Research and Monitoring Intern

^{Musekese Conservation implements biodiversity monitoring and ecological research programmes across the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, including within Mumbwa Game Management Area and Kafue National Park. These activities integrate a range of monitoring approaches such as camera trapping, acoustic monitoring, field surveys, and remote sensing to better understand biodiversity patterns across different land-use areas and support evidence-based conservation management.}

^{A core objective of the programme is capacity building for early-career Zambian conservationists through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on field experience. Research Interns support field-based biodiversity monitoring and research activities while receiving training designed to build practical skills in ecological field methods, conservation research, and data management. Interns contribute directly to data collection and processing for long-term monitoring programmes while developing competencies required for professional careers in conservation.}

^{In addition to field activities, interns also support elements of programme administration and coordination, providing exposure to the broader operational and organisational aspects of conservation programme delivery.}

^{This role is intended to provide comprehensive exposure to applied conservation work, enabling interns to gain both field and programme-level experience within a working conservation organisation.}

^{Key Responsibilities}

 ^{Field Data Collection & Monitoring Support}

• ^{Support deployment, maintenance, and retrieval of camera traps across monitoring grids following established protocols.
  • Assist with deployment, servicing, and retrieval of acoustic monitoring units used for biodiversity surveys.
  • Participate in vehicle- and motorbike based field surveys and assist with the recording of survey effort and observations in SMART software.
  • Provide support to additional monitoring activities within the GKE when required.}

^{Species Identification & Biodiversity Monitoring}

• ^{Assist in identifying species captured in camera trap imagery using standardised identification protocols.
  • Support basic biodiversity identification from acoustic monitoring datasets under supervision.
  • Assist with organising, cataloguing, and labelling photographic identification images used for wildlife monitoring.
  • Ensure camera trap images and acoustic datasets are organised and prepared for further analysis following project protocols.}

^{Data Entry, Processing & Management}

• ^{Input field monitoring data into SMART, Excel, and SharePoint databases according to programme data standards.
  • Organise camera trap and acoustic monitoring datasets following standardised file structures and naming conventions.
  • Maintain clear and consistent metadata associated with field datasets.
  • Ensure monitoring data is processed in a timely manner and synced with central databases.}

^{Training, Learning & Capacity Development}

• ^{Participate in training workshops and courses related to camera trap monitoring, acoustic monitoring, and biodiversity data management.
  • Apply newly acquired technical skills to project datasets under supervision.
  • Engage actively in mentoring sessions and practical exercises designed to build professional ecological monitoring skills.}

^{Field Operations & Logistics Support}

• ^{Assist with field logistics, including equipment preparation and camp-based operational tasks.}

 ^{Qualifications & Experience}

• ^{Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.}
• ^{Strong interest in biodiversity monitoring, field-based conservation research, and ecological data collection.}
• ^{Willingness and ability to work in remote field locations and live in camp conditions for extended periods.}
• ^{Prior fieldwork experience or internships in conservation, ecology, or related disciplines are an advantage.}
• ^{Familiarity with GPS units, smartphones, or basic field data collection tools is desirable.}
• ^{Interest in ecological data analysis, biodiversity monitoring, or conservation research methods.}
• ^{Basic computer literacy, including experience using Excel or similar data management tools.}
• ^{Valid manual driver’s licence.}
• ^{Preferred 4×4 experience}
• ^{Preferred ability and license to competently ride and operate a motorbike.}
• ^{Strong organisational skills and ability to follow established field and data management protocols.}
• ^{Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in challenging field environments.}
• ^{Highly motivated, reliable, and eager to learn within a professional conservation programme.}

^{Start Date: ASAP}

^{How to Apply: If you are interested in this opportunity as a Biodiversity Monitoring Intern, please submit your CV with a cover letter to jobs@musekeseconservation.org by the 31st March 2026 with the subject title: [Your full name] Application for Research and Monitoring Intern.}

^{Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process.}

^{We appreciate your interest in joining the Musekese Conservation team and contributing to our conservation efforts in the Greater Kafue Ecosystem.}