Objective of the Internship Programmes:

To promote recruitment, development and retention of a sustainable cadre of scientists, technicians and associated professionals in the biodiversity conservation sector; to provide Ezemvelo scientific services with better skilled pool of potential staff and to address critical skills shortages within the organisation and the sector at large; to promote linkages with external organisations and organs of state, in order to strengthen the capabilities of the sector workforce; and to develop a culture of lifelong learning and foster an attitude of excellence. Ezemvelo strives to be a centre of excellence for development of potential scientists.

Interns are offered experience in the following fields:

CONSERVATION PLANNING—IEM

This section deals with land use change applications and broader planning initiatives (for example Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) ). This division generally requires 2 interns, to assist IEM Planners in responding to land use change applications, and to learn about the impact which development has on the biodiversity in the province. Minimum Qualification - BSc Degree in Conservation Ecology or equivalent. Preference is given to candidates with an Hons with Ecology related coursework. GIS is critical.

BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT

Ecologists provide ecological, scientific advice and information to the management team and stakeholders in support of biodiversity conservation decision making. This division co-ordinates and monitors the research being undertaken by the Organisation and contains many of the specialist ecologists, most of them world-renowned. Topics are diverse and range from plants, animals, ecosystems, climate change, resource economics and social science to name a few. This division generally requires 1 intern. Minimum Qualification - BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences or conservation biology. GIS skills are very beneficial.

ECO-ADVICE AND RESOURCE USE

Being regionalised (East and West), the offices are based within the regions. Eco-advice conduct their own research in the reserves and Protected areas (for example monitoring of wild dog in Hluhluwe, or Bearded Vulture research in the Drakensberg), as well as collect data for population of databases, either housed at head office, or locally. Resource use ecologists are continually looking at innovative ways to ensure sustainable use of our biodiversity, and monitoring of offtakes from reserves, estuaries and forests. This division generally requires 3 interns.
Minimum Qualification - BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences. GIS is a crucial skill.

SOCIAL RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT

This section deals with the investigation of social issues surrounding resource use of our biodiversity assets, and research into a strategic approach to dealing with potential issues. This division generally requires 1 intern.
Minimum Qualification - Bachelor of Social Science or Bachelor of Sciences in Natural Resource Management or Bachelor of Agriculture in Rural Development Studies or Bachelor of Environment and Development Studies. Preference is given to candidates with an Honours degree.

BIODIVERSITY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND DISSEMINATION

Falling alongside the Biodiversity Research and Assessment section, this division is responsible for cartography, spatial mapping and modeling (GIS), as well as updating of various databases kept by the Organisation. This division generally requires 1 intern.
Minimum Qualification - BSc (Hons) in Biological or geographical Sciences with an interest in conservation biology. GIS is an essential skillset and preference will be given to candidates who have undertaken extensive GIS work throughout their studies.

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLANNING

Having been recently been set up to develop integrated management plans for Ezemvelo Protected Areas, this section requires collection and collation of information about PAs in order to develop IMPs in a standardised way. This division generally requires 1 intern.
Minimum Qualification - BSc Degree in Conservation Ecology or equivalent. Preference is given to candidates with an Hons with Ecology related coursework. GIS is critical in this field.

What should you expect as an Intern?
The intern or Developmental Scientist/Planner will be responsible for:

• Determining with the mentor what their specific training and developmental needs are.


• Planning and managing with his/her mentor for workplace learning and development in a manner which is consistent with the needs and budget of the Organisation.


• Demonstrate willingness to grow and learn at all times.


• Maximise the training and development opportunities available to him/her.


• Mandatory participation in the initial induction and training, as well as the various generic field trips arranged throughout the year.