Canyons landscape team and working with local partner organizations.


This is a paid, full-time internship. Interns will receive support for in-country travel to the placement site. Additional details will be provided upon selection.


This is an internship contract for the period from 1 June 2026 to 31 August 2026. Based in South Africa, near Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, close to the Kruger National Park. Accommodation will be provided close to the work site, and transport will be provided to and from work.


This immersive experience is designed for students interested in applied conservation practice, community engagement, and working in complex social-ecological systems. Interns will support ongoing work in priority landscapes, including community-led conservation, restoration, wildlife monitoring, conservation agreements, and sustainable livelihood activities.


Interns will benefit from on-site mentorship and participate in shared learning and reflection across sites. Successful candidates will demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, cultural competence, and a strong interest in conservation practice. This role is well-suited for students who are comfortable working in rural and remote environments, collaborating across cultures, and contributing meaningfully to landscape-scale conservation efforts.


As part of the internship experience, interns will participate in a series of online courses offered through Arizona State University, designed to prepare them for field-based conservation work and deepen their understanding of place-based practice. These courses will be provided free of charge by the program and will be completed alongside field work. Interns who successfully complete the coursework and internship will receive a certificate from Arizona State University, recognizing their applied learning and professional preparation.


RESPONSIBILITIES


Intern responsibilities will vary by site and program needs, but may include the following:


Conservation Field Support
Support day-to-day conservation activities alongside site teams, including land and wildlife management, restoration, and community-led initiatives.


Assist with restoring degraded areas through activities such as planting, rangeland restoration interventions, site assessments, and basic ecological monitoring.


Participate in wildlife and habitat observation, tracking, and data collection under the guidance of experienced staff.


Support work with local landowners, community groups, livestock owners, or partners to develop shared approaches to protect nature while supporting local livelihoods and small enterprises.


Community
Engagement and Learning
Engage respectfully with local and Indigenous communities, leaders, and partners, following local protocols and guidance from site teams.


Support community meetings, workshops, trainings, and outreach activities, including preparation, note-taking, and follow-up.


Learn from and help document how conservation work connects to local priorities, knowledge, and well-being.


Research, Innovation, Communication, and Documentation


Assist with basic data collection, organization, and synthesis.


Help capture stories that highlight community perspectives, local leadership, and the realities of day-to-day conservation work, using photos, short written reflections, or other agreed formats.


Contribute to learning products such as site summaries, presentations, or end-of-internship reflections that share insights and lessons learned.


Work with staff and community leaders to support the development and application of innovative ideas that improve positive outcomes for both people and nature.


Professional Development and Cohort Learning


Participate in regular check-ins with assigned mentors and supervisors to receive guidance and feedback.


Engage actively in cohort learning activities and structure reflection.


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