Wildlife Conservation Internship in South Africa

Job Location:

Job Description:

Starting with a 10 week wildlife research expedition to develop your understanding of wildlife conservation and to further or establish your field guiding skills this 20 week internship provides applicants with practical experience and professional qualifications. Upon the successful completion of this expedition you will undertake a four week field guide course to further your guiding skills and lay the foundations of working with wildlife in the African bush. You will then spend your final 6 weeks on your work placement. During this phase you will be based at a safari camp catering to tourists or a conservation organization depending on your skills and our partners requirements. At the end of the placement interns may either be offered paid or unpaid work with GVI or with one of our local partners.

Skills and Qualifications Received:
FGASA Level 1 qualification, Mammal Introduction and Herbivore Identification, Survey Skills, Radio Telemetry; GPS use, Field Guide's Reptile Course, First Aid & CPR training, Individual Predator Ecology and behavior, Wildlife Management, Basic wildlife diseases, Large herbivore ecology and behavior, Basic animal tracks and sign skills, Basic Field Guide skills, Biodiversity survey techniques (Small mammal trapping, Invertebrate surveys), Field Safety Radio use, Emergency Action Plan implementation and drills. Setting up a bush camp; Sleep-out in bush; bush skills and survival; Spotlighting; basic 4X4 driving; planning of game drives and walks; Communication and facilitation skills; dealing with guests.

Highlights:
- Develop your personnel management, leadership, wildlife conservation and field guiding skills
- Work at beautiful safari lodges, living and working in the African bush with incredible wildlife
- Get acquainted with big game and all the main predators
- Explore nearby regions to experience such breathtaking views as from the Blyde River Canyon in the Drakensberg Mountains
- Living and working alongside FGASA qualified South African Guides getting constant learning and inspiration
- Sleep out in the bush under the spectacular African stars and wake up to a beautiful sunrise

Cost in US dollars:
From $7990 for 20 weeks

The internship contribution includes all food and accommodation, expedition equipment and training; national park fees and permits; the comprehensive training necessary for research techniques; an Emergency First Aid course; 24-hour in-country support and a 24-hour emergency phone line.

Please visit our website at http://www.gviusa.com/programs/wildlife-conservation-south-africa-internship for more information or to lodge an application online.