The Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) is a non-governmental, non-profit field-based organization dedicated to the conservation of large carnivores and ecosystems across Zambia (and the broader region) through science, action, coexistence, and the strengthening of local leadership.
ZCP is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, team-focused, and hard-working Zambian national with prior experience or strong motivation to fill a field-based role on our team. We are looking for multiple sites and positions to join our organization as an Intern, Field Assistant, or Field Team Leader, starting in June 2026.
Title of Post: Intern, Field Assistant, or Field Team Leader, dependent upon experience
Type of Appointment: Full-time, annual renewable
Location: Successful applicants will be placed at one of three sites in Kafue National Park, West Lunga National Park, or Liuwa National Park
Reports to: Project or Assistant Manager and Field Coordinator
Responsibilities:
- Conduct field work collecting behavioral and demographic data on large carnivores and their prey, deployment of camera traps; collection of distance sampling data of large herbivores; collection of fecal samples for genetic analyses;
- Accurately collect data in the field using SMART mobile; ensure that data is kept up- to-date using SMART desktop; assist with other data entry and data management duties using SMART, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, and Microsoft Access;
- Identify individual carnivores from photographs using spot, whisker, and coat patterns; assist in the management of identification kits using PowerPoint;
- Assist in implementation of conservation education activities with local schools and communities;
- Assist with presentations, activities, and logistics with partner organizations and collaborating lodges, as This is inclusive of supporting marketing,
publicity, and fundraising activities;
- Assist with logistical, administrative, and operational tasks as requested by the site manager, g. helping with dishes and cooking, cleaning, unpacking shipments, organizing vehicles, and helping fix camp and vehicle infrastructure.
- Assist with report writing and social media updates;
- Assist in creating maps using QGIS, when
The successful candidate will have:
- Strong field skills and willingness to work long hours in remote, challenging conditions
- A positive work ethic: able to work in challenging, remote field conditions for long, unstructured hours;
- Strong computer skills: must be proficient with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft In Microsoft Excel, the applicant must be able to use basic formulas, sort and filter data, and create and manage basic tables/graphs;
- A university bachelor’s degree in biology, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, or a related field; OR a professional safari guide operating license; OR a two-year associates degree in a related field;
- Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills
- Excellent spoken and written English;
- Candidates that have a current driving license with the ability to drive a manual transmission vehicle or a motorbike will be highly
The successful candidate will be:
- Respectful, kind, positive, and team-oriented;
- Proactive, with an ability to manage their own work schedule to accomplish tasks with minimal supervision;
- Organized, flexible, and communicative;
- Independent, adaptable, and solution-driven;
- Detail-oriented, and able to follow directions carefully and closely;
- Able to live in a remote and challenging field camp as part of a team;
- Passionate about nature conservation!
Special consideration will be given to applicants with the following:
- Experience with camera trap deployment, collection of distance sampling data, experience using radio telemetry equipment, and using GPS units to navigate in the field;
- General understanding of ecological principles, research methodologies, and large mammal behavior and ecology;
- Experience driving vehicles or motorbikes in off-road environments, as well as skills in vehicle servicing, mechanics, maintenance, and repair
- Experience making maps in GIS;
- Working knowledge of SMART;
How to Apply:
Interested applicants that meet the requirements should fill out an application via the following link by 18 May 2026.
In your cover letter, indicate how your skills and experience meet the necessary qualifications and responsibilities of the position. Women are encouraged to apply. Late submissions will not be considered.