Job Details

Job Description

Musekese Conservation is seeking a passionate, detail-oriented, and hard-working Intern Field Ecologist to support our ongoing research and monitoring activities in Kafue National Park and Mumbwa GMA.
This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career conservationist looking to gain hands-on field experience in a dynamic, remote setting, working closely with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to wildlife conservation.

About Musekese Conservation

Musekese Conservation is an NGO working to protect Zambia’s Greater Kafue Ecosystem through intensive research and monitoring of large carnivores and their prey, resource protection, and community engagement. We work in close partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Greater Kafue Landscape Ltd. (GKLL), and several research institutions including Panthera and the Zambian Carnivore Programme.

Role Overview

Under the supervision of the Research & Site Manager and the Senior Field Ecologist, the Intern Field Ecologist will assist with a range of field-based ecological surveys, focusing on large carnivores and herbivores, including:
– Camera trapping
– Intensive monitoring using VHF telemetry
– Prey transects
– Opportunistic and citizen science-based data collection

The intern will also support data entry and organisation, species ID from imagery, basic GIS work, and camp logistics. This position offers structured training and learning opportunities, with the chance to contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Deploy and maintain camera traps for carnivore monitoring
• Conduct intensive monitoring and behavioural observations of large carnivores
• Carry out prey transects and vehicle-based sightings
• Identify individual carnivores using coat/whisker patterns
• Classify species and behaviours from camera trap images
• Record and upload field data using SMART Mobile and Excel
• Organise datasets and assist with data cleaning in SharePoint
• Support basic mapping using GIS
• Participate in community education and outreach events
• Assist with basic camp tasks (e.g. organising supplies, vehicle checks)

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• BSc Degree in Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Prior field experience (camera trapping, telemetry, GPS navigation, etc.) desirable
• Basic knowledge of GIS (e.g. QGIS) and SMART software is an advantage
• Strong species identification and ecological field skills
• Good computer literacy (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong work ethic and comfort with remote fieldwork
• Self-motivated, organised, and reliable
• Team-oriented and respectful
• Strong communication skills (written and spoken English)
• Willingness to take part in both fieldwork and camp support tasks

Learning & Development

Interns will receive structured training and mentorship in field research methods, species identification, ecological data management, and spatial mapping. You will gain practical, applied conservation experience in one of Zambia’s most ecologically important protected areas.

To Apply

Send your CV, a brief cover letter, and two references to: [email protected]
Subject: Intern Field Ecologist Application – [Your Name]