Biodiversity Conservation Internship in Brazil

Help reverse THE climate crisis by restoring the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

Develop a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity conservation and gain practical experience in ecological restoration as you live and work in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a wealth of conservation knowledge and skills whilst making a tangible impact for the climate crisis.

Founded in 1999, this organization takes a multifaceted approach to restoring and protecting the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. They run a range of projects proactively rebuilding the forest, restoring its ecosystems, and promoting sustainable development in local communities. Not only is the rainforest of vital importance to those living there, it is one of the most significant conservation areas on the planet. Home to a multitude of endemic and endangered species, learning to effectively protect and restore the Atlantic Rainforest will benefit biodiversity conservation the world over.

As an intern, you’ll assist their flagship reforestation project. With this project they aim to combat water shortages in the area whilst reversing the effects of the climate crisis globally through ecological conservation. In the twenty years they’ve been active, they’ve planted over 140,000 trees and plan to reach 1 million trees planted by 2030. You’ll contribute to the project by helping with data collection, assisting with strategizing, planting trees, monitoring their growth, and tending to their seedling nurseries.

ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1999, Iracambi is an accomplished conservation and sustainability focused non-profit organization located in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions: the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Their mission is to help reverse the effects of the climate crisis by restoring the rainforest.

They take a multi-faceted approach to this mission. Not only do they proactively plant their trees, they also work with local communities to create a paradigm shift by which the preservation and sustainable use of the forest is more attractive than its destruction. Among their projects are research into medicinal plants, huge-scale reforestation, and educational programs in local schools and communities. They’ve also hosted thousands of researchers, volunteers and interns and their alumni can be found in academia, business, the arts, and government across the world.

TASKS & REQUIREMENTS

Your work will be varied, hands-on research and development for their reforestation strategies. Due to the seasonal change, the focus of your internship will vary across the year. Between March and September, work will focus more on the nursery, and October through to March is when planting and monitoring takes place. You’ll need to be able to withstand the challenging climate of the rainforest, willing to get your hands dirty, and passionate about making a difference for the environment.

What you’ll do

Plant trees and monitor their growth
Take soil samples and analyze them in the lab
Collecting, processing, and analyzing data to facilitate the restoration of important rainforest ecosystems
Help to maintain and develop their seed bank and seedling nursery
Plan and strategize the logistics of tree planting operations
Assist with the construction of nursery structures
Maintain forest trails and access roads for local farms

Requirements

Academic background or prior experience in agriculture, forestry, conservation or related field is preferred
Knowledge and understanding of the climate crisis and ecological restoration
English language skills
Portuguese isn’t necessary but will come in handy when interacting with community members
A passion for ecological conservation
Willingness to get involved with a range of hands-on reforestation work
Ability to withstand the difficult conditions of the rainforest

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You’ll stay at the Iracambi Research Center, located in the outskirts of the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park 12 kilometers from the nearest city, Rosário da Limeria. Facilities at the center include accommodation for researchers, interns and visitors, a computer lab, field laboratory, their multi-use Forest House, forest nursery, and systems of forest trails. You’ll either be in the main house or in one of their cozy cabins and take all your meals at their on-site restaurant.

The center is located in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil that lies between Rio Grande do Norte and Rio Grande do Sul, stretching from the coast to the inland mountains. At an altitude ranging between 800 to 1300 meters, the forest’s vegetation and biomes have a great diversity including humid tropical forest, semi-deciduous tropical forest, low montane forest and mangrove swamps.

DATES & RATES

Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with your during the selection process.

What you’ll pay (2023 rates)

8 weeks USD 2,032
12 weeks USD 3,048
16 weeks USD 4,064
20 weeks USD 5,080
26 weeks USD 6,604

What you are paying for:

Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
Shared accommodation in the main house or one of the cabins
Wifi
Three meals a day
Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
An orientation program with your supervisor
Supervision & support during your stay
Regular check-ins during your internship with you and your supervisor
Access to workshops with a focus on career development
Troubleshooting if needed
A reference letter at the end of your internship

Excludes:

Flights to Sao Paolo / Rio de Janeiro (recommended)
Bus & taxi transfers to the research centers
Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
Costs for additional excursions or activities

QUICK FACTS

	Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, Brazil
	Nature Conservation NGO
	Research, conservation, reforestation, monitoring
	Min. 8 Weeks
	From USD 2,032

INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Gain international work experience in nonprofit ecological conservation
Develop a comprehensive understanding of reforestation strategy and logistics
Build close connections with local community members and farmers
Make a tangible difference combatting the climate crisis
Live and work in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

8 WEEKS USD 2,032
12 WEEKS USD 3,048
16 WEEKS USD 4,064

See Detailed Rates

MORE INTERNSHIPS WITH THIS NONPROFIT

GALLERY

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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Rainforest Conservation Research Internship

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Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, Brazil
Research, Data Analysis, Community Outreach, Conservation, Reporting

Travel to Brazil and study the flora and fauna of the Atlantic Rainforest.

Find out more

Open for applications