Internship Opportunities

Field Assistant Internship—Carnivore Monitoring
Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) works in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) through the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) and Nsumbu-Tanganyika Conservation Programme (NTCP) to protect and conserve the North Luangwa and Nsumbu-Tanganyika landscapes, respectively. The NLCP & NTCP support effective and efficient protected area management, with a wider focus on empowering communities to manage natural resources in the Game Management Areas adjacent to the parks. The NLCP’s mission ‘Linking livelihoods and landscapes’ and the NTCP’s mission of ‘Conserving landscapes, enriching lives’ both seek to address their key challenges by taking holistic approaches for more resilient socio-ecological systems.

Description of the Opportunities

The NLCP is seeking two graduates with a degree in wildlife management, conservation biology, or a related field focusing on wildlife conservation. The purpose of the roles is to assist with the planning and executing field research activities relating to large carnivores in North Luangwa National Park. Successful applicants will be based in North Luangwa National Park and spend at least two-thirds of their time camping in remote areas. This is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in wildlife research and conservation

Name of position: Field Assistant Internship—Carnivore Monitoring
Reporting to: Ecology and Conservation Science Managers
Location: North Luangwa National Park, Muchinga Province, field-based
Benefits: Monthly stipend. Meals provided while in the field
Start date: 20th August 2024
Duration: Up to 4 months
Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and execution of field research activities that involve extended periods camping in the field in search of large carnivores at dawn and dusk when they are most active
• Collect and record data on carnivore sightings using mobile applications, with a focus on lions
• Take high-quality photographs of large carnivores to enable individual identification
• Manage sighting data and photographs with special attention to data security and integrity
• Participate in the development of reports and presentations that communicate findings to colleagues and stakeholders

Qualifications, skills and attributes

• A degree in Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, or a related field
• At least 1 year’s experience working for a reputable organisation in a remote wildlife area
• Proficiency in mobile data collection tools such as SMART Mobile or Survey123
• Wildlife photography skills, including the use of DSLR cameras
• Valid driving licence with experience in off-road driving on rough terrain
• Good written and spoken English communication skills
• Keen interest in conservation and large carnivores

Working Conditions/Physical Effort

• Willingness to camp in remote wilderness areas with basic equipment, no amenities, and no mobile network
• Willingness to work long and unusual hours around dawn and dusk when predators are most active

Your application should include a chronological CV in PDF format, and a 1-page cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the position. The cover letter will be used to judge the quality of your application and should answer the following:

• What interests you most about the position?
• Your relevant experience and how it has prepared you for the position
• The most important technical skills that you will bring to the role
• Two references with a short description of your working relationship, and their contact details.