Rainforest Conservation Research Internship in Brazil

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

Travel to one of the world’s most biodiverse locations, the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil, and gain incredible in-field research experience. There are so many possibilities for the young conservationist and wildlife researchers to make a difference with this versatile research internship.

This program places you on the frontline of biodiversity and rainforest conservation. You’ll work with a nonprofit working to restore the Atlantic Rainforest and learn from the valuable flora, fauna, and ecosystems there. They operate on a number of levels, working with local communities to promote sustainable lifestyles in the region whilst conducting independent research to add to global knowledge of conservation science.

This is an exciting opportunity for the young conservationist to learn what it takes to conduct research in a nonprofit context. The organization has a range of innovative ongoing research projects. As an intern, you’ll help maintain and develop these projects. You’ll have the choice of specializing in agroforestry, reforestation, medicinal plants, or monitoring ecosystems and wildlife. You’ll also have the chance to devise and execute your own research projects.

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

The work during your internship can be highly tailored to your interests and expertise. You could be focused on a range of areas of conservation and involve yourself in a choice of research methods. In any case, you’ll get to work closely with the flora and fauna of the Atlantic Rainforest as you develop a broad set of in-field research skills and valuable experience.

What you’ll do

Conduct surveys of flora and fauna in the region to build and update organization’s database
Measure species richness, abundance and population dynamics using in-field research methods such as Camera traps
Analyze data gathered for useful insights to improve conservation and habitat connectivity.
Write reports and environmental guidelines to be issued to other organizations and communities
Research current and potential land-use strategies, aiming to protect ecosystems, habitats, water streams, and species reservoirs in the area.
Participate in outreach and collaboration with communities to identify critical areas to implement environmental sustainability management and create ecologically sustainable methods of income generation
Assist with reforestation projects and maintenance of restoration areas
Devise, pitch, and execute your own research projects and experiments (prohibited it aligns with the organization’s projects and/or purposes)

Requirements

Studying towards or have completed a degree in biology, conservation, or related field
Ideally prior research or data-analysis experience
Excellent written communication
Able and willing to do physical labor in challenging conditions
Innovative and enterprising
Flexibility and adaptability
Portuguese isn’t required but is a bonus

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, Community Outreach, Data Analysis
	Min. 8 Weeks
	From USD 2,032

INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Gain international conservation experience a nonprofit context
Develop skills in a range of scientific research methods and tools
Build an expansive knowledge of the Atlantic Forests flora and fauna
Contribute to biodiversity and rainforest conservation
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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Open for applications