Job Details

Samango Monkey Internship in South Africa

Lajuma Research Centre, in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo, South Africa, has been a base for wildlife research and conservation for over 20 years. The reserve is home to all five South African primate species, which include the endangered samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis schwarzi). This project focuses on understanding their behaviour and ecology while supporting the conservation of the forests and wildlife that share this unique mountain landscape.

Internship Overview

The Samango Monkey Project continues this long-term research by focusing on behavioural and dietary studies. Interns contribute to ongoing data collection that informs both primatology and conservation management.

Key Activities:

• Conducting behavioural observations
• Recording feeding ecology (fruits, leaves, insects, and other food sources)
• Documenting vocalizations, social interactions, and troop movements

Requirements

• Open to students, recent graduates, or individuals interested in primatology, animal behaviour, or conservation
• Comfortable hiking and conducting fieldwork on foot in rugged terrain
• Able to work in variable weather conditions

Duration

Flexible, with a minimum stay of 8 weeks recommended.

Conservation Fee

The fee supports ongoing research and conservation at Lajuma. It includes shared accommodation, transport to/from Louis Trichardt, and biweekly town trips for supplies.

Contact us for alternative scheduling options.

Chacma Baboon Project - Internship in South Africa

Lajuma Research Centre, located in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo, South Africa, provides a unique setting for long-term primate and wildlife research. The surrounding mountain forest, grasslands, and rugged terrain are home to all five South African primate species (chacma baboon, vervet monkey, samango monkey, lesser bushbaby, and thick-tailed bushbaby), which offer opportunities to study complex social behaviour and ecological adaptations.

Internship Overview

The Chacma Baboon Project at Lajuma Research Centre investigates the behaviour and feeding ecology of wild but human-habituated baboon troops in the Soutpansberg Mountains. This unique setting allows close, non-invasive observation of social dynamics, movement patterns, and dietary choices. Participants help maintain long-term monitoring by collecting field data on activity patterns, habitat use, and seasonal diet. Shorter stays focus on broad behavioural and ecological observations, while longer placements provide opportunities to pursue specific research questions under guidance from the project team.

Key Activities

• Behavioural observations — recording daily activities, social interactions, dominance hierarchies, and group movements.
• Feeding ecology studies — identifying plant species consumed, collecting and analysing feeding remains and foraging data.
• Habitat use mapping — tracking troop ranging patterns and habitat preferences with GPS and field mapping.
• Long-term data management — contributing to existing baboon databases, updating group composition and individual identifications.
• Field skills development — learning navigation in mountainous terrain, safe wildlife observation, and ecological survey methods.

Requirements

• No prior field experience is needed; field training is included in the internship.
• Open to students, recent graduates, or individuals interested in primatology, animal behaviour, or conservation.
• Ability to hike long distances over rugged terrain.
• Comfortable working in variable weather conditions and remote environments.

Duration Flexible, with a minimum stay of 8 weeks recommended. For projects of greater depth, a commitment of 3-6 months or more is encouraged.

Conservation Fee

The fee supports ongoing research and conservation at Lajuma. It also includes shared accommodation, transport to/from Louis Trichardt, and biweekly town trips for supplies.

Contact us for alternative scheduling options.

Coastal Recreational Crab Harvest Sampling Technician (WDFW)

Description and duties: The Coastal Recreational Crab Harvest Sampling Team monitors recreational crabbing effort and harvest and supports ongoing larval crab monitoring efforts. This is a dynamic position with field duties across dockside, piers, beaches, boat launches, marinas, and occasional office work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct crabber interviews at assigned sites and observe/count crabbers, gear, trailers, and vehicles.
• Collect biological data on crabs (species, sex, shell hardness, length, missing legs, weight).
• Record daily effort and biological data using tablets or paper forms.
• Monitor and sample Dungeness crab megalopae light traps.
• Sync data to database daily and perform QA/QC on data.

Working Conditions

• Office and field work in various weather and ocean conditions; may require long hours during peak times; some duties at sea.
• Drive 4x4 pickup, navigate rough surfaces, and handle live coastal crabs.

Schedule

• Non-scheduled, 24/7 shifts with 8-10 hour days; weekends/holidays possible; schedules vary with fishery activity.

Travel

• Drive state vehicle across coastal areas; field work in WA

Qualifications

• Option 1: High school diploma/GED, 1 year of high school science, 2 years as Scientific Technician 1.
• Option 2: High school diploma/GED, 1 year of science, 2 years of lab or field experience as an assistant to a biologist/chemist/zoologist.

Substitution: college coursework in biology or related field may substitute for experience.

Certifications

Valid Driver's License.

How to Apply

Apply online at the State of Washington's job site; include cover letter and resume.

Yellowstone Field Instructor Winter 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; close Oct 31, 2025.

About Ecology Project International (EPI)

EPI runs field-based conservation education programs for middle and high school students in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In winter, instructors work in teams to teach field ecology courses and support research projects with partners like the National Park Service. Instructors must create a safe, inclusive learning environment and follow risk management protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide and lead positive field experiences with co-instructors
• Deliver environmental education lessons and foster inclusive group culture
• Oversee research activities and conservation service projects
• Coordinate logistics and communicate with stakeholders
• Maintain course gear and manage risk
• Drive EPI vehicles in winter conditions and supervise group cooking and camping chores
• Complete paperwork and participate in training sessions

Qualifications

• Required: commitment to diversity and inclusion; bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; 1-2 years of curriculum delivery and outdoor leadership; Wilderness First Responder and CPR; valid driver's license; physically fit; 21+; able to work in bear country
• Preferred: 2-3 years of experience instructing youth; winter camping and winter activities experience; curriculum development experience

Compensation

$10.55 per hour with potential overtime; staff housing may be available; opportunities for professional development grants.

Location

Winter programs in Greater Yellowstone; travel to Missoula and Gardiner; some weeks include field work in remote areas.

Application

Please apply through the EPI website. Contact details provided in posting.