African Parks, a renowned organization dedicated to conserving Africa’s protected areas, is offering a 12-month internship opportunity in their Conservation Development and Assurance department. Based in Bryanston, Johannesburg, this internship is an ideal stepping stone for passionate individuals looking to make meaningful contributions to wildlife conservation and sustainable development.
The successful candidate will work with the Business Intelligence (BI) team, with opportunities to engage with the geospatial unit. This internship is a full-time role requiring five days of work per week. However, African Parks is open to applications from candidates who can commit to three or four days per week on a part-time basis. A monthly stipend will be provided, adjusted based on the candidate’s experience and weekly working hours.
Job Responsibilities
The intern will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge conservation projects, contributing to African Parks’ goal of using data to drive strategic decision-making. Key responsibilities include:
- Data Analysis and Dashboard Development:
- Create standardized dashboards and analytical reports based on extensive datasets such as community surveys, security patrols, and animal tracking data.
- Use tools like ArcGIS, R, Python, and Microsoft Power BI to provide park management teams with actionable insights.
- Examples of tasks include analyzing human-wildlife conflict data or correlating poaching and patrol patterns with geospatial insights.
- Data Integrity and Quality Assurance:
- Audit and clean essential datasets from protected areas, including geospatial layers and animal tracking data.
- Identify data discrepancies or outliers and coordinate with park teams to ensure validation.
- Data Pipeline Management:
- Develop and manage data pipelines using tools such as Esri Survey123, Webmaps, Dashboards, and StoryMaps.
- Ensure smooth data flow for real-time updates and decision-making.
- User Account Management:
- Oversee user accounts in customized applications, Esri tools, and Power BI, ensuring accessibility and functionality.
- Spatial Data Digitization:
- Digitize and manage spatial datasets across the African Parks portfolio, supporting accurate geographic representation.
- Open-Source Data Research:
- Compare and integrate open-source datasets to enhance key African Parks metrics and targets.
- Tool Development and Training:
- Assist in the development and improvement of data collection tools.
- Write technical manuals and guidelines, design surveys, and provide training to park teams with diverse skill levels.
Candidate Requirements
African Parks seeks individuals who are enthusiastic about conservation and have the necessary technical skills to contribute effectively. The following qualifications and skills are essential:
- Educational Background:
- Currently pursuing or holding a degree in ecology, conservation, sustainability, or social sciences.
- Skills and Experience:
- Proficiency in analyzing and cleaning large datasets.
- Familiarity with coding languages such as Python, R, JavaScript, or SQL.
- Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro and Esri’s online tools.
- Experience with ecological data collection and designing dashboards (preferably using Power BI and ArcGIS).
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage projects independently.
- Personal Attributes:
- Passion for nature conservation.
- Clear communication skills (spoken and written).
- Ability to work collaboratively in small teams and independently on assigned tasks.
Desirable Skills
Additional skills and experiences that would be advantageous include:
- Familiarity with tools like Google Earth Engine, SharePoint, and QGIS.
- Experience in designing training materials and conducting training sessions for diverse groups.
Eligibility and Application
This internship is open only to South African citizens or individuals holding valid work permits. The role requires a start date of 1 March 2025.
Interested candidates are encouraged to send their CV and cover letter, including their availability in terms of days per week. The application process will prioritize candidates who demonstrate a strong passion for conservation and a keen interest in applying their skills to African Parks’ impactful projects.
Why Join African Parks?
African Parks is a leader in managing protected areas, blending cutting-edge technology with traditional conservation methods to create sustainable solutions. Interning at African Parks offers the chance to gain invaluable experience while making a tangible difference in conserving Africa’s biodiversity.
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From developing dashboards to supporting anti-poaching initiatives, this role provides a comprehensive introduction to conservation technology and data-driven decision-making.
