Are you ready to make a tangible impact on landscapes and contribute to climate change mitigation? NatCarbon Africa, an African leader in nature-based carbon projects, invites recent graduates to join our Young Professional Program. This innovative 12-month paid internship has been specially designed to support exceptional recent graduates in fields such as Ecology, Botany, Geography, Forestry, Soil Science, Environmental Science and related fields with the chance to learn and discover potential opportunities in the nature-based carbon sector.
Successful candidates will join our Technical and Carbon Team for the Spekboom Restoration Project in South Africa’s Eastern and Western Cape provinces. In collaboration with Imperative Global, we aim to restore up to 100,000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket through strategic spekboom (Portulacaria afra) planting, improving ecosystem functions, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity.
Position Overview
As a Technical and Carbon Intern you will support with planning, conducting and reporting on the projects’ in-field monitoring activities. These monitoring activities include vegetation surveys, biomass measurements, biodiversity assessments, carbon accounting and social surveys. The successful candidate will be based in Gqeberha at our project office, but the position will regular travel to our field sites in the Eastern and Western Cape.
Responsibilities
Our program offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about how nature-based carbon projects work alongside leading experts in the field. We are seeking exceptionally motivated candidates who are ready to engage deeply with topics such as:
Planning and Conducting Baseline Assessments: Support in organising and performing baseline assessments covering carbon, biodiversity and social elements of the project.
Vegetation and Biomass Monitoring: Assist in conducting regular vegetation surveys and monitoring biomass plots, soil carbon levels, and flora throughout the project area.
Camera Traps and Acoustic Surveys: Participate in setting up, maintaining, and conducting inventories and surveys using camera traps and audio recorders to capture data on local wildlife populations.
Social Surveys and Interviews: Conduct interviews and social surveys to collect information on local communities' perspectives, needs, and impacts in alignment with project objectives.
Data Tool and Template Development: Help in develop and refine tools, frameworks, and templates to improve data collection, streamline data entry, and support efficient analysis.
Data Management and Analysis: Store, manage, and conduct preliminary analyses of ecological, social and other scientific data, ensuring data accuracy, organisation, and accessibility for team use.
Reporting: Provide regular reports on data collected, including initial analyses to inform project adjustments and further planning.
Participation in Technical Events: Engage in technical sessions, workshops, and conferences, contributing insights and gaining skills to enhance project outcomes.
Requirements
Educational Background: Recently completed a degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Botany, Biology, Geography, Social Science, or a related field.
Fieldwork Experience: Previous experience in fieldwork or outdoor data collection is preferred but not required. Willingness to work in remote locations and under variable environmental conditions is essential.
Technical Skills: Basic understanding of ecological, biodiversity and/or social survey techniques. Proficiency in using data entry tools and software, with experience in Excel or other data management tools. Knowledge of GIS or statistical analysis software (e.g., R) is an advantage.
Data Collection and Management: Strong organisational skills for managing data accurately and maintaining clear records. Ability to handle scientific data systematically and contribute to its analysis.
Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Flexibility and resourcefulness in adapting to changing field conditions, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Team Collaboration: A collaborative attitude and willingness to support a multidisciplinary team in achieving project goals.
Passion for Conservation: Strong interest in environmental restoration, conservation, and social impact projects.
Note: This internship requires physical fitness, as it may involve working outdoors for extended periods and in variable weather conditions
Why Join us?
Hands-on experience in environmental and social fieldwork, providing exposure to data collection methods and analysis within an impactful restoration project.
Be part of a team that values diversity, innovation, and excellence. NatCarbon Africa offers competitive compensation, including healthcare, retirement contributions, professional development and recognition for outstanding performance.
Contribute to impactful work that combines technology with environmental restoration, making a lasting difference in Africa’s landscapes and communities.
If you are driven by a passion for environmental sustainability and have the skills or academic background to contribute significantly, we invite you to apply to be a part of our Young Professional Program.