- Agency
- Life Net Nature
- Location
- Kenya
- Job Category
- Volunteer Openings
- Salary
- Cost-share donation $3250
- Start Date
- 06/25/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 04/10/2023
- Website
- https://lifenetnature.org
- Description
- Kenya Wildlife Conservation Volunteer When: June 25 to July 8, 2023 Rendezvous: Wildebeest Eco Camp, Langata, Nairobi, Kenya Field Site: Giraffe Camp at Lol Konoi, Siria Plateau, Southwestern Kenya Life Net Nature seeks 8 cost-share volunteers to assist with giraffe monitoring and community-based wildlife conservation in Kenya. Our project site is on the Siria Plateau near the famous Masai Mara Triangle Reserve which is the northern part of the Serengeti Ecosystem. Our team will assist Maasai conservationists with wildlife surveys (especially giraffe), development of ecotourism, and advocacy for a Maasai owned and operated giraffe conservancy (protected area). Reuben Nagut, David Kapio, & Dickson Naiyianoi, Maasai conservationists and Dr. Dusti Becker, conservation biologist and Co-director of Life Net Nature, will lead the team. ACTIVITIES: We will make counts of giraffe and other large mammals along transects on foot. We will collect additional data about giraffe calves and giraffe nursery groups, including GPS locations and habitat use. We will take photos of the right sides of all giraffes possible to determine site fidelity of individual giraffes and to add to a growing collaborative database on giraffes in the region. Volunteers also help to improve guiding skills and campsite management by local Maasai conservation groups. We invite our volunteers to further empower local Maasai by providing professional development workshops based on their skills and interests ranging from accounting to strategic planning. Do you have an expertise you would like to share? Discuss ideas with Dr. Becker prior to arrival in Kenya. QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with binoculars, wildlife monitoring, environmental education, small business management, leadership training, marketing, community-based conservation, website development and stewardship, and ecotourism are desirable, but the main criteria we look for in Life Net Nature volunteers is enthusiasm about wildlife and nature conservation, good health and fitness, a love for simple rustic living in a camping environment, and interest about Maasai culture. COST: Volunteers pay a $3250 a tax-deductible cost-share donation to Life Net Nature. This covers meals, lodging, transportation, and staffing during the expedition. The cost-share also supports Maasai Moran Conservation and Walking Safaris (MMCWS), and is used to improve Giraffe Camp at Lol Konoi. Any "profit" will be used to support scholarships for local youth interested in studying tourism and conservation. WHERE DO WE MEET? The volunteer team meets in Nairobi on the morning (8:30 am) of June 25, 2023, at Wildebeest Eco Camp (a friendly and safe tourist lodge on the outskirts of Nairobi). The cost-share donation covers all meals, lodging, staffing, and park entrance fees and campsite fees during the project (from the time the team meets on July 10 until our return to Nairobi on the afternoon of 23 July). It includes drivers and transportation to and from Nairobi, and two full-day safaris in Masai Mara National and Mara Triangle Reserves. This "working and educational" volunteer experience may be used for university-level credit related to conservation biology. It is a serious resume builder for people interested in the theory and practice of community-based wildlife conservation, conservation biology, anthropology, developing nations, and wildlife monitoring. The $3250 cost share does NOT cover airfare or expenses in Nairobi before and after the expedition. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel to and from Nairobi and all lodging and meals in Nairobi. HOW TO APPLY: Email Dr. Dusti Becker dustibecker@lifenetnature.org to request a Life Net Nature Expedition Application. Return the completed application form with a short cover letter explaining your interests and skills (resume is optional). Once invited to join the team you will receive more information about the project. To secure a position on the team, you must make a deposit donation of $450 in the form of a check made out to Life Net and mailed to Life Net Nature. Donations online are also optional, but we prefer checks for accounting purposes, and you avoid PayPal fees. The final balance donation of $2800 is due by April 15, 2023
- Qualifications
- QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with binoculars, wildlife monitoring, environmental education, small business management, leadership training, marketing, community-based conservation, website development and stewardship, and ecotourism are desirable, but the main criteria we look for in Life Net Nature volunteers is enthusiasm about wildlife and nature conservation, good health and fitness, a love for simple rustic living in a camping environment, and interest in Maasai culture. HOW TO APPLY: Email Dr. Dusti Becker dustibecker@lifenetnature.org to request a Life Net Nature Expedition Application. Return the completed application form with a short cover letter explaining your interests and skills (resume is optional).
- Contact Person
- Dr. Dusti Becker
- Contact eMail
- dustibecker@lifenetnature.org
