Intern with NVT

If you’re looking to gain valuable hands-on experience in conservation, then join us on one of our student internship programmes. Perhaps you’re studying in a conservation-related field at university or have recently graduated and need to build up your toolbox of experiences. Either way, our placements are designed to have you out in the field and actively involved in our conservation projects.

What to expect

Our internships are usually connected to specific projects. This means the activities you take part in and working hours will depend largely on the internship available, though they’re likely to be long and a degree of flexibility will be required. You’ll certainly be helping out with our regular events though such as bird ringing, flower walks, surveys and/or holiday programmes. We’ll also give you the opportunity to take ownership of your own mini-project depending on your expertise and interests and we’ll talk you through the options available when you arrive.

You’ll stay in the volunteer/intern house, which is situated in Nature’s Valley about 200m from the office and 1.8km from the local (and only) shop. It’s a 3 bedroom wooden structure and you’ll most likely be sharing a room with another intern. There are plenty of facilities including an open plan lounge/kitchen where you can cook your meals, a braai (BBQ) out back and a washing machine and a tumble dryer for you to do your laundry while you’re with us. There is also wifi at the house.

Click on the image below for the current outline of the internship programme. 

Why we do it

Many hands make light work and the input and knowledge of a conservation student are invaluable in supporting what we do. We also recognize that a career in conservation is competitive with many positions requiring lots of experience. We’re eager to pass on our knowledge and expertise and develop the next generation of conservationists. It’s all about offering enthusiasts the opportunity to gain valuable experience so they can move forward with their careers. Many students or recent graduates are unsure just what working for a small conservation NPO is actually like – if that’s you, why not sign up and come find out!

Requirements

We are preferably looking for people who have or are studying towards a qualification in a related biological field such as zoology, ecology, ornithology, conservation biology, environmental science, nature conservation, wildlife/natural resource/integrated coastal zone management, environmental education, etc. However, this is not absolutely essential! You will need to be highly self-motivated with a flexible approach and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Trustworthiness, integrity, dedication and a sense of responsibility are essential as is a keen interest in community-based conservation. You’ll also need a good level of physical fitness as there’s sure to be plenty of fieldwork for you to get stuck into. Previous experience in conservation is an advantage, but not necessary, as your willingness to learn and actively participate is most important!

Interested in joining our Internship Programme? Don’t take our word for it, why you should – why not browse through our previous interns and their blogs below and see what they each got up to? Also feel free to read up on our intern programme here.

Contact us to find out more and inquire about prices and availability.

Intern Blogs

My amazing experience at NVT

My amazing experience at NVT

by Nicole Aebersold So many happy memories, I don’t even know where to begin! Leaving the cold winter in Switzerland behind and flying into summer in South Africa already puts you in a great mood. After visiting a couple of friends in Cape Town that I still know from...

Tiaan’s Farewell

Tiaan’s Farewell

by Tiaan Botha I was first introduced to the thought of coming to Nature’s Valley in 2022 when my head supervisor of my Honours project approached me during a Herpetological excursion for the Honours in Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology program and proposed a...

A boreal summer in an austral Eden

A boreal summer in an austral Eden

by James McCulloch Descending down the winding road, coursing past the precolonial trees of the Kalander Kloof, ears popping from the sudden change in air pressure, I knew I was about to arrive somewhere very special. Then eight weeks and 4,000 insects later, my time...

A memory I will hold with me forever.

A memory I will hold with me forever.

by Will Mann I first landed in Plettenburg Bay on Friday 30th June 2023 with little knowledge or expectation about what the next 3 months would have in store for me. From the interview that got me a place on the internship programme, I was told the place had many...

An aura of untouched natural beauty

An aura of untouched natural beauty

by Tegan Allison Nestled along the picturesque coastline of South Africa's Southern Cape, Nature's Valley shows an aura of untouched natural beauty. It's a place where the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean merge with the forest of Tsitsikamma, creating a paradise...

My experience at NVT

My experience at NVT

by Giulia Baldini This is the first time taking part in conservation and I realised how much I like it and most probably would see a future. These three months were amazing, I learned a lot and I had so many new experiences that I would have never done home. NVT gave...

Broadening the Horizon with Conservation

Broadening the Horizon with Conservation

by Elizabeth Esser Nature's Valley not only lives up to its beauty but also the experiences that come with it. I came here not knowing what to expect. The memories I would make, the people I would meet and the knowledge I would gain. But I can honestly say that this...

My time at Nature’s Valley 

My time at Nature’s Valley 

by Lexi Brennan-Craig In January of 2023, I decided to apply for the conservation internship at Nature’s Valley Trust for the upcoming summer, “winter.” In June, after graduating from a long and amazing 5 years of college and university within the environmental field,...