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.

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 internship contract will run 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.

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.
• Build skills in working in field based, cross cultural environments while reflecting on personal and professional growth.

Other duties assigned by site supervisors or program leadership.

• Internship period: May 30-August 31, 2026 (exact dates may vary by site)
• 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.
• Significant time spent outdoors and in community settings.
• Living and working conditions may be basic and require flexibility and resilience.
• Some local travel within the project area will be required, with transport being provided.

Required

• Interns will be enrolled at Arizona State University to participate in this internship.
• Completed studies or currently studying in the following areas: conservation, environmental studies, community development, or related fields.
• Clear interest in learning how conservation works in real world settings.
• Willingness and ability to live and work in rural or remote environments.
• Respect for different cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Flexibility, initiative, and a positive attitude in unfamiliar or challenging settings.

Preferred

• Prior experience in fieldwork, community engagement, or volunteer work will be considered an advantage.
• Backgrounds in ecology, natural resource management, business, marketing, communications, or storytelling.
• Familiarity with Southern African cultures and other contexts or lived experience in the region.
• Interest in wildlife, habitat restoration, community livelihoods, or human wildlife relationships.
• Passion for people - dedicated to working with people to improve livelihoods and well being, while advancing positive outcomes for nature.

May 15, 2026 (11:49 PM EST)

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.

We are committed to fair employment practices and abide by the Employment Equity Act (Act No. 55 of 1998, as amended), the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and all related regulations. We promote transformation by eliminating unfair discrimination and implementing affirmative action measures for designated groups, including Black people, women, and people with disabilities. As a designated employer, we have implemented an Employment Equity Plan aligned with sectoral and national benchmarks, and we monitor and report progress annually in compliance with the Employment Equity Regulations (2025). When entering into offers or contracts with any organ of state, we comply with Section 53 of the Act by attaching either a valid Employment Equity compliance certificate or a declaration of compliance with Chapters II and III of the Act, as required.

Should you not hear back from us within two weeks of the closing date for this advertisement, please consider your application not successful. We encourage you to apply for any future roles that align with your skill set.