Island Restoration Conservationist Trainees (Mauritian and Rodriguan Only)

We are seeking highly motivated and passionate nature lovers to join our team! As a conservationist trainee, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that will be focused on plants, reptiles and seabirds, gaining hands-on experience and knowledge in the field of Conservation.

Job Brief

Skills acquired

• The handling, measurement and weighing of juvenile and adult tortoises (in nurseries and in the field) to determine body condition
• Assisting with PIT-tagging of tortoises and reptiles for individual recognition
• Monitoring the health, distribution, and abundance of various species of reptiles on the different islets.
• Conducting nursery work, working with and learning about different plant species.
  • Collecting plant materials and propagation using various techniques contributing to habitat restoration efforts.
  • Control of invasive plant species to maintain healthy ecosystems.
  • Contributing to collection and analysis of data related to bird populations, plant growth, and habitat restoration efforts.

Requirements

• Mauritian.
• At least 18 years old.
• Lives in Grand Port and Plaine Wilhems will be a significant advantage.
• HSC as Minimum qualification with experience; Degree preferred
• Experience / proven interest as a nature lover.
• Can work outdoors in all conditions & is physically active.
• Have good written and spoken English
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Good time management.
• Good observation skills.
• Be ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances with initiative and due care

Location

Mauritian Wildlife Foundation conservation sites.

Conditions

Remuneration: Market rate stipend

Other conditions will be discussed in the interview.

Recruitment and selection process

After reviewing applications, only shortlisted applicants with desired qualifications will be contacted via email.

How to apply

Enter the link into your browser and fill the form: (https://forms.office.com/r/bfqzSC4fY5) or scan the QR Code and send us your CV and a motivation letter at: given email address.

Recruitment will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Supplementary information

This position best suits those that are passionate about forest and its protection, can work in a team, can challenge themselves and are looking to gain new skills and  experiences.

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply.

Duration

Posts for conservationist trainees are for 12 months with possibility of pursuing a career as a conservationist after the internship.

Our project

Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) endeavours to protect and safeguard the natural heritage of the Republic Mauritius from extinction through scientific conservation work and community awareness. The MWF is the pioneer and the largest non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Mauritius whose mission is to save endemic Mauritian and Rodriguan Fauna and Flora, undertake research and implement programmes to restore and manage the ecosystem, share the results with the public and protect the native species’ future.

The Mauritius Reptile Recovery Programme represents over four decades of dedicated restoration and conservation work focused on some of the world’s most threatened reptile species, alongside some iconic species. Operating across Ile aux Aigrettes, Round Island, and several offshore islets of Mauritius, the programme plays a central role in restoring and safeguarding the unique biodiversity of Mauritius.

On Ile aux Aigrettes, trainees contribute directly to the monitoring of reptile communities and tortoise populations. Trainees receive practical training in daily husbandry, including feeding and care of tortoises, and develop technical skills in handling individuals to assess body condition and health of the tortoises. Field responsibilities include systematic reptile searches and quadrat-based surveys for Günther’s geckos and tortoises to evaluate population health and distribution. Trainees also assist in implementing biosecurity measures and controlling invasive alien species — critical components of island conservation management.

On Round Island, trainees will gain exposure to an integrated ecosystem restoration approach. Working across flora, reptile, tortoise, and seabird communities, students actively support efforts to rebuild the unique ecosystem on Round Island. Flora work includes weed surveys and control, native species planting, and plant propagation within nursery settings. Reptile monitoring focuses on assessing the distribution and population size of Günther’s geckos, the Round Island keel-scaled boa, and other nocturnal gecko species. Seabird conservation activities involve monitoring Round Island petrels, white-tailed tropicbirds, and red-tailed tropicbirds to estimate abundance and breeding distribution.

TAKE ON THIS EXCITING OPPORTUNITY AND MAKE THIS MISSION YOUR OWN

APPLY HERE