Head of Conservation Training: Field Residency

Term: 1–3 years (with opportunity to rotate to another GVI conservation hub thereafter)

Start Date: April 2026 

ABOUT GVI

We’re driven by the desire to make a positive impact on our planet and its people. We have been connecting thousands of participants with impactful environmental projects in some of the most vulnerable habitats for over two decades. We offer an extensive range of nature conservation programs where people from all walks of life can intern and study. 

Working at GVI is fast-paced and engaging, with a strong emphasis on passion, authenticity, innovation, and excellence. But we can do better than words to show you who we are! To see what it's really like to work for GVI:

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THE OPPORTUNITY: SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CONSERVATION

This is an opportunity for a seasoned practitioner to step into a 1-to-3-year field residency in one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems. We are looking for an expert who is ready to move beyond the laboratory to become a Conservationist-in-Residence.

In this role, your primary mission is education through action. You will share your wealth of field experience with participants who are growing their careers through field experience. 

You are the person who seamlessly blends theoretical lectures and hands-on fieldwork, ensuring that every student who joins a GVI program receives a scientifically rigorous and ethically sound education.

Locations (April 2026 Start):

• Wildlife Hubs: The Peruvian Amazon, South African Bush, Costa Rican Rainforest, or Madagascan Forest.
• Marine Hubs: Seychelles (Indian Ocean) or Fiji (South Pacific).

WHO YOU ARE

You have an advanced degree in conservation or a related field, with 10+ years of field and teaching experience. You understand that real-world conservation is often messy and requires excellent judgment, flexibility, and academic rigour.

LIFE IN THE RESIDENCY

This is a 1-3 year field residency. Following this term, residents may rotate to another global hub.

• The setting: You will live in a remote, communal setting alongside our dedicated team of international staff and students. 
• The community: You will play a key role in the hub community, contributing to an inclusive environment through shared meals, teamwork, and the experience of living and working together in the field.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Education

• Provide technical oversight of our Conservation Research Modules (CRM), including Ecological Restoration, Human Wildlife Coexistence and Biodiversity Monitoring.
• Work closely with the Impact Director to ensure site-specific research aligns with UN SDGs.
• Translate complex scientific concepts into hands-on, actionable training that bridges the gap between academic theory and field reality.
• Provide high-level guidance to participants and early-career conservationists.

Program Development

• Ensure field activities are ethically sound, of exceptional quality, and reflect the latest best practices in the sector.
• Act as a technical sounding board for the field team, solving challenges in data collection and project design.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Academic background: An advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Resource Conservation or related field
• Experience: Teaching and field instruction in varied settings (10 years+) 
• Technical toolset: Biodiversity monitoring and field technology (e.g., GIS, camera traps, R).

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

• Competitive monthly salary
• Full room and board
• Emergency medical and travel insurance
• Global growth opportunities to rotate across our bases 
• Mentorship and support from global colleagues 

YOUR NEXT STEP

Please send us your CV and a short Cover Letter sharing why this role is the right fit for you.

Kindly note: We genuinely appreciate every application we receive. If you haven’t heard from us within 3–4 weeks, it likely means we’ve moved forward with other candidates this time. That said, we’d love for you to stay connected and consider applying again in the future!